Genesis 12:4-6
Summary for Gen 12:4-9: 12:4-9 a Abram’s obedience to God’s call corresponded to God’s commands (see study note on 12:1-3). He journeyed to Canaan (12:4-6 b) and became a blessing (12:5-9 c). 12:4 d Abram was middle-aged, settled, prosperous, aristocratic, and polytheistic (see study note on 11:27-32). When the Lord spoke to him (12:1-3 e), he obediently left his old ways in Ur to follow God’s plan. Since Abram responded in faith, God’s promises (12:2-3 f) could be confirmed in a binding covenant (15:8-21 g).12:5 h The people (Hebrew hannepesh, “the lives”) he had taken into his household were probably converts; Abram first became a blessing by influencing people in his household to join him in following the Lord.
Summary for Gen 12:6-7: 12:6-7 i The oak of Moreh was apparently a Canaanite shrine; fertile groves of trees were sacred to the Canaanites (cp. Isa 1:29 j), and Moreh means “teacher.” Abram proclaimed (Luther: “preached”) the Lord’s name beside a pagan place of worship and instruction (Gen 12:8 k).
• Abram continued to be a blessing when he built an altar to worship God at Shechem and east of Bethel (12:8 l).
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