Topical Bible: Peace by Abraham

Bible > Topical > Peace by Abraham

◄ Peace by Abraham ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

The concept of peace in the biblical narrative is multifaceted, encompassing personal tranquility, relational harmony, and divine reconciliation. Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites, is a pivotal figure in the Old Testament whose life and actions provide profound insights into the biblical understanding of peace. His account, primarily found in the Book of Genesis, illustrates the pursuit of peace through faith, obedience, and covenantal relationships with God and others.

Abraham's Call and Faith

Abraham's journey begins with a divine call to leave his homeland and family to go to a land that God would show him (Genesis 12:1-3). This call is foundational to understanding peace in Abraham's life, as it required complete trust in God's promises. The Berean Standard Bible states, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2). Abraham's faith in God's promise is a testament to the peace that comes from trusting in divine providence, even amidst uncertainty.

Peace in Relationships

Abraham's life also exemplifies the pursuit of peace in human relationships. One notable instance is his interaction with Lot, his nephew. As their herdsmen quarreled over land, Abraham sought a peaceful resolution by allowing Lot to choose the land he preferred (Genesis 13:8-9). "Please let there be no strife between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are brothers" (Genesis 13:8). Abraham's willingness to prioritize peace over personal gain highlights the biblical principle of selflessness and humility in maintaining harmonious relationships.

Covenantal Peace with God

The covenant between God and Abraham is central to understanding peace in a theological context. In Genesis 15, God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars and the land of Canaan as their inheritance. This covenant is sealed with a divine promise, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward" (Genesis 15:1). The peace that Abraham experiences is rooted in this covenantal relationship, signifying a profound spiritual peace that transcends earthly circumstances.

Intercession and Peace

Abraham's role as an intercessor further illustrates his commitment to peace. In Genesis 18, Abraham pleads with God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if righteous individuals are found within the cities. His intercession demonstrates a desire for peace and mercy, reflecting God's own heart for justice and compassion. Abraham's dialogue with God reveals the power of prayer and intercession in seeking peace for others.

The Binding of Isaac

The account of the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22) is a profound testament to Abraham's faith and the peace that comes from obedience to God. Despite the unimaginable command to sacrifice his son, Abraham's trust in God's provision is unwavering. The BSB records, "Do not lay a hand on the boy... Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son" (Genesis 22:12). This narrative underscores the peace that arises from complete surrender to God's will, knowing that He is faithful to provide.

Legacy of Peace

Abraham's legacy of peace is evident in the blessings bestowed upon his descendants. Through Isaac, Jacob, and ultimately the nation of Israel, the promise of peace extends to all nations. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, affirms that those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith (Galatians 3:9). This blessing of peace is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who reconciles humanity to God.

Conclusion

Abraham's life is a profound exploration of peace in its various dimensions—personal, relational, and divine. His unwavering faith, commitment to harmonious relationships, and covenantal relationship with God provide a model for understanding and pursuing peace in accordance with biblical principles.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 13:8,9
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

The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
... did not say, 'We will have no water but what is drawn from Abraham's wells ... when a
man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the first apostle of peace.htm

Concerning Abraham, Bishop of Nisibis
... Nisibis. Concerning Abraham, Bishop of Nisibis. ... consolation. May peace adorn thy
Dominion; be the watchmen within and the congregations without. ...
/.../hymn xvii concerning abraham bishop.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John i. 10, "The World was Made ...
... them he spake; he foresaw us; "For God is able of these stones to raise up children
unto Abraham." Of what stones? "If these shall hold their peace, the stones ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxi on the words.htm

Thou who Answerest to the Name of Abraham, in that Thou Art Made ...
... R., Blessed be He Who foreshowed Thee in Abraham! ... let the truth be a wall unto thee,
let the cross be a staff unto thee, and truthfulness be peace unto thee. ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xix thou who answerest.htm

Moses and his Writings
... 'Jeru-salem' means city of peace. So, as we see from these ancient letters, Jerusalem
was called the city of peace even in the days of Abraham. ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iii moses and his.htm

Recapitulation of the Foregoing Argument, Showing that Abraham ...
... the patriarch, and said: "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace. ... rejoiced
in God my salvation;" [3871] "the rejoicing of Abraham descending upon ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter vii recapitulation of the foregoing.htm

Hebrews vii. 3-Jan
... also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of
Righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of Peace, without ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xii hebrews vii 3-jan.htm

Abraham's Four Surrenders
... In the first place, Abraham was called to give up his kindred and his native country ...
After the old king of peace had blest him, he met the King of Sodom, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/i abrahams four surrenders.htm

Of the Union of Man's Will with God's in those Inspirations which ...
... Solomon, so is his spouse called Sulamitess, calm and daughter of peace: and the ...
were the most mild and peaceable men in the world, as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii of the union.htm

The Death of Abraham
... Then Abraham gave up ... and wreck, with which that wonderful book ends, has this for
its last touch, evidently intended to deepen the impression of peace which is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the death of abraham.htm