Editor’s Note: Pastor Jim will occasionally exchange the name Abraham for Abram by accident prior to his name change in Genesis 17:5. This is also true for the names Sarah and Sarai.
v.6 The great tree of Moreh (means “teacher”) was not just a spectacular tree, but was also, for that very reason, the site of pagan worship. Canaanites in their heathen way may have been accustomed to seeking ‘light’ or guidance from their idol priests.
Several times God saw fit to appear in some theophanic (a visual appearance of God, who is pure spirit) form to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), Moses, and some others (Isaiah, Ezekiel). Such appearances were rare, not regular, and reserved for critical moments in their lives or mission. All this was before there was written revelation and before the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
v.9 “The Negev” means “the south,” where Beersheba was located. This was wilderness country, dry and hot, sometimes above 120 degrees. This territory will figure prominently in the experiences of the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Pastor Jim quotes this from Dr. Bruce Waltke toward the end of the program, “Abraham’s logic was: better her [Sarai] defiled than me [Abram] dead.” As noted in a previous Study Guide, Dr. Waltke’s name has been removed from this series, though his content remains (since it is sound).