Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, revered as a patriarch in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. His life and actions provide a profound example of good parenting, characterized by faith, obedience, and a deep commitment to God's promises.

Faith and Obedience

Abraham's journey as a parent begins with his unwavering faith and obedience to God. In Genesis 12:1-4 , God calls Abram to leave his homeland and go to a land that He would show him. Abram's immediate response to God's call demonstrates his trust and sets a foundation for his role as a father: "So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran."

Promise of a Son

Despite his advanced age and the barrenness of his wife, Sarah, Abraham believed in God's promise of a son. Genesis 15:5-6 records God's assurance to Abram: "And the LORD took him outside and said, 'Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.' Then He told him, 'So shall your offspring be.' Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This faith in God's promise is a testament to Abraham's role as a father who trusts in God's plan for his family.

Intercession for Ishmael

Abraham's concern for his children is evident in his intercession for Ishmael, his son with Hagar. In Genesis 17:18-20 , Abraham pleads with God: "And Abraham said to God, 'O that Ishmael might live under Your blessing!' But God replied, 'Your wife Sarah will indeed bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you; I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.'" Abraham's prayerful concern for Ishmael highlights his compassion and desire for all his children to be blessed.

Sacrifice of Isaac

Perhaps the most profound example of Abraham's faith and obedience as a parent is the binding of Isaac. In Genesis 22:1-2 , God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac: "Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, 'Abraham!' 'Here I am,' he answered. 'Take your son,' God said, 'your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.'" Abraham's willingness to obey God, even in this heart-wrenching command, demonstrates his ultimate trust in God's goodness and provision. His faith is rewarded when God provides a ram as a substitute for Isaac, reaffirming His covenant with Abraham.

Legacy of Faith

Abraham's legacy as a good parent is further solidified in his role as the father of many nations. His faith and obedience set a precedent for his descendants, as noted in Genesis 18:19 : "For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what He has promised him." Abraham's example of parenting through faith, obedience, and intercession continues to inspire and instruct believers in their own roles as parents.Genesis 18:19
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring on Abraham that which he has spoken of him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Heavenly Contemplation Exemplified, and the Whole Work Concluded.
... HEAVENLY CONTEMPLATION EXEMPLIFIED, AND THE WHOLE WORK CONCLUDED ... dwell together in
unity here, how good and how ... in love; husband and wife, parents, children and ...
/.../the saints everlasting rest/chapter xvi heavenly contemplation exemplified.htm

Home as a Stewardship.
... to parental integrity, and is beautifully exemplified in the ... yea, if you are Christian
parents,"for yourselves ... flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter vi home as a.htm

Match-Making.
... This right is plainly exemplified in sacred history ... of an unhappy marriage would
have no good moral effect ... In this way parents often extend their interference to ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxiii match-making.htm

From the Conference of 1773 to the Commencement of the War in 1776
... These suspicions, however, though not yet exemplified in any ... He resolved to begin
in good earnest; and ... to heaven, wives their husbands: parents their children ...
/.../chapter 1 from the conference.htm

The victory of Faith.
... a succession of these"His brave, His true, His good. ... or visitors of the poor, or
parents of a ... own times two religious principles have been exemplified in the ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/ii the victory of faith.htm

Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians.
... in Christians, and watchfulness, [483]169; exemplified in the ... 157; their duties to
serve with good will, [545 ... of the sin of rebellion against parents, [562]159. ...
/.../homilies on galatians and ephesians.htm

Examples of the Various Styles, Drawn from the Teachers of the ...
... study these various modes of speech as they are exemplified in the ... When did she wound
her parents even by a look ... For a good house ought to be known for such at ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 21 examples of the various.htm

Chapter v
... Abel weighed very heavily upon the first parents. ... still possible is the type that
Enoch exemplified. ... fortunately stressed by Luther on good scriptural grounds ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter v.htm

The First Great Deception.
... to-day, as he overcame our first parents, by shaking ... of kindness, mercy, and love,
taught and exemplified by our ... the universe, and even for the good of those ...
/.../33 the first great deception.htm

The First Great Deception
... men today, as he overcame our first parents, by shaking ... kindness, mercy, and love,
taught and exemplified by our ... the universe, and even for the good of those ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 33 the first great.htm

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