Despite some shortcomings as a husband and father, his obedience, faith, hospitality and effective intercession were exemplary. Such qualities led to his being called “friend of God”.
Abraham, the friend of God
He was blessed by God
Genesis 14:18–19 See also Genesis 21:22, Genesis 24:1, Genesis 24:35
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine — since he was priest of God Most High — and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,
He worshipped God
Genesis 21:33 See also Genesis 12:8, Genesis 13:4, Genesis 13:18
And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God.
He had faith in God
Genesis 15:6 See also Romans 4:18–22; Hebrews 6:15 Abraham's faith is seen in the length of time (25 years) that he waited for the realisation of the promise; Hebrews 11:8–12, Hebrews 11:17–19
Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.
He was obedient
Genesis 22:1–19 See also Genesis 12:4, Genesis 26:5; James 2:20–22
He was a prophet and intercessor
Genesis 20:7 See also Genesis 18:16–33 As a prophet, God reveals his will to Abraham; as an intercessor, Abraham brings the revelation back to God and pleads for him to change his mind.
Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet; he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, be aware that you will surely die — you and all who belong to you.”
He was called the friend of God
James 2:23 See also Genesis 15:6; 2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8
And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.
Abraham's weaknesses as head of his household
He was held responsible by God for his family
Genesis 18:19 As the following references show, Abraham did not discharge this responsibility well.
For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”
He exploited his wife in a cowardly way
See also Genesis 12:10–20, Genesis 20:1–18
He fathered Ishmael as a result of wavering faith
He allowed Sarah to mistreat Hagar
Genesis 16:4–6, Genesis 21:9–14
Abraham's strengths as a member of society
He was well-respected outside his household
He sought to resolve disputes amicably
Genesis 13:5–12, Genesis 21:25–31
His wealth was a source of prestige
Genesis 24:35 See also Genesis 13:2, Genesis 24:1
“The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys.
He was honoured for his military prowess
He was concerned to maintain his independence from the Canaanites
Genesis 14:22–24 See also Genesis 23:7–16, Genesis 24:1–4
But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share for the men who went with me— Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. They may take their portion.”
He showed hospitality to strangers
Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.” Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender and choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.