Genesis 12:6 Commentary and Bible Study

In verse 6, Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem. Now although this is somewhat doubted by modern writers, the old writers are all quite certain that this phrase ‘the place of Sichem’ indicates a place of worship, Canaanite worship, no doubt pagan worship, idolatrous worship. Sichem was famous for it, so it's not surprising they pass right through that place. They don't want to settle there, which is a stronghold of idolatry, a disseminating centre, and they proceed to the plain of Moreh. He is going to have a land, territory, very soon. We find he pauses and it is said that the Canaanite was then, or already, in the land. So Abram must think, ‘All this land, all this territory is well occupied. How can I be given a land? Wherever I travel, wherever I look, there is already a population. People have already planted and already built. How is it going to be fulfilled the promise?’ But he doesn't question it. So it is a remarkable example of faith. Once he is certain that he has heard God's voice.