Genesis 12

Genesis 12 marks a pivotal turning point in the Bible with the call of Abram (later renamed Abraham) and God's covenant with him.

1. God's Call to Abram (verses 1-3): God commands Abram to leave his country, his relatives, and his father's house to go to a land that God will show him. God promises to make Abram into a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and make him a blessing to others. God further promises to bless those who bless Abram and curse those who curse him, declaring that all peoples on earth will be blessed through him.

2. Abram's Journey (verses 4-9): At 75 years old, Abram obeys God's call and departs from Haran with his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all their servants and possessions. They travel to Canaan, where God appears to Abram and promises to give this land to his descendants. Abram builds altars to the Lord at Shechem and Bethel before continuing his journey toward the Negev.

3. Abram in Egypt (verses 10-20): A severe famine strikes Canaan, forcing Abram to seek refuge in Egypt. Fearing that the Egyptians might kill him to take his beautiful wife Sarai, Abram instructs her to say she is his sister (she was his half-sister). As anticipated, Pharaoh's officials notice Sarai's beauty and take her into Pharaoh's palace, while Pharaoh rewards Abram with livestock and servants. But, God afflicts Pharaoh and his household with serious diseases because of Sarai. When Pharaoh discovers the truth, he confronts Abram, returns Sarai, and orders them to leave Egypt.