Topical Encyclopedia
IntroductionAbraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His life and faith journey are foundational to understanding God's covenantal relationship with His people. Abraham is often referred to as a "good master" due to his exemplary faith, obedience, and leadership.
Biblical AccountAbraham's account begins in
Genesis 11:27-32, where he is introduced as the son of Terah, living in Ur of the Chaldeans. God calls Abram to leave his homeland and journey to a land that He would show him, promising to make him a great nation (
Genesis 12:1-3). Abram's obedience to this divine call marks the beginning of his journey as a "good master" in faith.
Covenant with GodThe Abrahamic Covenant is a pivotal moment in biblical history. In
Genesis 15, God makes a covenant with Abram, promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan. This covenant is further solidified in
Genesis 17, where God changes Abram's name to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations," and institutes the rite of circumcision as a sign of the covenant (
Genesis 17:4-11).
Faith and RighteousnessAbraham's faith is highlighted in
Genesis 15:6, where it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" . This verse is foundational in understanding the concept of justification by faith, a theme later expounded upon in the New Testament (
Romans 4:3).
Testing and ObedienceAbraham's faith is tested in
Genesis 22, where God commands him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham's willingness to obey, even in this extreme test, demonstrates his unwavering trust in God. The angel of the Lord intervenes, providing a ram as a substitute sacrifice, and reaffirms God's promises to Abraham (
Genesis 22:12-18).
Legacy and InfluenceAbraham's legacy extends beyond his immediate descendants. He is considered the spiritual father of all who believe, as articulated in
Galatians 3:7, "Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham" . His life exemplifies the virtues of faith, obedience, and leadership, serving as a model for believers throughout the ages.
Abraham as a "Good Master"Abraham's role as a "good master" is evident in his leadership and stewardship. He is depicted as a man of wealth and influence, managing large flocks, herds, and servants (
Genesis 13:2). His interactions with others, such as his negotiation with Lot (
Genesis 13:8-9) and his intercession for Sodom (
Genesis 18:23-33), reflect his wisdom and compassion.
ConclusionAbraham's life and faith journey are integral to understanding God's redemptive plan. His role as a "good master" is characterized by his unwavering faith, obedience to God's commands, and exemplary leadership. Through Abraham, God established a covenant that would ultimately lead to the coming of the Messiah, fulfilling His promise to bless all nations through Abraham's seed (
Genesis 22:18).
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 18:19For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring on Abraham that which he has spoken of him.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Disciple, --Master, in These Days Some Learned Men and their...
... TheMaster,"1. Never forget that spiritual and religious... of sinners, does not depend
on thegood opinion of... being still in the loins ofAbraham, paid tithe...
How Rebekah Became the Wife of Isaac
... NowAbraham had given all that he had to Isaac and had breathed his last, dying
in agood old age... us?" When the servant said, "It is mymaster," she took...
Isaac the Shepherd Prince.
... his own people, who should be bothgood and beautiful... So the old servant listened
toAbraham and promised... ten camels with presents for hismaster's family away...
The GloriousMaster and the Swooning Disciple
... Our Lord expressly says, "BeforeAbraham was I am." Mark you, not "I was... Be thou
ofgood cheer... And then, to close the whole, theMaster said "Amen, and hath the...
Sermon for Thursday in Easter Week
... He said toAbraham: "Fear not, I am thy shield, and thy exceeding... cry unto Him devoutly
from the bottom of thy heart; "OMaster of the HighestGood, and my...
How we are to Conform Ourselves to God's Will Signified unto us by...
... animates our will, giving it the strength to will and effect thegood which is... O
Lord, said the faithful Eliezer, the God of mymaster,Abraham, meet me to-day...
On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 33, "Either Make the Tree...
... the trees; every tree which bringeth not forthgood fruit shall... only, said, "I am
the God ofAbraham, and Isaac... After the Law, came the veryMaster of the house...
Of the Great Sentiment of Love which we Receive by Holy Hope.
... Eliezer sought a wife for the son of hismaster Abraham; how could he tell whether
he... it finds him at the fountain of faith, and sees him sogood, so lovely...
Chapter xxiv
... Thisgood servant has imbibed much of the spirit and the faith of hismaster
Abraham. It is a problem sufficient to tax the finest...
Mercy'sMaster Motive
... Mercy'sMaster Motive.... man under his own vine and fig tree, and ate thegood of the...
as in a mirror in his wondrous lovingkindness towards the seed ofAbraham....
Resources
Why does the Bible allow slave owners to beat their slaves? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that you cannot serve two masters in Matthew 6:24? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13)? | GotQuestions.orgMaster: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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