Calvary Baptist Church of Waterbury, CT

The Testing of Abram's Faith - Genesis 12:5-20

Nov 2, 2022    Dr. Craig Scott & Craig Akins

I do not know how many days Abram traveled, but I do know that it was a 550 mile trip from Harah to Shechem. It had to be traveled with his wife, camels, cattle, donkeys, many servants, and supplies. This is like walking from Hartford CT to Durham NC. Shechem means “shoulder “or “place of strengthening.” Certainly, Shechem was a needed rest at this point in Abram’s travels. It also maybe a needed rest for other reasons. Genesis 12:6b say as Abram entered the Promised Land, he discovered the Canaanite’s were in the land. Perhaps this was a concern of Abraham’s. “And the Canaanite was then in the land.” – Genesis 12:6b
In our context, it was in the plain of Moreh (perhaps by the terebinth tree of Moreh) that the LORD appeared to Abram a second time and assured him that “Unto thy seed will I give this land” (Gen. 12:7). It was a needed reminder at this point. Even though the Canaanites were in the land, God said, “I will give this land to you and to your descendance.” In response to God’s assurance Abram “built an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him” – Genesis 12:7 It will do us well to remember to pause in our journey with the Lord and be reminded of His great promises He gives to us and worship Him.