Genesis 15:6 is a key verse for understanding what it means to believe in God. Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted it to him as righteousness. This belief was not just a passing thought or a simple agreement with God's words. In this verse, belief does not mean simply believing in God’s existence, which is the…

This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Its simplicity and beauty always strike me. God called Abram outside and told him to look up at the night sky. The stars stretched beyond what Abram could count. God used this dramatic scene to show the certainty of His promise. Abram would become the father of a multitude, as countless…

God spoke to Abram and called Himself Abram’s shield and a very great reward. Abram had just experienced victory and blessing, but he still felt the weight of an unfulfilled promise. Lot had separated from him and chosen his own path. Abram now faced the reality that he had no heir of his own. He asked God what good His gifts would…

Abram returned victorious from battle and met two kings. Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, greeted Abram with bread and wine. Melchizedek’s name means “My King is Righteousness.” He blessed Abram and praised God Most High as Creator and Deliverer. The bread and wine Melchizedek offered…

Abram learned that Lot and the people of Sodom had been taken captive. He did not rush to violence. He had lived peaceably with his neighbors and only acted when all peaceful options were exhausted. The Bible calls believers to live at peace with everyone as far as it depends on us. Abram followed this principle. The scriptures…

Genesis 14 begins with a vivid story of an international conflict. Four eastern kings had ruled over the western lands for twelve years. The western kings, including those of Sodom and Gomorrah, grew tired of their oppression and rebelled. The Eastern Alliance responded forcefully. They launched a military campaign, defeating several groups as…

Lot chose with his eyes. He saw the fertile plains near Sodom and took what looked best for himself. His decision was driven by self-interest and immediate gain. Abram waited for God’s direction. God told Abram to lift his eyes and see the land HE would give him. Abram’s choice was rooted in faith, not in what he could grasp for himself. Lot’s path led him…

Lot surveyed the land and saw the lush Jordan Valley. The text describes it as well watered, like the garden of the Lord and the land of Egypt. The beauty of the plain captivated Lot. He chose with his eyes, not his heart. The narrative uses the same language as the stories of Eve and the sons of God. Words like eyes, saw, and chose signal…

Abram faced conflict with Lot as their herdsmen quarreled over limited resources. Abram chose to address Lot as "brother," highlighting their family bond. He valued peace above personal rights. Abram could have claimed authority as the elder and the one who led Lot out of Ur. Instead, he sought reconciliation. He initiated the…

Starting in chapter thirteen, you will be introduced to a new character in the story—Lot. Lot is Abram’s nephew and has been traveling with Abram. The central theme that develops over the next few chapters is a comparison and contrast between Abram and Lot. Abram likely thought Lot would become his heir, which is why Lot…

Abram entered Egypt during a time of famine. Fearing for his life because of Sarai’s beauty, he asked her to say she was his sister. The Egyptians noticed Sarai and praised her to Pharaoh. She was taken into Pharaoh’s palace. Pharaoh treated Abram well for her sake, giving him livestock and servants. Yet, the Lord afflicted Pharaoh and his…

A severe famine strikes Canaan, forcing Abraham and his family to seek refuge in Egypt. This moment sets a pattern that will echo throughout Scripture. Abraham, the father of Isaac, must leave the land of promise to escape harm. Later, Joseph will lead his family to Egypt to survive the famine. In the Gospels, Joseph, the adoptive father…

This is the first pivotal moment in the land of Canaan. At Shechem, Yahweh appears to Abram, reaffirming the promise of land and descendants. This divine encounter reassures Abram of God’s presence and faithfulness. In response, Abram builds an altar, marking the first of several acts…

The phrase “So Abram went” stands out for its simplicity and power. Unlike Adam and Eve, who hesitated and rationalized their choices, Abram responds immediately and fully to God’s command. His obedience models faith and trust in God’s promises. Abram takes his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his possessions, demonstrating…

Genesis 12:1-3 marks a decisive moment in God’s redemptive plan. God commands Abram to leave his country, his people, and his father’s household. This call demands a radical break from his past and a step of faith into the unknown. Abram’s immediate obedience demonstrates trust in God’s promises, even without knowing the…

Genesis 11:27-32 introduces Terah’s family, focusing on his sons Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran’s early death in Ur of the Chaldeans is noted, setting the stage for the unfolding story of Abram. The passage marks a significant transition from the universal history of humanity to the particular story of…

You might be thinking just that…another genealogy? Remember what Genesis has been doing from chapter three up to this point: tracing the line of human men that God is working through to accomplish His plan of restoration. From time to time, the genealogical story would pause and expand on major…

Genesis 11:1-9 tells the story of humanity united by one language and purpose, settling in the land of Shinar. As they moved eastward, they distanced themselves from the presence of God. This eastward movement symbolizes a spiritual departure, echoing earlier separations from God such as Adam and Eve’s expulsion…

Genesis 10:21-32 traces the descendants of Shem, one of Noah’s sons, highlighting his role as the ancestor of all the sons of Eber. Eber is the forefather of the Hebrews, marking Shem’s line as the one through which God’s covenant and promises will continue. Shem’s sons include Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and…

Genesis 10:6-20 traces the descendants of Ham, one of Noah’s sons, highlighting nations that play critical roles in Israel’s history. Ham’s sons—Cush, Mizraim (Egypt), Put, and Canaan—are the ancestors of peoples who become Israel’s primary adversaries. The genealogy of Ham receives more attention than Japheth’s because it outlines the…