Abraham and Lot

Genesis 11:26–27 ESV

When Terah had lived 70 years, he fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Now these are the generations of Terah. Terah fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran fathered Lot.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Cultural Setting

Because of the major input from archaeological research, Abraham the patriarch has become more real and understandable and his setting in history thoroughly believable.

Abraham and Lot

whom God called from the city of Ur to become patriarch of God’s own people11 Ronald B. Allen, “Abraham,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 11.

Referred to as the “friend of God” (2 Chr 20:7; Jas 2:2311 Ronald B. Allen, “Abraham,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 11.

Through Abraham’s life, God revealed a program of “election” and “covenant”11 Ronald B. Allen, “Abraham,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 11.

culminated in the work of the Messiah Jesus Christ11 Ronald B. Allen, “Abraham,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 11.

the apostle Paul explained that the full import of God’s promise was seen in the preaching of the gospel to all nations and the response of faith in Christ, which signifies believers from all families of the earth as sons of Abraham (Gal 3:6–9).11 Ronald B. Allen, “Abraham,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 11.

Name. Abraham’s name was originally Abram, meaning “(the) father is exalted.”11 Ronald B. Allen, “Abraham,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 11.

his parents, they were probably participants in the moon cult of Ur, so the father deity suggested in his old name could have been the moon god or other pagan deity11 Ronald B. Allen, “Abraham,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 11. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham (Gn 17:5), partly no doubt to indicate a clear-cut separation from pagan roots11 Ronald B. Allen, “Abraham,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 11.

new name, interpreted by the biblical text as meaning “father of a multitude,” was also a statement of God’s promise to Abraham11 Ronald B. Allen, “Abraham,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 11.

Chronological Setting. The period of Abraham’s life has been estimated in various ways. Some scholars have placed him as late as 1500 bc, requiring considerable compression of biblical chronology, including a late date for the exodus (c. 1230 bc). Most place Abraham toward the beginning of the Middle Bronze Age (1900–1800 bc) or the end of the Early Bronze Age (2150–2000 bc).11 Ronald B. Allen, “Abraham,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 11.

Archaeological discoveries have supplemented and illuminated what we know about Abraham from the biblical text. Few periods from ancient history are as well documented by artifacts and inscriptions as is the time of Abraham, called by scholars the patriarchal age. Texts from Nuzi, Mari, Boghazköy, and Babylon shed light on his life and actions. His name, travels, manner of life, his barren wife, and his relationship with her slave—all fit the culture of the Early and Middle Bronze periods.11 Ronald B. Allen, “Abraham,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 11.

Because of the major input from archaeological research, Abraham the patriarch has become more real and understandable and his setting in history thoroughly believable.11 Ronald B. Allen, “Abraham,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 11.