GUIDE TO THE SCRIPTURES
Abraham
See also Abrahamic Covenant

A son of Terah, born in Ur of the Chaldees (Gen. 11: 26, 31; 17: 5). A prophet of the Lord with whom the Lord made eternal covenants, through which all the nations of the earth are blessed. Abraham was originally named Abram.

Migrated to Haran, where Terah died, Gen. 11: 31-32 (Abr. 2: 1-5). Was called by God to journey to Canaan and to receive a divine covenant, Gen. 12: 1-8 (Abr. 2: 4, 15-17). Journeyed to Egypt, Gen. 12: 9-20 (Abr. 2: 21-25). Settled in Hebron, Gen. 13: 18. Rescued Lot, Gen. 14: 1-16. Met with Melchizedek, Gen. 14: 18-20. Hagar bore his son Ishmael, Gen. 16: 15-16. His name was changed to Abraham, Gen. 17: 5. The Lord told Abraham and Sarah that they would have a son, Gen. 17: 15-22; 18: 1-14. Sarah bore his son Isaac, Gen. 21: 2-3. Was commanded to sacrifice Isaac, Gen. 22: 1-18. Sarah died and was buried, Gen. 23: 1-2, 19. Abraham died and was buried, Gen. 25: 8-10. Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac was a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son, Jacob 4: 5. Paid tithes to Melchizedek, Alma 13: 15. Foresaw and testified of Christ's coming, Hel. 8: 16-17. Received the priesthood from Melchizedek, D&C 84: 14. The faithful become the seed of Abraham, D&C 84: 33-34 (Gal. 3: 27-29). Received all things by revelation, D&C 132: 29. Has received his exaltation, D&C 132: 29. Sought for the blessings of the fathers and for appointment unto the priesthood, Abr. 1: 1-4. Was persecuted by false priests of Chaldea, Abr. 1: 5-15. Was saved by the Lord, Abr. 1: 16-20. Learned about the sun, moon, and stars, Abr. 3: 1-14. Learned about pre-earth life and the Creation, Abr. 3: 22-28.

The book of Abraham: Ancient records written by Abraham that came into the possession of the Church in 1835. The records and some mummies were discovered in Egyptian catacombs by Antonio Lebolo, who willed them to Michael Chandler. Chandler exhibited them in the United States in 1835. Some friends of Joseph Smith bought them from Chandler and gave them to the Prophet, who translated them. Some of these records are now found in the Pearl of Great Price.

Chapter 1 records Abraham's experiences in Ur of the Chaldees, where wicked priests tried to sacrifice him. Chapter 2 tells of his journey to Canaan. The Lord appeared to him and made covenants with him. Chapter 3 records that Abraham saw the universe and perceived the relationships between heavenly bodies. Chapters 4-5 are another account of the Creation.

The seed of Abraham: People who, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ, receive the promises and covenants made by God to Abraham. Men and women may receive these blessings if they are literally of Abraham's lineage or if they are adopted into his family by embracing the gospel and being baptized (Gal. 3: 26-29; 4: 1-7; D&C 84: 33-34; 103: 17; 132: 30-32; Abr. 2: 9-11). Literal descendants of Abraham may lose their blessings by disobedience (Rom. 4: 13; 9: 6-8).