Abraham
God made a covenant with Noah. However, creation slipped back into evil and continued a downward fall (ref. Gen. 9-11).
The covenant with Abraham marks a transition in Genesis of God's redemption. The Bible story narrows down and focuses on one person, Abraham. Through this one person and his family, all nations of the earth are to be blessed. This covenant partnership is developed through (Genesis 12; 15; and 17). God promised Abraham a large family that would inherit the land of Canaan.
Like the covenant God made with Noah, God gives an outward sign of the covenant with Abraham, circumcision (Gen. 17:9-14). This sign is a reminder of God's promise and sets Abraham and his family apart from the other nations. Abraham is to leave his homeland and follow the Lord's direction (Gen. 12:1). He was to teach his children to keep the way of the Lord by doing what was just and right (Gen. 18:18-19). Both Abraham and God each have a part in this covenant relationship. However, God will ultimately keep His promises to bless all nations of the earth.
Genesis 12: 1-3 (NKJV) “Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
notes:
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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