Abram’s Faithful Journey
Genesis 12:4–6 (NASB95)
4So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his nephew, and all their possessions which they had accumulated, and the persons which they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan; thus they came to the land of Canaan. 6Abram passed through the land as far as the site of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Now the Canaanite was then in the land.
The phrase “So Abram went” stands out for its simplicity and power. Unlike Adam and Eve, who hesitated and rationalized their choices, Abram responds immediately and fully to God’s command. His obedience models faith and trust in God’s promises. Abram takes his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his possessions, demonstrating a complete commitment to God’s direction.
Verse 6 reminds readers that Abram entered a land already inhabited by the Canaanites. The Canaanites descended from Ham, one of Noah’s sons. Ham’s disrespect toward Noah led to a curse on his son Canaan, marking the Canaanites as a people often opposed to God’s purposes. This background explains the tension Abram would face as he settled in Canaan. The Canaanites were known for their idolatry and opposition to God’s covenant people, setting the stage for future conflicts as God’s plan unfolded.
This set of verses prepares the reader for two challenges Abram will face – his age and a people already possessing the land who oppose God and, by extension, him. We can see this section as somewhat like a suspense novel. Considering these two issues, what will happen? Will Abram continue his journey? How will these issues be resolved? These concerns form a significant part of the story as it progresses.
Are we like Abram when it comes to application? If we are told to leave, do we respond quickly and simply, as he did, or do we debate and try to justify our point of view to stay where we are or how we are? In this instance, Abram immediately obeys. But as we read on, we'll see what happens when Abram chooses to do things his way instead of God’s way. This is a lesson we will continue to learn throughout the book of Genesis.
The presence of the Canaanites reminds the church that following God often means entering a world that resists His ways. The church is called to stand firm in truth, worship God faithfully, and engage lovingly but boldly with a culture that will oppose God’s truth.