F.E. Marsh :: 46. Call of Abram

GENESIS 12:1-9

IF we take in the last two verses of Gen. 11, we find that Abram is connected with three places, namely, “Ur,” “Haran,” and “Canaan.” “Ur,” as associated with Abram in his idolatry; “Haran,” as connected with Abram’s partial obedience; and “Canaan,” as identified with Abram’s communion with God.

Ur. Ur means in Hebrew “Light,” and was probably so called because of the idolatrous custom of fire worship among the Persians. Very little, if anything, is known of the history of “Ur,” other than it was in Chaldea, as it is specially designated “Ur of the Chaldees,” but of this we are plainly told, that it was associated with idolatrous worship, for the ancestors of Abram are said to have “dwelt beyond the river,” the river Euphrates, and “served other gods” (Joshua 24:2, R.V.). It was from this place that the Lord called Abram. There are several expressions which bring out what God did for Abram in bringing him out of idolatry, which illustrate what God does for the believer in Christ.

1. God chose Ahram. “The Lord thy God chose Abram” (Neh. 9:7). As God chose Abram to be for Himself, so He has chosen the believer in Christ (Eph. 1:4).
2. God called Abram. “By faith Abraham, when he was called,” &c. (Hebrews 11:8). As God called Abram out of idolatry, so He has called the believer out of the darkness of sin, into the life, light and liberty of the Gospel (1 Peter 2:9).
3. God commanded Abram. “The Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country,” &c. (Gen. 12:1). As God commanded Abram to be separated from his old surroundings and relations, so He directs the believer not to be yoked with unbelievers and the world (2 Cor. 6:14-18).
4. God taking Abram. “I took your father Abraham,” &c. (Joshua 24:3). As God took Abram from the old position and condition that he was in, so He has taken the believer from the course of this wicked age, and the death of sin, and made him to be seated with Christ in heavenly places (Eph. 2:1-6).
5. God bringing Abram. “I am the Lord that brought thee out” (Gen. 15:7; Neh. 9:7). God’s action to Abram was not only a command to “come out” of Ur, not only an exhibition of His power in taking him out, but a gracious act in leading him, as the mother leads her child out of danger. In like manner the Lord has dealt with us (Col. 1:13).
6. God redeemed Abram. “The Lord, who redeemed Abraham” (Isaiah 29:22). All the Old Testament saints (Rom. 3:24-25, R.V.), as well as ourselves (Eph. 1:7), owe their redemption to the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). To redeem, means to set at liberty by virtue of a price paid.
7. Abram obeyed God (Heb. 11:8). Obedience was a proof of his election, and ours (2 Peter 1:10).