Abram Continues Toward the Negev

Genesis 12:1-9

The Big Idea

You can trust and obey God one step at a time, even when you do not know every part of the journey.

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 him. Abram went as the LORD told him. Sarai, Lot, their possessions, and the people of their household went with him. They traveled to Canaan. Along the way, Abram built an altar to the LORD at Shechem, where God spoke about giving the land to Abram’s offspring. Abram later moved east of Bethel, built another altar, and called on the name of the LORD. Genesis 12:9 ends by saying that Abram continued journeying toward the Negev. It does not describe his arrival there or what happened afterward.

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 travels onward with a simple, open path leading toward the Negev. Keep the ending intentionally unfinished, showing continued obedience and journeying rather than arrival at a later destination.

Talk together

Talk about it

What was Abram doing as he continued toward the Negev?
How can you follow God faithfully today?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page after reading Genesis 12:1-9. Invite children to notice that Abram’s journey remains unfinished in this verse. Emphasize faithful obedience without guessing about the route, conditions, arrival, or what happened next. The image can support a lesson about trusting God one step at a time.

Source note