Abraham is a central figure to the book of Genesis, even the whole Bible. It is with Abraham that God makes his covenant (Genesis 12; 15; 17; 22). A covenant that includes the promise of people, land, and blessing. This covenant finds its fulfilment in the person and work of Christ (Luke 22:7-23; Romans 4; Galatians 3:1-9).
Genesis attributes two fascinating titles to this father of faith.
Along with the covenant promises made to Abraham, there are two fascinating titles in Genesis 20:7 and Genesis 23:6 that are attributed to this father of faith: prophet and prince. This article will attempt to explore the significance of each title.
A Deceitful Abraham (Genesis 20)
The context in which God calls Abraham a prophet is questionable, because earlier on in the same passage Abraham convinces Sarah to identify herself as his sister rather than his wife. This results in king Abimelech taking her into his royal household (Genesis 20:2). Eager to preserve his life, Abraham deceived Abimelech. He thought to himself, “there is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife” (Genesis 20:11). In his mind, covenant promises were under threat. Because if Sarah became Abimelech’s wife, the promised heir born in Genesis 21 wouldn’t have been Abraham’s offspring.
God who doesn’t allow his covenant promises to be compromised.
However, it’s God who doesn’t allow his covenant promises to be compromised. He prevents Abimelech from having sex with Sarah. And by doing so God preserves his covenant and his people (Genesis 20:6). This is the context surrounding Genesis 20:7, where God describes the patriarch as a “prophet.”
Patriarch—and Prophet
What does it mean for Abraham to be a prophet in this passage? I would like to suggest that Abraham being a prophet relates to him interceding on behalf of Abimelech, because Genesis 20:7 goes on to give a reason for Abraham’s release: “so that he may pray for you, and you shall live” (Genesis 20:7). In other words, Abraham’s prophetic role towards Abimelech is one of prayer. His prayer results in Abimelech’s wellbeing together with his household (Genesis 20:17-18). As a prophet, Abraham goes on to intercede for Abimelech and reverse the barrenness God had placed on his household.
The title of prophet is applied on the basis of Abraham’s prayerful intercession.
Even though the prophetic office isn’t a major theme in Genesis, we do see distinct prophetic traits in the patriarch. And the Old Testament develops these in later books. For example, God appeared to the prophet par excellence, Moses, just like he did to Abraham in Genesis 12. God also directly spoke to the patriarch just as he did Moses. Similarly, Daniel intercedes for the nation like we see Abraham interceding for Abimelech and his household. In summary, the title of prophet is applied to Abraham on the basis of this prayerful intercession.
A Bereaved Abraham (Genesis 23)
The second title we usually don’t associate with Abraham is found in Genesis 23:6. “The Hittites answered Abraham, ‘Hear us my lord; you are a prince of God among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs.'” Like we did with the title of prophet, let’s establish the context before we consider its significance.
Canaan is the land God promised to Abraham and his descendants.
Genesis 23 begins on a somber note. It introduces us to a husband in mourning. Sarah has just died (Genesis 23:2). After Sarah’s death, Abraham begins the funeral preparations; and a key to these preparations is making sure his late wife is buried at a specific place. However Abraham deems that it will be difficult for him to get Sarah buried in the land of Canaan, since he “is a sojourner and foreigner” (Genesis 23:4). The text also implies that he didn’t possess any rights to the land he was journeying through. Thus Abraham asks the Hittites for a burial spot in Hebron (or Canaan).
Why does he desire that Sarah be buried there, in Hebron? Back in Genesis 17:8 we learnt that the land of Canaan is the land God promised to Abraham and his descendants.
Prophet and Prince
With the context in place, what does it mean for Abraham to be a prince?
There are a variety of ways that the Hebrew word can be translated. These include ruler, leader, and captain. The Greek translation of the Old Testament (that is, the Septuagint) translates with the word for ruler or king. Despite that variety the word communicates the idea of authority and rule, even dominion. This idea of authority is seen throughout Genesis 23. For in addition to being called a prince, the Hittites also address Abraham with the title of lord (Genesis 23:5, 11, 15). Like prince, this word indicates control and was reserved for someone who is master over another. Therefore, Abraham is a prince in reference to his rule and power. Rule and power that led to the Hittites wanting to give Abraham the burial site in Canaan, rather than sell it to him.
So What?
In short, the titles given to Abraham in Genesis 20:7 and 23:6 give us a broader picture of the father of faith. A picture of a man who as a prophet prayerfully interceded for the healing of a king, and a prince who wielded authority and dominion.
They help us get a broader picture of who and what Abraham did.
In conclusion, I think the titles are important in two ways. Firstly, they help us get a broader picture of who and what Abraham did. In other words, he was more than the father of faith. Secondly, we see a glimpse of how the surrounding nations might have viewed Abraham as an authoritative figure with dominion.
