Why Is Abraham Important as a Biblical and Historical Figure?
Abraham changed the course of world history. He was the first person to call on the Babylonians to confront the growing egoism that had suddenly erupted in Ancient Babylon. Until that time, Babylonian society had developed peacefully. Located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, it was the center of the entire civilization of that era. About three million people lived there. By today’s standards this was not a large population, but in the ancient world it was practically the whole of humanity.
Life in Babylon was simple and abundant. People farmed grains such as wheat, rye, and buckwheat, grew onions and garlic, raised sheep, and caught plenty of fish. Historical evidence even remains in ancient inscriptions and frescoes describing everyday exchanges between people, reflecting a quiet and cooperative society. People lived like neighbors, friends, almost like members of one family.
But suddenly something changed. Egoism began to grow among them. Competition and calculation entered their relationships. Instead of simple cooperation, people began measuring everything in terms of personal benefit, how much one gives and how much one receives in return.........
