Describe the background to the call of Abraham and outline 6 instructions God gave Abraham concerning circumcision.

Here are the answers to question 2:

2. a) Describe the Background to the call of Abraham.
The call of Abraham occurred against a background of widespread idolatry and polytheism in Mesopotamia. Abraham's family, including his father Terah, lived in Ur of the Chaldeans and worshipped other gods (Joshua 24:2). God chose Abraham from this pagan environment to initiate a new covenant and establish a nation through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed. This call was a divine initiative to separate a people for Himself and to restore humanity's relationship with Him after the fall and the dispersion at Babel. Abraham's family had already migrated from Ur to Haran, where Terah died, before God's specific call for Abraham to leave his country, people, and father's household for a land God would show him.

2. b) Outline 6 instructions that God gave to Abraham concerning circumcision.
God gave Abraham the following instructions regarding circumcision:

• It was to be the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants.
• Every male among them, including those born in his household or bought with money, was to be circumcised at eight days old.
• Abraham himself, along with his son Ishmael and all the males in his household, were to be circumcised immediately.
• Any male who was not circumcised would be cut off from his people, as he would have broken the covenant.
• It was to be a perpetual covenant throughout their generations.
• It applied to all future generations of Abraham's descendants.

2. c) State 6 lessons Christians learn about God from the Mt. Moriah incident.
From the incident on Mount Moriah (the attempted sacrifice of Isaac), Christians learn:

• God is a faithful provider, as He provided a ram for the sacrifice (Genesis 22:14).
• God tests the faith of His people to strengthen their trust in Him.
• God detests human sacrifice and provides an alternative.
• God is omniscient, knowing Abraham's heart and obedience before the act.
• God keeps His promises, as He reaffirmed His covenant with Abraham after his obedience.
• God's plan of salvation involves sacrifice, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.