Abram’s Tent Between Bethel and Ai

Genesis 12:1-9

The Big Idea

Abram followed God step by step and worshiped along the way. We can trust God while learning to obey Him.

The Bible Story

God Calls Abram

Genesis 12:1-9 tells how the LORD called Abram to leave his country, relatives, and father’s household and go to a land God would show him. God promised to make Abram a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and make him a blessing. God also said that all families of the earth would be blessed through Abram. Abram went as the LORD told him, traveling with Sarai, Lot, their possessions, and the people of their household. They came to Canaan. After Abram traveled through the land to Shechem, he continued to the hill country east of Bethel. There he pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. Abram built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD. The passage shows Abram continuing to follow God’s call and worship during his journey.

Themes

Blessing to all families of the earth Faithful obedience God’s call God’s promise and blessing Leaving familiar surroundings Worship during the journey

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Abram’s tent is pitched in the hill country east of Bethel, with Bethel visibly placed to the west and Ai to the east. Abram stands beside an altar as he calls on the name of the LORD, represented by a gentle light from above.

Talk together

Talk about it

What did Abram do between Bethel and Ai?
How can you show trust in God today?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page with Genesis 12:1-9 when teaching about God’s call, faithful obedience, and worship during a journey. Invite children to locate Bethel and Ai in the scene, then discuss how Abram traveled with Sarai, Lot, and their household. Keep attention on the passage without adding prayer words or details not provided.

Source note