“And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord.”
Context:Genesis 12 marks the beginning of the story of Abram (later known as Abraham) and his journey of faith. God called Abram to leave his homeland and go to the land that God would show him. In obedience, Abram departed with his wife Sarai (later known as Sarah) and his nephew Lot.
Abram’s relocation:In Genesis 12:8, we find Abram’s movement from his initial stopping place in Shechem to a mountain on the east of Bethel. Shechem was in the central region of the land of Canaan, and Bethel was located to the west of Abram’s new location.
Pitching his tent:Abram set up his temporary dwelling by pitching his tent. This act of pitching a tent indicates his intention to stay for a while in that place. It suggests that Abram was beginning to settle down in the land promised to him by God.
Building an altar:The significant action in this verse is Abram building an altar to the Lord. Altars were places of worship and sacrifice, where people could offer offerings and seek God’s presence. Abram’s act of building an altar reveals his desire to worship and honor God in the new land.
Calling upon the name of the Lord:In addition to building the altar, Abram also called upon the name of the Lord. This signifies Abram’s personal relationship with God and his dependence on Him. By calling upon the name of the Lord, Abram acknowledged God’s sovereignty, sought His guidance, and offered his prayers and worship.
Lessons we can learn:
- Obedience: Abram’s willingness to leave his familiar surroundings and follow God’s call demonstrates the importance of obedience to God’s commands.
- Worship and devotion: Abram’s act of building an altar and calling upon the name of the Lord highlights the significance of worship and devotion in our relationship with God. It reminds us to prioritize seeking God’s presence and acknowledging His authority in our lives.
- Trust in God’s promises: Abram’s actions reveal his trust in God’s promise to bless him and make him a great nation. We can learn from his example by trusting in God’s promises and following Him faithfully, even when faced with uncertainties.
Genesis 12:8 marks an important moment in Abram’s journey of faith, where he settles in a new land and actively engages in worshiping and calling upon the name of the Lord. It serves as a reminder to us to prioritize worship, trust God’s promises, and obediently follow His leading in our own lives.
