Expert: Kris Minefee - 11/1/2003

Question
Was Abraham Jewish?

Answer
Technically no, Abraham wasn't Jewish, but he was the start of people who ultimately became the Jews.  He was also the start of the people who became Arabic as well. God's covenant with Abraham then know as Abrah was that his descendents would number more thant the sand of the sea or the stars of the sky. That promise has been literally fulfilled.  Here are the scriptures.

Genesis 12:1 1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2  And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. 2  And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. 3  And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, 4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. 5  Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. 6  And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

Through Abraham two sons were born, one of the handmaiden Haggar and the other of Sarah.  Through Haggar was born Ishmael who become the father of the Arabic people.  Through Sarah was born Isaac who become the father of the Israelistes.  

The label Jew comes from one of the tribes of Israel, Judah. After a civil war following the reign of Solomon the nation of Israel was split North and South. The Southern part of the nation was dominated by the tribe of Judah the same tribe as David, Solomon and all the later kings of Israel. The name Jew was given to them and now is used of all tribes of Israel.

The promises of the land were given to Abraham and then to  his son Isaac. Ishmael was given other promises after he and his mother were cast out of Abraham's home.

Genesis 16:10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. 11  And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. 12  And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

Genesis 17:18  And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! 19  And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. 20  And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. 21  But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

So Abraham was not a Jew, nor an Arab but the beginning of both. Hope this helps. -Bro. Kris