Genesis 12

Genesis 12

12:1 Where was Abram's "country?" Was it Ur of the Chaldeans or was it Haran? I would guess its Haran since God also commands him to leave his "father's household." This would suggest then that Abram may have lived in Haran for quite a while.

12:3 This seems like a simple continuation of the blessing, just like Noah. The thing to remember is a lot of time has passed between the blessing Noah received and this one, close to 400 years. The only event between the two that we have recorded that God took notice of is Babel. I was just noticing that this blessing seems to come out of nowhere, even though it is only a couple chapters apart as we read in the Bible.

12:3 What was so special about Abram that warranted such a blessing? I want to think that he was known for his faithfulness and godliness, but I can't be sure of that. Abram is mentioned in Hebrews 11:8 as one who by faith obeyed the command to go without knowing where he was off to. I think the only thing we can know for sure is that he was a mortal man and a sinner, and that God chose him without warrant.

12:4 I don't know why exactly Lot went with Abram, but throughout the following chapters we do see that they were very close, even after they separated.

12:5 This substantiates the idea that Abram spent considerable time in Haran.

12:7 Why did he build an alter here but not in Haran when the Lord appeared to him there? It is also interesting that Abram went toward Canaan without knowing that's where God wanted him. Chances are Abram built an alter because God's appearing signified the end of an unknown journey.

12:9 Now hang on, I thought Canaan was the land Abram was to inherit. Why did he continue traveling?

12:10 I guess this is the answer. It's just funny the way it is worded, that Abram went to the Negev and then we are told there is a famine.

12:13 Remember that Sarai is pushing 65 years old. It's hard to think of it today, but the aging back then couldn't have been as speedy as it is in our time. I don't think Sarai ended up living all that long in comparison, the rest of the people in this time lived well into their 100's. They must have kept their beauty much longer than we do today.

12:13 Why did Abram feel the need to play this card? Did he have some insight into the way Egyptians acted? Was he just scared of the unknown? I wouldn't think it would be the latter, and the former has some credence.

12:15 Well, it seems the Egyptians really did place a high value on physical beauty. The next verse says that he was treated well because of her. Though, one would think that if she was a sister rather than a wife then there would be MORE cause for concern, but maybe not.

12:17 Having a beautiful woman in the midst of those people that value beauty would certainly cause lustful thoughts in the men. This is sinful and does not make God happy. God chooses to address it in a way only He can.

12:20 Wow, a lot worse things could have happened here, and leaving with all your stuff was the best of all possible outcomes.