In God’s Image and Likeness 3

In God’s Image and Likeness 3

The Family of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar

By Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, Matthew L. Bowen, and John S. Thompson

Published by The Interpreter Foundation and Eborn Books

Available January, 2026

This book tells the story of the family of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar—a story that recounts the drama of their inspiring and heart-rending experi-ences and their personal encounters with God and his envoys in breathtaking intimacy. Abraham’s yearning to enter a covenant relationship with God and the lengths he went to in demonstrating his lifelong faithfulness to that relationship inspire awe in every serious disciple. And yet, as Hugh Nibley pointed out, this superman was an every-man. Abraham’s life fascinates us precisely because the degree of unwavering focus required to bring about the near perfection of a common man is so uncommon. We admire Abraham because his supreme feats were spiritual in nature. They were neither demonstrations of Herculean physical prowess nor a triumph over global political powers but rather were quiet results of inner good-ness and generosity—gifts that are within our reach if we are wise and good enough to follow the example of Abraham and his family.

In this volume you will find the most beautiful and comprehensive Latter-day Saint commentary ever published on the beautiful and doctrinally rich chapters of Genesis 12–22. Perspectives from the three major Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—are explored, while also drawing extensively from Latter-day Saint scrip-ture and teachings. The commentary combines prophetic insights, excerpts from the Joseph Smith Translation, ancient texts, and up-to-date biblical scholarship—all presented from a perspective of faith. Each section of the book is prefaced by an overview illuminating major themes and issues. This is followed by the text of each chapter of scripture, accompanied by a detailed phrase-by-phrase commentary designed to give the modern reader both an understanding of the plain sense of the words as well as their significance in context. Significant textual variants from the Joseph Smith Translation are identified and discussed.

Of special interest to Latter-day Saint readers is the new light that these chapters shed on temple worship and its relationship to the Abrahamic Covenant and the Melchizedek priesthood. The teachings of modern prophets, as well as relevant extracts from the works of Hugh Nibley and other religious scholars, historians, philosophers, literary specialists, playwrights, musicians, and artists are found on nearly every page. The book also features maps, and photographs pertaining to what can be inferred about the geographical settings of the stories. An additional highlight is the collection of more than two hundred carefully chosen color figures, diagrams, and artwork relating to the text—themselves also the subject of detailed commentary.

Reviews

A remarkable and deeply insightful work, marked by profound respect for the diverse spiritual traditions, illuminating with grace the faith of Abraham.

Jonathan Jeffrey Aomar, Producer and Co-Director of À la découverte de l’Aïd al-Adha

Faith, courage, and divine promise are the defining elements of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar’s story. In God’s Image and Likeness 3 brings these familiar figures to life. Blending equal parts scholarship and devotion, the authors supplement their rich commentary and footnotes with hundreds of beautiful illustrations that draw on the worldwide treasury of art. Your study of this book will reveal how the covenant God made with the ancients is still of vital relevance today and continues to point us toward hope, mercy, and Jesus Christ.

Matthew B. Christensen, Editorial Director, BYU Studies

This volume offers a valuable blend of scholarship and Restoration perspectives. Its rich supply of illustrations and insights brings depth and texture to the story and provides new approaches into passages that may be confusing or troubling. Most importantly, the authors embrace and convey the deep spiritual example of Abraham and his family, showing what we can become through a covenant relationship with the Lord.

Jennifer Lane, Professor Emerita of Religious Education at Brigham Young University–Hawaii

Wide-ranging, insightful, and stimulating, this beautifully illustrated volume is a feast for the eyes, the mind, and the spirit. With sensitivity, this book addresses perspectives relevant to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—the three great Abrahamic religious traditions. Of special interest to Latter-day Saints, the book illustrates why the Genesis account of Abraham is not only absolutely foundational to the New Testament, but also to modern revelation. The fascinating details revealed here will make the stories of Abraham and his family come alive, and the example of this singular family will encourage readers to seek the blessings promised to all of Abraham’s covenant seed.

Daniel C. Peterson, Professor Emeritus of Islamic Studies and Arabic, BYU; President of The Interpreter Foundation

This volume is a celebration of the covenant family of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. The authors have collected and organized the best scholarship from Jewish, Christian, Islamic and Latter-day Saint sources to detail the spiritual journey of Abraham and his family from Ur to Moriah. Readers will learn geographical, historical, and archaeological details that will enhance their appreciation of the carefully crafted biblical narrative, while also illuminating key doctrines at the heart of the stories. Accompanied by a collection of memorable artwork throughout, this commentary helps us to understand our rich Abrahamic heritage in light of the Restored Gospel.

David R. Seely, Professor, Ancient Scripture, Brigham Young University

This volume contains a wealth of information from ancient and modern sources for Latter-day Saints looking to expand their understanding of the book of Genesis and Restoration scripture. Every reader can find something helpful here.

Avram R. Shannon, Associate Professor, Ancient Scripture, Brigham Young University