Leaving Home

Ur was a major city in Mesopotamia with worship of the moon god (Joshua 24:2 notes Abraham's family served other gods).

Overview

God called Abram to leave his country and family for a land God would show him, promising blessing to all nations. Abram obeyed.

Going deeper

Hebrews 11:8 says he went out not knowing where he was going. Faith begins with God's word, not with a map.

Key verses (KJV)

Genesis 12:1 Get thee out of thy country.
Genesis 12:4 So Abram departed.

From the commentaries

1. By this precept he was tried whether he loved his native soil and dearest friends, and whether he could willingly leave all, to go along with God. His country had become idolatrous, his kindred and his father's house were a constant temptation to him, and he could not continue with them without danger of being infected by them; therefore Get thee out, lk-lk—Vade tibi, Get thee gone, with all speed, escape for thy life, look not behind thee, ch. xix. 17. Note, Those that are in a sinful state are concerned to make all possible haste out of it. Get out for thyself (so some read it), that is, for thy own good. Note, Those who leave their sins, and turn to God, will themselves be unspeakable
Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706-1721)

1. Now the Lord had said unto Abram—It pleased God, who has often been found of them who sought Him not, to reveal Himself to Abraham perhaps by a miracle; and the conversion of Abraham is one of the most remarkable in Bible history. Get thee out of thy country—His being brought to the knowledge and worship of the true God had probably been a considerable time before. This call included two promises: the first, showing the land of his future posterity; and the second, that in his posterity all the earth was to be blessed (Ge 12:2). Abraham obeyed, and it is frequently mentioned in the New Testament as a striking instance of his faith (Heb 11:8).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871)

God calls Abram to leave Haran and go into Canaan, Gen 12:1; promises to bless him, and through him all the families of the earth, Gen 12:2, Gen 12:3. Abram, Sarai, Lot, and all their household, depart from Canaan, Gen 12:4, Gen 12:5; pass through Sichem, Gen 12:6. God appears to him, and renews the promise, Gen 12:7. His journey described, Gen 12:8, Gen 12:9. On account of a famine in the land he is obliged to go into Egypt, Gen 12:10. Fearing lest, on account of the beauty of his wife, the Egyptians should kill him, he desires her not to acknowledge that she is his wife, but only his sister, Gen 12:11-13. Sarai, because of her beauty, is taken into the palace of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who
Adam Clarke, Adam Clarke's Commentary (1810-1826)

1. Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 1. Dixerat autem Jehova ad Abram, Abi e terra tua, et e cognatione tua, et e domo patris tui, ad terram quam ostendam tibi. 2. And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 2. Et faciam to in gentem magnam, et benedicam tibi, et magnificabo nomen tuum, et eris benedictio. 3. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 3. Et benedicam benedicentibus tibi: et maledicentibus tibi maledicam: e
John Calvin, John Calvin's Commentaries (16th century, Calvin Translation Society, 1840s-1850s)

Application

What step of faith is in front of you?
How does Abram's obedience inspire you?
Pray for God's blessing to reach the nations.

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