It wasn't quite as simple as a divine command, at least not at first. The traditional narrative often focuses on Abraham's calling, but let's rewind a bit and look at the fascinating role Terah played, according to the legends.
The story goes that Noah and Shem – yes, that Shem, the son of Noah from the ark – actually helped Abraham in his mission. They encouraged Terah to leave his homeland! Imagine Noah and Shem, those figures from the distant past, actively supporting Abraham in his quest to sway his father. Finally, Terah agreed, and he, Abraham, and Lot (Haran’s son) set off for Haran with their families. They found Haran a pleasant place. Its people were open to Abraham's teachings, adopting his moral principles and becoming God-fearing individuals.
But here’s where it gets really interesting. Terah’s decision to leave his native land for Abraham's sake – his willingness to venture into the unknown even before Abraham received a direct divine call – was seen by God as a great act of merit. This is according to the Legends of the Jews.
And what was his reward? He was allowed to witness his son Abraham become a ruler over the entire world! How did this happen? Well, remember the miraculous birth of Isaac to the elderly Abraham and Sarah? The world was astonished. People flocked to Abraham and Sarah, wanting to know what they had done to deserve such a miracle. Abraham, being Abraham, used this as an opportunity to teach them about his experiences with Nimrod, about his willingness to be burned for God's glory, and about how God had saved him.
The people, in awe of Abraham's faith and teachings, appointed him their king! And get this: to commemorate Isaac's miraculous birth, Abraham minted coins. According to Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of the Jews, these coins bore the image of an elderly couple on one side and a young couple on the other. This was because Abraham and Sarah were both rejuvenated at Isaac's birth. Abraham's white hair turned black, and the wrinkles on Sarah's face disappeared!
So, what can we take away from this? It's a reminder that even seemingly small acts of faith and support can have profound consequences. Terah’s willingness to follow his son, even before a direct divine command, was recognized and rewarded. It also shows us that the concept of reward and recognition in Jewish tradition can manifest in unexpected ways, like witnessing the success and influence of one's children. It also demonstrates that even the elders can be rejuvenated and made new!