Ur

Genesis 11:27-30

This is the account of Terah’s family line. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot. While his father Terah was still alive, Haran died in Ur of the Chaldeans, in the land of his birth. Abram and Nahor both married. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milkah; she was the daughter of Haran, the father of both Milkah and Iskah. Now Sarai was childless because she was not able to conceive.

Joshua 24:2

² Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your ancestors, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods.

Abram was one of the three sons born to Tarah. The family at this time lived in Ur of the Chaldeans. We know at least this was the birthplace of one of Abram's bothers (Haran). The land of Ur was in Southern Mesopotamia. Ur was a thriving city and a very important economically to the area. Apparently Abram was a big city guy instead of the robed tent dwelling guy we think of at this time. Ur city was polytheistic and many believed that the way to reach god was to build temples that would allow them to step out of heaven and dwell with them. These temples are called zigurats. The temple found on the site is thought to belong to the moon god Nanna.



As you can see in Joshua apparently Terah and at least his son Nahor worshiped other gods. It appears that they were caught up in the practices of the city of Ur. It doesn't state anywhere where Abram was involved in this serving of other gods. This does give us a background as we see a house that could be somewhat divided in religious practices.

So this is the beginning of the travel with Abram.