Abraham continued to journey southward, and again his faith was tested. The heavens withheld their rain, the brooks ceased to flow in the valleys, and the grass withered on the plains. The flocks and herds found no pasture, and starvation threatened the whole encampment. Did not the patriarch now question the leadings of Providence? Did he not look back with longing to the plenty of the Chaldean plains? All were eagerly watching to see what Abraham would do, as trouble after trouble came upon him. So long as his confidence appeared unshaken, they felt that there was hope; they were assured that God was his Friend, and that He was still guiding him. 129

Abraham fortsatte sin rejse mod syd, og atter blev hans tro sat på prøve. Himmelen holdt regnen tilbage, bækkene holdt op med at flyde i dalene, og græsset visnede på sletterne. Der var intet græs til kvæghjordene, og sulten truede hele lejren. Begyndte patriarken nu ikke at tvivle på Himmelens ledelse? Så han sig ikke længselsfuldt tilbage til overfloden på kaldæernes sletter? Alle lagde nøje mærke til, hvad Abraham nu ville gøre, idet den ene besværlighed efter den anden mødte ham. Så længe hans tillid syntes urokket, følte de, at der var håb. De var sikre på, at Gud var hans ven, og at han stadig ledede ham.