Abraham
Abraham
Abram was one of three brothers. He was married to Sarai and at God’s request he and Sarai left their home to journey to Chanaan. Famine led to their journey to Egypt where Abram lied to the Pharaoh about whom Sarai was and did not identify her as his wife in fear for his life. The Pharaoh later discovered that Sarai was his wife and dismissed them from Egypt.
Later God promises Abram that his seed will be fruitful and multiply as the stars. Doubting their fertility, Sarai encourages Abram to take a concubine, Agar, who then gives him a son, Ishmael. Thirteen years later, God appears to him and tells him that he will bear a child with Sarai and changes their names to Abraham and Sara.
Jehovah appears to tell them that Sodom and Gomorrah will be destroyed for their sins unless they find 10 just men within them. Abraham flees to Gerara and again lies about Sara in fear. The King discovers the truth in a dream and returns Sara to Abraham. She then gives birth later to Isaac and out of jealousy, she cast out Agar and Ishmael, but they survive.
In a test of his faith, God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. An angel stops him and promises him greatness for his faith in God. Sara dies at age 127 and Abram lives on to take another wife, Rebecca and another wife Cetura. He dies at age 170 and is buried by Isaac and Ishmael in the cave of Machpelah.
In the Catholic encyclopedia, we are presented that the old testament views Abraham as the beginning of old testament religion and that it is because God is referred to be his God and this reference is not used earlier and that it is because of his faith, trust and obedience. They also present that the New Testament presents the trace of descent from Jesus Christ. Finally they give the review/viewpoint of legend and the role that some feel this plays.
Works Cited
Howlett, James. "Abraham" The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. 26 Jan....
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