Genesis12_6-7

Genesis 12:6-7

And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

When Abram arrived at the place to which God had called him, Jehovah appeared to him. This was a unique moment for Abram, because after humanity fell and was expelled from Eden, most people no longer had the opportunity to encounter God directly. The names of the places also carry meaning, showing that God led His people to the location He had promised.

Sichem means back or shoulder in Hebrew, indicating that Abram had the strength and support to pass through these regions. Moreh means teacher, suggesting that Abram learned important lessons there and grew more mature in his spiritual life.

After this, God told Abram that his seed would possess the land. This is the promised land where the people of Israel live today. Nevertheless, Israel has not yet possessed all the territory God originally promised, and therefore they will one day expand to the full boundaries God appointed.

Later, Abram built an altar to God Elohim. This showed that Abram lived a life opposite to the people of Babel. After the fall, sinful humanity refused to confess their sins and rebelled against God together. What Abram did was similar to what Noah did after the flood. When a man builds an altar, it reveals his inner mindset and the condition of his soul. An altar was used to kill an animal and offer it to God. Only when a person confesses his sin and recognizes his fallen condition does he understand his need for redemption. Since without blood there is no redemption, they submitted to God and offered sacrifices.

Therefore, Abram’s altar was a sign that he lived a distinct and opposite life compared to the people of his time.