God of my father Abraham is a name of God that celebrates His relationship with Abraham. The book of Genesis spends several chapters telling us the story of Abraham’s growing faith relationship with God. For the full meaning of the name we must understand how Abraham walked with God in faith. His faith wavered but God stayed with him and eventually Abraham grew to trust God’s every word.
The similar name, “God of your father Abraham,” occurs twice in the stories of Isaac and Jacob. It is the name by which Yahweh (Jehovah) identified Himself to the two patriarchs and reiterated His covenant promises to them. Like Abraham, they were told that God would give them a land and countless descendants who would be a blessing to the nations.
This name of God might suggest a distance in the relationships that Isaac and Jacob had with God. On the other hand it could be pointing them to the rich relationship that Abraham had enjoyed. Abraham grew in his relationship with God. God remained faithful to him through all his doubting and self efforts.
God of my father Abraham (Elohei avi Avraham) in the Hebrew text of Genesis 32:9.
God of my father Abraham in Hebrew:
’Elohei ’avi ’Avraham
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 430, 1, 85
Bible reference: Gen. 32:9 (see also Gen. 26:24; 28:13)
Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee . . . (Genesis 32:9 KJV)
God of your father Abraham in the Hebrew text of Genesis 26:24.
God of your father Abraham in Hebrew:
’Elohei ’Avraham ’avikha
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 430, 85, 1
Bible references: Gen. 26:24; 28:13
That night the Lord appeared to [Isaac] and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.” (Genesis 26:24 NIV)
There are several similar names of God including, God of my master Abraham, God of my father Isaac, and Hope of their fathers, God of your fathers, God of Abraham, and, in the New Testament, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
