Patriarchal Beginnings (Genesis)
The history of the nation of Israel begins with the story of Abram in Genesis 12. He lived in Ur of the Chaldeans, near the Persian Gulf. God reveals His message and plan for the whole human race through Abram and his descendants.
God told Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Abram obeyed. God’s promises—that Abram would become a great nation, be divinely blessed, and bless all nations—would be fulfilled if Abram left Ur and Haran, where his family worshiped other gods.
God revealed Himself to Abram repeatedly, and promised him a physical heir. Abram believed God, who “counted it to him as righteousness.” Then He made a covenant with Abram, telling him to “walk before Me and be blameless.” God changed Abram’s name, which means exalted father to Abraham, father of many, indicating that from him would come many nations. God assured him that the land of Canaan would be given to his descendants. Implicit in this promise was the assurance that Abraham and Sarah would have a son. That promise was fulfilled—but not until 25 years later—when Isaac was born.