Topical Bible: Meekness: Abraham

◄ Meekness: Abraham ►

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Introduction

Meekness is a virtue that is often misunderstood as weakness, yet it is a profound strength characterized by humility, patience, and a gentle spirit. In the Bible, Abraham is a quintessential example of meekness, demonstrating a life of faith and obedience to God. His account, as recorded in the Book of Genesis, provides numerous instances where his meekness is evident, serving as a model for believers.

Abraham's Call and Obedience

Abraham's journey of meekness begins with his call from God. In Genesis 12:1-4 , God commands Abraham to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to a land that He would show him. Abraham's response is immediate and without question: "So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran." This act of obedience, leaving behind all that was familiar, reflects a meek spirit willing to submit to God's will.

Conflict with Lot

Another significant demonstration of Abraham's meekness is seen in his handling of the conflict with his nephew Lot. As their herdsmen quarreled over land, Abraham, despite being the elder and having the right to choose first, offered Lot the first choice of land. Genesis 13:8-9 records Abraham's words: "Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. For we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left." Abraham's willingness to yield his rights for the sake of peace exemplifies his meekness.

Intercession for Sodom

Abraham's meekness is further illustrated in his intercession for Sodom. In Genesis 18:22-33 , Abraham approaches God with humility and reverence, pleading for the city on behalf of the righteous. He acknowledges his own unworthiness, saying, "Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes" (Genesis 18:27). His persistent yet humble intercession reveals a heart that is both bold in faith and gentle in spirit.

The Sacrifice of Isaac

Perhaps the most profound test of Abraham's meekness is the command to sacrifice his son Isaac. In Genesis 22:1-19 , God tests Abraham's faith and obedience. Abraham's willingness to comply, even with such a heart-wrenching command, demonstrates his complete submission to God's will. His meekness is evident in his trust that God would provide, as he tells Isaac, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son" (Genesis 22:8).

Conclusion

Throughout his life, Abraham exemplifies meekness through his obedience, humility, and faith. His account encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of meekness, trusting in God's promises and submitting to His will, even in the face of great personal sacrifice.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 13:8
And Abram said to Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray you, between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we be brothers.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Thou who Answerest to the Name of Abraham, in that Thou Art Made ...
... R., Blessed be He Who foreshowed Thee in Abraham! ... youths in purity, and the
virgin-maids in chastity; raise up priests in honour, rulers in meekness, and a ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xix thou who answerest.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... not to beat their wives, [863]154; how to treat them, [864]155; Abraham a pattern
of ... before the sacrifice, [900]292; a type of Christ in his meekness, [901]293. ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
... did not say, 'We will have no water but what is drawn from Abraham's wells. ... For there
ought to be no question that the spirit of meekness, which will not meet ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the first apostle of peace.htm

Psalm CXXX. (CXXXI. ).
... witness, railings [1405] , is humble, pressed down beneath the gentle yoke of meekness. ...
We are told that when Isaac was weaned Abraham made a feast because now ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/psalm cxxx cxxxi.htm

John viii. 48, 49
... What then saith Christ, who is very meekness and gentleness? ... to pull down their
excessive insolence, to teach them not to be proud because of Abraham, He was ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lv john viii 48.htm

The Christian's Warfare.
... Abraham was noted for his faith, and he failed right there"he denied his wife. Moses
was noted for his meekness and humility, and he failed right there"he ...
/.../moody/the overcoming life/part i the christians warfare.htm

John viii. 31, 32
... For "this did not Abraham." "What are his works? Gentleness, meekness, obedience.
But ye set yourselves on the contrary part, being hard and cruel.". ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily liv john viii 31.htm

Letter xv. Social and Relative Duties.
... of the Lord." The principle is here recognized, that Abraham had a ... which requires
the exercise of kindness, gentleness, meekness, forbearance, condescension ...
/.../letter xv social and relative.htm

Fourth Day. Holiness and Revelation.
... With Abraham and the patriarchs, as we have said, there had been little teaching
about ... It is the fear of the Lord that works that meekness and gentleness, that ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/fourth day holiness and revelation.htm

Passages from Clement's Epistle to the Corinthians on Martyrdom.
... "For Abraham, who for ... is good; let them exhibit," says he, "the lovable disposition
of chastity; let them show the guileless will of their meekness; let them ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xvii passages from clements epistle.htm