What Did God Want from Abraham?

The Old Testament paints a picture of the relationship between God and Abraham, emphasizing that God's expectations were based on faith and trust. It is this foundation of faith and trust that, more than anything else, underpins the concept of obedience. God does not demand obedience from individuals unless they first believe in Him and trust in Him. This relationship model is often highlighted in stories involving other patriarchs and rulers, some of whom were not righteous in the traditional sense.

Abraham: A Model of Faith and Trust

Take, for instance, the story of Abraham in Genesis 12:17-20. Here, God tests Abraham's faith and trust through his wife Sarah, who was barren. Despite the initial complications, Abraham’s response to this test - his willingness to believe God - is what matters. The subsequent visit to Pharaoh of Egypt, who did not place his faith and trust in God, highlights a significant difference in their responses.

In Genesis 20:3-9, not much is recorded about King Abimelech of the Philistines and the city of Gerar placing their faith and trust in God. However, Abimelech obeyed God out of fear and belief in God's words. This is a subtle lesson: even when faith and trust are lacking, divine obedience can still be enacted out of fear and respect. However, this is not the ideal response that God seeks.

Another significant figure is the Pharaoh in Genesis 41, who receives Joseph, the son of Jacob, as a servant of the LORD. Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams and his counsel for preparing the nation for the coming famine and eventual abundance highlights divine providence. Despite Pharaoh's recognition of God's power, his lack of faith and trust in God is evident as he does not continue to trust God in the aftermath.

Righteousness and the Line of Patriarchs

The Old Testament emphasizes the importance of a righteous line leading to the Messiah. This lineage is marked by figures like Adam, who is often seen as the first righteous individual, and Abraham, who, despite his flaws, is a key figure. In Hebrew, Abraham's name is changed to Abraham, with the addition of a “heh,” signifying the Holy Spirit of God. Similarly, Sarah's name is also changed, emphasizing the righteousness of the line leading to the Messiah.

However, it is important to note that the path of righteousness is not always smooth. There are instances where righteous individuals might falter or rulers might fail to trust God fully. For example, King Ahaz, mentioned in the book of Isaiah, provides an interesting case study. Despite his missteps, God continued to maintain the righteous line, demonstrating His ongoing commitment to the Messiah's lineage.

Manipulations by God for the Righteous Line

There are cases where God’s manipulations of the narrative are necessary to maintain the righteous line. These instances often involve individuals who, while not perfect, fulfill crucial roles in the overall story. God ensures that the path to the Messiah remains intact, even if certain characters do not embody the full extent of righteousness.

Conclusion

In summary, the relationship between God and His people, especially highlighted in the stories of Abraham and other patriarchs, is deeply rooted in faith and trust. These qualities are what make obedience meaningful and genuine. While faith and trust might not always be fully realized, they remain the foundational elements that define a righteous individual within the context of the Messiah's lineage. Understanding these principles is crucial not only for the biblical narrative but also for modern readers seeking to develop a deeper relationship with God.