Genesis 12:4-9 Pilgrims

4So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. 5And Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and people they had acquired in Haran, and set out for the land of Canaan.

When they came to the land of Canaan, 6Abram traveled through the land to the site of the oak of Moreh at Shechem. And at that time the Canaanites were in the land.

7Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” 

So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.

8From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD.

9And Abram journeyed on toward the Negev.

We will see later that Lot would be a “lot” of trouble for Abram.

Concerning the oak tree, “the oak of Moreh at Shechem” also called (the terebinth tree of Moreh) This may have been a holy tree or place.

Abram was a pilgrim and lived in a tent. How many of us are happy with our living conditions? We want something bigger and fancier. We need to remind ourselves that we too are only pilgrims on this earth, that our true home is in heaven.

Abram was obedient and moved when the Lord told him. God rewarded Abram by making the Promise and blessing him everywhere he went.

Abram worshiped the Lord by building alters to the Lord and by calling on His name.

Be content with what God has provided for you, remember you are only a pilgrim.

Blessings, David 

Map of ancient Canaan

Where was the land of Canaan?