What Kind of Man Is Abraham

What Kind of Man Is Abraham

Abraham is often looked at as one of Gods most faithful followers that spawned many nations into being. Throughout the bible Abraham shows many acts of passiveness to avoid any confrontation and to benefit his well being. One example being his deception towards the pharaoh by introducing his wife as his sister. “I know well how beautiful a woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, she is his wife; then they will kill me, but let you live. Please say, therefore, that you are my sister, so that it may go well with me on your account and my life may be spared for your sake” (Gen. 12:11-20). In this case pharaoh, thinking he is taking Abrahams sister to bed actually takes his wife causing God to plague his temple. Pharaoh fearing God then drives Abraham away with his wife letting Abraham keep his life and the gifts pharaoh had previously gave him. Another case is when Abraham allows his nephew Lot (who was a rival shepard) to choose which side of land to have for his livestock. “Let there be no strife between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are kinsman…If you prefer the left I will go right, if you prefer the right I will go left.” (Gen. 13:8-12). Instead of being assertive and choosing the better side for himself, he gave Lot the choice. Part of this decision might have been influenced by the face that Lot is family, but the main fact is that Abraham is a little bit of a pushover. Abraham also seems to have compassion for his kin. When Lot is captured, Abraham sends those living at his home to rescue him. “When Abraham heard that his nephew had been captured, he mustered three hundred and eighteen of his retainers, born in his house, and went in pursuit as far Dan.” (Gen. 14:13-16).
Another trait the reader can deduce from Abraham is that he is a bit selfish and lazy. To actually get Abraham started on his journey God has to promise him many things such as land, divine protection, respect and fame, descendants,...

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