**How Did God Call Abraham?
The call of Abraham is one of the most defining moments in the book of Genesis. It marks the beginning of God’s covenant plan for Israel and His redemptive purpose for the world. Understanding how God called Abraham reveals not only Abraham’s faith but also God’s initiative, sovereignty, and intentions for humanity.
1. God’s Call Began in Ur of the Chaldeans (Acts 7:2–3)
Although Genesis 12 introduces the call of Abraham in Haran, the Bible clarifies that God first spoke to Abraham in Ur, his homeland.
Stephen, in Acts 7, states:
“The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran.”
‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said…”
This shows that God’s call was not a sudden or isolated event. It began earlier, while Abraham lived among an idolatrous people.
What this early call involved:
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A revelation of God’s glory
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A command to leave his homeland (Ur)
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Instructions to separate from his relatives
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A promise that God would lead him to a new land
Abraham’s obedience started here when he left Ur with his family.
2. God Reaffirmed His Call in Haran (Genesis 12:1–3)
Genesis highlights another moment of divine calling after Abraham had settled temporarily in Haran:
“The LORD had said to Abram: ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’”
The phrase “had said” shows continuity with the earlier call.
This second calling in Haran served as:
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A renewal of God’s instructions
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A transition point after Terah’s death
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A divine push to continue the journey into Canaan
God does not change His plan. The reaffirmation shows His persistence and Abraham’s need for renewed direction.
3. God Spoke Directly and Personally
The call of Abraham was a direct communication from God. Scripture emphasizes personal dialogue, not dreams or messengers.
Key features of this direct call:
a. God initiated the relationship
Abraham did not seek God first; God chose Abraham.
b. God addressed him with clarity
The command was specific:
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“Go”
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“Leave”
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“I will show you”
c. God made personal promises
God’s call included seven promises, forming the foundation of the Abrahamic Covenant:
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I will make you a great nation
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I will bless you
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I will make your name great
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You will be a blessing
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I will bless those who bless you
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I will curse those who curse you
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All families of the earth will be blessed through you
God’s words were not only commands but covenantal commitments.
4. God’s Call Required Radical Faith (Hebrews 11:8)
Hebrews explains Abraham’s response to God’s call:
“By faith Abraham…obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”
This reveals how deeply the call depended on trust.
Abraham left behind:
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His homeland
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His culture
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His family ties
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A prosperous region
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His security
He moved into uncertainty because God’s call left no room for half-measures.
5. God’s Call Involved Separation From Idolatry (Joshua 24:2–3)
Joshua 24:2 reveals that Abraham’s family served other gods.
Thus, God’s call was:
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A spiritual separation from idolatry
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A call to exclusive worship of the true God
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The beginning of a new identity based on faith
God called Abraham out of a pagan environment to shape him into the father of a chosen nation.
6. God Revealed His Call Through a Promise of Land (Genesis 12:7)
When Abraham finally arrived in Canaan, God appeared again and confirmed the call:
“To your offspring I will give this land.”
This was the first time God identified the promised land specifically.
This appearance:
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Confirmed Abraham had obeyed correctly
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Gave physical direction to God’s promise
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Marked the start of the covenant relationship through worship (Abraham built an altar)
God’s call led to a tangible inheritance.
7. God’s Call Was Part of a Larger Redemptive Plan
God’s call to Abraham was not only about Abraham. It initiated a global mission:
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The formation of Israel
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The revelation of God’s law
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The sending of prophets
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Ultimately, the coming of the Messiah through Abraham’s lineage
God called Abraham to be the starting point of His salvation plan for the world.
Conclusion: A Call Marked by Glory, Faith, and Promise
God called Abraham through a clear, personal, divine revelation—first in Ur, then in Haran. The call involved:
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God appearing to Abraham
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A command to leave everything familiar
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A covenant of blessing and nationhood
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A promise of land and descendants
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A separation from idolatry
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A step of faith into the unknown
Abraham’s response to this call shaped the identity of Israel and set the foundation for God’s unfolding plan of redemption through Christ.