When we delve into the life of Abraham, originally known as Abram, we embark on a journey through one of the most pivotal narratives in the Old Testament. His story is foundational not only to the Jewish faith but also to Christianity and Islam. Abraham is often referred to as the "father of faith," and his life is a testament to obedience, trust, and the unfolding of God's promises over time.
The call of Abraham by God is a momentous event recorded in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 12:1-4. The Scripture tells us that God called Abram to leave his country, his people, and his father's household and go to a land that God would show him. This call was accompanied by a series of promises from God, including making Abram into a great nation, blessing him, and making his name great.
The question of what age Abraham was when God called him is answered directly in Genesis 12:4: "So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran." This detail is significant, as it sets the stage for understanding the remarkable journey of faith that Abram undertook at an age when many might have been settling into the later stages of life.
The age of seventy-five marks a period in Abram's life where he was well-established, having lived in Haran with his family. It is worth noting that Haran was a place of relative comfort and familiarity. The call to leave Haran was a call to step into the unknown, to trust in God's guidance and promises without knowing the destination. This act of obedience and faith is a profound example for believers, illustrating that God's call can come at any stage of life and often requires stepping out of our comfort zones.
Abraham's journey did not begin with the call at seventy-five, however. His story starts earlier in Genesis 11, where we learn about his family background. Abram was born in Ur of the Chaldeans, a city known for its wealth and pagan worship, particularly of the moon god. His father, Terah, moved the family from Ur to Haran, where they settled. This move, though not directly attributed to a divine call, set the stage for Abram's later journey.
The significance of Abram's age at the time of God's call also highlights the theme of God's timing in fulfilling His promises. God's promises to Abram included not only land and blessing but also descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). Yet, when Abram received this call, he and his wife Sarai were childless, and Sarai was beyond the typical childbearing age. This scenario underscores the miraculous nature of God's promise and the faith required to believe in its fulfillment.
The narrative of Abraham's life is interwoven with instances where his faith was tested, and his response to God's call at seventy-five was just the beginning. As we follow his story through Genesis, we see moments of doubt and human frailty, such as when Abram and Sarai took matters into their own hands with Hagar (Genesis 16) or when Abram expressed concern about his lack of an heir (Genesis 15:2-3). Yet, despite these moments, Abram's faith is ultimately affirmed in the covenant God establishes with him, changing his name to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations" (Genesis 17:5).
The call of Abraham at seventy-five is a reminder of the transformative power of faith and obedience. It teaches us that age is not a barrier to being used by God. Indeed, Abraham's later years were filled with some of the most significant events of his life, including the birth of his son Isaac, the binding of Isaac as a test of faith (Genesis 22), and the establishment of a covenant that would shape the future of the Israelite nation.
Moreover, Abraham's story is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of faith. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, uses Abraham as an exemplar of faith, stating, "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, 'So shall your offspring be'" (Romans 4:18). Paul emphasizes that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness, not because of the law, but because of his unwavering belief in God's promises (Romans 4:3).
Christian literature and theology have long reflected on Abraham's journey as a model for faith. Augustine of Hippo, in his work "City of God," discusses Abraham's faith as a cornerstone of the city of God, contrasting it with the earthly city built on human pride and self-reliance. Similarly, John Calvin, in his "Institutes of the Christian Religion," highlights Abraham's faith as an example of trusting in God's promises despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Abraham's call at seventy-five is not merely a historical fact but a spiritual lesson for believers today. It challenges us to consider how we respond to God's call in our own lives, regardless of our age or circumstances. It encourages us to trust in God's timing and to hold fast to His promises, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
In conclusion, the age of Abraham when God called him is a detail that enriches our understanding of his faith journey. It marks the beginning of a covenant relationship with God that would have far-reaching implications for the world. Abraham's story is a testament to the power of faith and the faithfulness of God, inspiring us to live lives marked by trust and obedience to the divine call.