Abraham From Idolatry to Patriarch, Part 1

For decades, Jewish young people in synagogues across the United States have been taught the story of Abraham—originally named Abram—from a textbook written by James Isaacs.

The story of Abraham as told in Isaac’s Our People history is more expansive than what the Bible tells us about the young man from Ur of the Chaldees. One element of Abram’s story has endured among those who’ve read it.

Depending on how it’s told, Abram (later Abraham) was either a young boy or a more mature adult when he came to understand that the idols made and sold by Terah, his father, were useless. The real God of the universe took no pleasure in people worshipping carved bits of wood.

One evening, while Terah was asleep, Abram took a small axe and destroyed all the idols save one. Abram placed the axe in that one idol’s hands. The next morning, Abram blamed the remaining idol for the “massacre.” When Terah remonstrated that the idols were inanimate and unable to do anything, Abram made his point.

Again, that’s the legend from a Jewish history book. There’s nothing in Scripture to directly support that story. However, one has to wonder why Abram/Abraham found favor in God’s sight, and his presumed rebellion against the idolatry of the Chaldeans would have been a great sign to God that here was someone upon whom the Lord could rely.

In Genesis 12:1–4 we read, “Now the Lord had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him.”

Notice Abram’s response to God’s command: He “departed as the Lord had spoken.” One of the hallmarks of those who have been converted is a willingness to do what God says, without hesitation or argument.

God saw something in Abram that indicated faithfulness. May He see the same in each of us!

Reflect: Is your heart sufficiently tender that you can say “yes” without hesitation when God asks? If not, pray for Him to help you change.

Key Bible Texts

So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. (Genesis 12:4 KJV)