Abraham, blessing, and the nations : a philological and exegetical study of Genesis 12:3 in its narrative context

This monograph investigates Genesis 12:3 in its context in the final form of Genesis. The author argues that the verse is, first, a promise of security and greatness to Abraham and Israel. However, its position following Genesis 1-11 also indicates a divine plan to extend blessing to all the peoples of the earth. Supporting this understanding of the verse, the author examines the close parallels that Genesis and Numbers 24:9 have to Genesis 12:3. He also presents a detailed consideration of the concept of blessing in the Old Testament and of the niphal and hithpael stems of the verb barak. Ph.D. dissertation under the supervision of Dr R. W. L. Moberly, Durham, UK. This monograph investigates Genesis 12:3 in its context in the final form of Genesis. The author argues that the verse is, first, a promise of security and greatness to Abraham and Israel. However, its position following Genesis 1-11 also indicates a divine plan to extend blessing to all the peoples of the earth. Supporting this understanding of the verse, the author examines the close parallels that Genesis and Numbers 24:9 have to Genesis 12:3. He also presents a detailed consideration of the concept of blessing in the Old Testament and of the niphal and hithpael stems of the verb barak. --from publisher description 1. Introduction -- 2. Parallels To Genesis 12:3a -- 3. The Niphal In Hebrew -- 4. Parallels To Gen 12:3b With The Niphal -- 5. Blessing -- 6. Genesis 12:3 -- 7. The Hithpael Of [actual Symbol Not Reproducible] -- 8. Parallels To Genesis 12:3b With The Hithpael -- 9. Conclusion. Keith N. Grüneberg. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [247]-280) And Index. 1 Introduction 2 Parallels to Genesis 12:3a 3 The niphal in Hebrew 4 Parallels to Gen 12:3b with the niphal 5 Blessing 6 Genesis 12:3 7 The hithpael of ברך 8 Parallels to Genesis 12:3b with the hithpael 9. Conclusion