THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM - PART IV – SECTION I

THE CALL OF ABRAHAM

I. Chapters 12-25 describe the call and growth of Abraham, from the heir of a devout, but apparently now semi-pagan line to the scion on the new People of God.

II. The call of Abraham begins with his father Tarah, who has three sons, and possibly Sarai as his daughter, who leaves his homeland Ur.






III. When Abraham is seventy-five, God calls him to complete that journey to the Promised and receive a great nation and blessing for all nations.


IV. However, soon a famine strikes the land and Abram goes down to Egypt, where he creates a very odd situation.



V. When Abram, Sarai, and Lot get back to the sacred area between Bethel and Ai, a dispute breaks out and the families separate.





VI. In chapter 14, a war breaks out, as could be expected, and Lot is caught up in it, but eventually rescued by Abram.

VII. The post-battle scene introduces the mysterious figure of Melchizedek and hints at Abram's growth in holiness.

C. Jewish commentators said different things about Melchizedek.