Genesis 12:4

ยถ So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram [was] seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

So Abram {H87} departed {H3212}, as the LORD {H3068} had spoken {H1696} unto him; and Lot {H3876} went {H3212} with him: and Abram {H87} was seventy {H7657}{H8141} and five {H2568} years {H8141} old {H1121} when he departed {H3318} out of Haran {H2771}.

So Avram went, as Adonai had said to him, and Lot went with him. Avram was 75 years old when he left Haran.

So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.

So Abram went, as Jehovah had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

Commentary

Genesis 12:4 marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, chronicling Abram's immediate and faithful response to God's divine call. This verse highlights the commencement of a monumental journey that would shape the destiny of a nation and, ultimately, the world.

Context

This verse follows directly from God's explicit command to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3, where the LORD instructed him to leave his country, his kindred, and his father's house, promising to make him a great nation, bless him, and make his name great. Abram was residing in Haran, a city in Mesopotamia, where his father Terah had settled. The departure signified a break from the familiar and a step into the unknown, solely based on God's word. The inclusion of Lot, Abram's nephew, indicates the familial ties that were still part of his initial departure, though Lot would later separate from Abram.

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Faith: Abram's immediate departure demonstrates profound faith and unwavering obedience to God's voice. He did not hesitate or question the command, but acted promptly. This sets a precedent for his character throughout the patriarchal narratives.
  • Divine Initiative: The verse underscores that this journey was not Abram's idea but a direct result of God's sovereign plan and calling. God initiated the covenant relationship with Abram.
  • The Start of a New Era: This departure marks the beginning of the patriarchal age, leading to the formation of the nation of Israel and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity.
  • God's Timing: Abram's age of seventy-five years highlights that God often calls individuals to significant tasks at various stages of life, emphasizing that it is never too late to respond to His leading.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "as the LORD had spoken unto him" (ื›ึทึผืึฒืฉึถืืจ ื“ึดึผื‘ึถึผืจ ืึตืœึธื™ื• ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”, ka'asher dibber elav Yahweh) strongly emphasizes the direct correlation between God's word and Abram's action. It signifies not merely a suggestion but a divine command that Abram fully embraced and executed. The word "departed" (ื™ึตืœึถืšึฐ, yelek) conveys a definitive action of going forth, a resolute movement away from the past and towards God's promised future.

Practical Application

Genesis 12:4 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the importance of obedient faith. Just as Abram stepped out into the unknown, we are often called to trust God's direction even when the path is not fully clear. It encourages us to:

  • Respond Promptly: When God speaks, through His Word or leading, a timely response is crucial.
  • Trust God's Promises: Even when the future is uncertain, God's character and His promises are trustworthy foundations.
  • Embrace New Beginnings: God can use us at any stage of life to embark on new spiritual journeys or fulfill His purposes.
This verse teaches that true spiritual progress often begins with a courageous step of faith, leaving behind the familiar to follow the divine call.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:8 (15 votes)

    By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

  • Genesis 11:31 (5 votes)

    And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.

  • Genesis 11:27 (4 votes)

    ยถ Now these [are] the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.