Genesis 12:6

¶ And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite [was] then in the land.

And Abram {H87} passed through {H5674} the land {H776} unto the place {H4725} of Sichem {H7927}, unto the plain {H436} of Moreh {H4176}. And the Canaanite {H3669} was then {H227} in the land {H776}.

Avram passed through the land to the place called Sh’khem, to the oak of Moreh. The Kena‘ani were then in the land.

Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the Oak of Moreh at Shechem. And at that time the Canaanites were in the land.

And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Shechem, unto the oak of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.

Commentary

Context of Genesis 12:6

Genesis 12:6 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, as Abram (later Abraham) begins his journey into the land of Canaan, obeying God's call to leave his homeland (Genesis 12:1-3). Having traveled from Haran, this verse describes his initial significant stop within the promised territory. Sichem, located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, was a strategically important and fertile region, and the "plain of Moreh" (often translated 'terebinth of Moreh' or 'teacher's oak') was likely a sacred grove or place of revelation. The crucial detail, "And the Canaanite [was] then in the land," immediately highlights the existing inhabitants and the inherent challenge and faith required for God's promise of land to be realized.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Guidance and Obedience: Abram's journey to Sichem demonstrates his immediate and faithful response to God's directive, underscoring the theme of obedience as central to receiving divine blessings.
  • The Reality of the Promise: This verse shows Abram physically entering the land God promised. However, it also immediately presents the first major obstacle: the land is already occupied. This sets the stage for the long process of inheritance and the need for God's continuing faithfulness.
  • Initial Encounter with Obstacles: The mention of "the Canaanite" serves as a stark reminder that God's promises often unfold in real-world conditions, complete with existing challenges and inhabitants. It foreshadows the future conflicts and the miraculous intervention required for the fulfillment of the covenant concerning the land.
  • Significant Locations: Sichem and Moreh become important sites in Israel's history, often associated with covenants, altars, and significant events, marking them as places where God revealed Himself or established His presence.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Sichem" (Shechem in modern transliterations) means "shoulder" or "ridge," likely referring to its geographical position in a valley surrounded by mountains. The "plain of Moreh" is often understood as the "terebinth (or oak) of Moreh." The word 'Moreh' (môreh) can relate to "teacher" or "oracle," suggesting it was a place of instruction or divine communication, perhaps marked by a prominent tree. This location is where God next appears to Abram, confirming His promise and where Abram builds his first altar in Canaan (Genesis 12:7). The phrase "the Canaanite was then in the land" is a crucial historical marker, emphasizing the indigenous population at the time of Abram's arrival.

Practical Application

Genesis 12:6 offers several timeless lessons. It reminds us that walking in God's will often involves stepping into the unknown and encountering pre-existing challenges. Just as Abram found the promised land occupied, our paths of faith may not always be clear or easy. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when immediate circumstances seem to contradict His promises. It also highlights that God's promises, while certain, may unfold progressively and require persistent faith and obedience. Our journey with God is often a process of moving forward despite obstacles, trusting in His power to make a way where there seems to be none.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 11:30 (6 votes)

    [Are] they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?

  • Hebrews 11:9 (6 votes)

    By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as [in] a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

  • Genesis 35:4 (4 votes)

    And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which [were] in their hand, and [all their] earrings which [were] in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which [was] by Shechem.

  • Genesis 15:18 (3 votes)

    In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

  • Genesis 15:21 (3 votes)

    And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

  • Genesis 10:18 (3 votes)

    And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.

  • Genesis 10:19 (3 votes)

    And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.