Genesis 12 marks a pivotal turning point in the Bible with the call of Abram (later renamed Abraham) and God's covenant with him.

God's Call to Abram (Verses 1-3): God commanded Abram to leave his country, his relatives, and his father's house to go to a land that God would show him. God promised to make Abram into a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and make him a blessing to others. God further promised to bless those who blessed Abram and curse those who cursed him, declaring that all people on earth would be blessed through him.

Abram's Journey (Verses 4-9): At 75 years old, Abram obeyed God's call and departed from Haran with his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all their servants and possessions. They traveled to Canaan, where God appeared to Abram and promised to give this land to his descendants. Abram built altars to the Lord at Shechem and Bethel before continuing his journey toward the Negev.

Abram in Egypt (Verses 10-20): A severe famine struck Canaan, forcing Abram to seek refuge in Egypt. Fearing that the Egyptians might kill him to take his beautiful wife Sarai, Abram instructed her to say she was his sister (she was his half-sister). As anticipated, Pharaoh's officials noticed Sarai's beauty and took her into Pharaoh's palace, while Pharaoh rewarded Abram with livestock and servants. But, God afflicted Pharaoh and his household with serious diseases because of Sarai. When Pharaoh discovered the truth, he confronted Abram, returned Sarai, and ordered them to leave Egypt.