Genesis 12:1-9
“get yourself going” (ךל ךל)
Avram’s New Family
Greatness and Blessing
How Did Avram Hear about YHWH
“The whole Bible can be portrayed as a very long answer to a very simple question: What can God do about the sin and rebellion of the human race? Genesis 12-Revelation 22 is God’s answer to the problem posed by the bleak narratives of Genesis 3-11. Or … Genesis 3-11 sets the problem that the mission of God addresses from Genesis 12 onward. Genesis 1-11 poses a cosmic problem to which God must provide a cosmic answer. The problems so graphically spread before the reader in Genesis 1-11 will not be solved just by finding a way to get human beings to heaven when they die. The love and power of the Creator must address not only the sin of individuals, but also the strife and hostility of nations; not only the needs of humans, but also the suffering on animals and the curse on the ground … The call of Abram is the beginning of God’s answer to the evil of human hearts, the strife of nations, and the groaning brokenness of his whole creation.” —Wright, Christopher (2006). The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative. IVP Academic. 195.
Bible Study: God Calls Avram and Promises Blessing
Genesis 12:1-9
Day 1: Get Yourself Going!
Read: Genesis 12:1-4
Reflection:
God’s call to Avram begins with a command to leave behind his familiar surroundings—his land, relatives, and father’s house. This act of obedience requires faith in God’s promise to lead him to an unknown land.
Hebrew Word Study:
- The phrase “Lekh Lekha” (ךל ךל), translated as “Go out” or “Get yourself going,” is unique and appears again in Genesis 22:2 when Avram is commanded to sacrifice Isaac. This phrase signifies a journey of faith and testing.
Questions for Reflection:
1. What is God calling you to step away from in faith?
2. How does leaving behind security require deeper trust in God?
3. Are there areas in your life where God is saying, “Get yourself going”?
Day 2: A Great Name vs. Making a Name for Ourselves
Read: Genesis 12:2-3, Genesis 11:4
Reflection:
God promises to make Avram’s name great, contrasting with the builders of Babel who sought to make a name for themselves (Genesis 11:4). This highlights the difference between self-exaltation and receiving God’s blessing.
Hebrew Word Study:
- “Shem” (םֵש) means “name.” In Genesis 11:4, people sought to create their own renown, but in Genesis 12:2, God promises Avram a great name.
Questions for Reflection:
1. In what ways do we try to “make a name” for ourselves instead of trusting God’s plan?
2. How does humility play a role in receiving God’s blessings?
3. Are you seeking significance in God’s eyes or in the world’s eyes?
Day 3: Blessed to Be a Blessing
Read: Genesis 12:3-6
Reflection:
Avram is not just blessed for himself, but so that “all families of the earth will be blessed through him.” This foreshadows Jesus Christ, through whom all nations are blessed (Galatians 3:8).
Hebrew Word Study:
- “Barakh” (ךַרָב) means “to bless.” It can also mean “to kneel,” signifying submission to God’s will as the source of true blessing.
Questions for Reflection:
1. How are you using your blessings to bless others?
2. How does your faith impact those around you?
3. In what ways can you reflect God’s promise to Avram in your daily life?
Day 4: Worship on the Journey
Read: Genesis 12:7-9
Reflection:
As Avram moves through the land, he builds altars and calls on the name of Yahweh. Worship is a key part of his journey, even before he sees the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Hebrew Word Study:
- “Qara Shem Yahweh” (הוהי םש א ָרָק) means “called on the name of Yahweh.” This phrase implies devotion, dependence, and proclamation of God’s character.
Questions for Reflection:
1. How does worship shape your journey of faith?
2. Do you take time to acknowledge God’s faithfulness even when His promises are not yet fulfilled?
3. Where can you set up “altars” in your life—places to stop and give thanks to God?
Closing Thoughts
Avram’s journey of faith mirrors our own walk with God. He was called to leave behind the familiar, trust in God’s promises, and be a blessing to others. His story challenges us to step out in faith, seek God’s glory over our own, and worship along the way. As you prepare for next week’s sermon, reflect on how God’s call on Avram connects to the greater story of redemption through Christ.