Key to Genesis and a Pivotal Point in Redemptive History
The call of Abram in Genesis 12:1–9
is a pivotal point in redemptive history. According to Gordon Wenham,
no section of Genesis is more significant than 11:27–12:9. It is, as Bruce Waltke observes, “the thematic center of the Pentateuch.”
While the first eleven chapters of Genesis focus primarily on the
terrible consequences of sin, God’s promises to Abram in Genesis 12
focus on the hope of redemption, of restored blessing and reconciliation
with God. God is going to deal with the problem of sin and evil, and he
is going to establish his kingdom on earth. How he is going to do this
begins to be revealed in his promises to Abram. The remaining chapters of Genesis follow the initial stages in the fulfillment of these promises. Thus Genesis 12:1–9 sets the stage for the remainder of Genesis and the remainder of the Bible.
The key section of Genesis 12:1–9 is the explicit call of God to Abram found in verses 1–3.
Now Yahweh said to Abram, “Go from your
country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will
show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you
and make your name great so that you will be a blessing. I will bless
those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you
all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Continue at Keith Mathison
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