Did Abraham possess talents in Mathematics and Astronomy, and what historical evidence supports this theory? Did you ever question why God instructed Abraham to embark on that journey of faith into the land of Canaan? Was there a reason that existed beyond the start of a Nation? Was be pushed out for preaching the one true God through the use of science? What if I mentioned that it was connected to astronomy and advanced mathematics? It might seem unbelievable, but archaeological findings and ancient writings have illuminated the extraordinary life of Abraham before his journey to the Promised Land—and one of the reasons why he needed to depart.
Historical Proof of Abraham's Wisdom in Science and Mathematics
To start, you may have heard of the Pythagorean theorem, a mathematical concept attributed by many to the Greeks, but in reality, it comes from the Babylonia's around the early 500's B.C. Greek mathematician Pythagoras was said to have discovered the theorem for working out the hypotenuse of a right-angle triangle, in reality he just brought it back since its discovery was 1,200 years earlier by the Babylonians.
The Plimpton 322 a tablet discovered about 100 years ago and is dated to around 1800 B.C. showed text fulfilling the triangular equation of a2 + b2 = c2. Not only that, but the tablet also shows advance Trigonometry, another discovery credited to the Greeks around 120 B.C. Not only does the Plimpton 322 tablet reveal knowledge of Trigonometry earlier than the Greeks, its far more advanced and superior to our modern Trigonometry knowledge.
But Trigonometry and the Pythagorean theorem is not all the Babylonians knew, their knowledge of Pi was also more advanced. Today we know Pi as 3.14, they knew it more precisely as 3.125. There was another science the Babylonians were advanced in, Astronomy.
A tablet from as early as 1,700 B.C. records observations of the planet Venus. Surprisingly, the Babylonians had the knowledge to predict celestial events like eclipses and planetary movements, making these predictions hundreds of years ahead of their time.
Greek philosopher Callisthenes (fourth century B.C.) acquired a series of Babylonian astronomy documents covering running observations from throughout the prior 2,000 years. And much “later” on—sometime after 400 B.C.—a Babylonian tablet was written showing a “trapezoid procedure” for calculating the path of the planet Jupiter. This method displayed one of the foundational principles of calculus—thought to have been discovered 1,400 years later.
How Does Abraham Fit in With the Mathematics and Astronomy of Ancient Babylon?
As mentioned above, the city Abraham came out of as mentioned in the book of Genesis, the Chaldean city of Ur, was a Babylonian tribe with gifted people as we have seen in mathematics and astronomy. But did you know historic evidence points to Abraham leading in these fields of study? What historic documents support this claim?
The Chaldean historian Berosus:
“In the 10th generation after the Flood, there was among the Chaldeans a man righteous and great, and skillful in the celestial science.”
Other historians who mention Abraham by name and his exploits and involvement in the realm of science and math are the historian Josephus and Greek historian Hecataeus.
In fact, Hecataeus mentions Abraham by name and composed an entire book about the patriarch's exploits. Historian Nicolaus of Damascus also mentions the work of Abraham and his legacy before his sojourning in Canaan.
Sir Walter Raleigh’s The History of the World (1614) referenced first-century A.D. historian Philo of Alexandria where he is says that Abraham, through astronomy,
“Together with the motions of the stars and other heavenly bodies … found out the knowledge of the true God, while he lived in Chaldea.”
He further referenced a number of ancient historians who collectively agreed “that Abraham the holiest and wisest of men, did first teach the Chaldeans, then the Phoenicians; lastly, the Egyptian priests. Thus we see Abraham attributed by many as one of the chief instructors of the elite Chaldeans in their advanced knowledge.
The Purpose behind Abrahams Wisdom
Was there a purpose and did Abraham use his knowledge to glorify God, the answer is Yes. Through it, he proved the existence of the one true God. Josephus wrote:
“[Abraham] was the first that ventured to publish this notion, "That there was but one God, the Creator of the universe … This his opinion was derived from the irregular phenomena that were visible both at land and sea, as well as those that happen to the sun and moon, and all the heavenly bodies, thus:— ‘If [said he] these bodies had power of their own, they would certainly take care of their own regular motion; but since they do not preserve such regularity, they make it plain, that in so far as they cooperate to our advantage, they do it not of their own abilities, but as they are subservient to him that commands them; to whom alone we ought justly to offer our honor and thanksgiving’” (Antiquities of the Jews 1.7.1).
Johann Kepler, also recognized for his contributions to calculus, once remarked that observing the world is akin to "thinking God's thought after Him." This concept resonated with Abraham and many other scientists who believe in God, as they see God as synonymous with order. In Abraham's time, people worshipped various deities, including those linked to planets. However, as an astronomer, Abraham observed that celestial bodies followed predictable patterns and lacked the ability to make choices or determine human destinies. The order and laws governing not just our planet but the entire universe serve as evidence of God's existence. Abraham attempted to convey these ideas to his fellow Chaldeans, but they did not share his perspective.
Abraham expelled
As Abraham attempted to share his teachings on the true God, its backlash resulted in a quarrel that Josephus describes as follows:
“For which doctrines, when the Chaldeans and other people of Mesopotamia raised a tumult against him, he thought fit to leave that country; and at the command, and by the assistance of God, he came and lived in the land of Canaan.”
The well-known biblical narrative of Abraham continues in Genesis 12, where God instructs Abraham to migrate to a new land. Upon settling in Canaan, a famine compelled him to temporarily move to Egypt. Josephus offers additional insights into Abraham's stay in Egypt:
“For whereas the Egyptians were formerly addicted to different customs, and despised one another’s sacred and accustomed rites, and were very angry one with another on that account, Abram conferred with each of them. … He communicated to them arithmetic and delivered to them the science of astronomy; for, before Abram came into Egypt, they were unacquainted with those parts of learning; for that science came from the Chaldeans into Egypt, and from thence to the Greeks also” (Antiquities of the Jews 1.8.2).
Abraham and his reach even today
These intriguing historical accounts enhance our comprehension, yet such specifics are missing from the Bible, probably because the Bible prioritizes delivering God's message over recording human accomplishments. Although Abraham's name isn't prominent for his significant contributions to astronomy and mathematics, the scientific tablets enable us to delve into the Babylonian world, illuminating the technological progress of the society he was part of. Perhaps we are even studying some of his teachings!
Reference:
June 19, Andrew Miiller •, and 2021. “Abraham: Father of Nations—and a Scientist, Mathematician and Astronomer.” ArmstrongInstitute.org, armstronginstitute.org/342-abraham-father-of-nations-and-a-scientist-mathematician-and-astronomer.
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