Summary
Genesis 12 opens with God's call to Abram, promising to make him a great nation and bless all families through him. Abram departs Haran with Sarai, Lot, and all their possessions, journeying to Canaan where he builds altars at Sichem and Bethel, marking the beginning of covenant worship. A famine drives him south into Egypt, where, fearing for his life, Abram lies that Sarai is his sister. The Egyptians take Sarai to Pharaoh, who then demands Abram's return. God strikes Pharaoh with plagues, leading Pharaoh to release Abram and Sarai and their possessions. The chapter ends with Abram's departure from Egypt, highlighting both God's faithfulness and Abram's moral lapse. It sets the stage for Abraham’s later covenant and trials.