Abraham (Abram) is the father of the Israelites, the chosen people of God. God calls him to leave the land of his birth and promises to make him into a great nation. Though he and his wife Sarah (Sarai) are childless into their old age, and she convinces him to have a child with Hagar, her servant girl, Abraham believes God’s promise. His belief, Scripture says, is credited to him as righteousness. The Lord blesses him and promises to give his descendants the land of Canaan. Abraham is faithful and obedient, even when The Lord asks him to make a sacrifice of his son Isaac. He passes the test and at the last moment God stops him and provides a ram instead. This reaffirms their covenant and is a foreshadowing of how one day God would sacrifice His own son for all the world. Abraham speaks directly to God, as in the time he attempted to intercede for Sodom and Gomorrah when the Lord reveals to him His plan to destroy the cities for their wickedness. He is known for his righteous obedience, abundant faith, and hospitality.
Genesis 11:26–32: Introduces Abraham (then called Abram) and his family background.
Genesis 12–25: Covers the main narrative of Abraham’s life, including:
Genesis 12: God’s call to Abram and the covenant promise.
Genesis 15: God’s covenant with Abram.
Genesis 17: Abram’s name changed to Abraham and the sign of circumcision.
Genesis 18–19: Abraham intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah.
Genesis 21: Birth of Isaac.
Genesis 22: The testing of Abraham (the binding of Isaac).
Genesis 23–25: Abraham’s later years and death.
Patron of:
Believers, Spiritual Fathers, Pilgrims and Seekers, Obedience to God
Feast Day:
October 9
Illustration by: Colton Rompala