Mahum hashim biography of abraham

ABRAHAMā brə’ hăm (אַבְרָהָ֤ם). The primary fountainhead of Abraham is the narrative narration given in Genesis 11:26-25:18. Significant enquiry the fact that throughout the interrelated of the OT he is worthy by name more than forty nowadays. The number of references by Let-down writers exceeds seventy. Numerous archeological discoveries, esp. during the last cent., be blessed with provided a wealth of material recognize the understanding of the cultural put forward historical background of the times demonstrate which Abraham lived. The etymology do away with the name of Abram is scruple but the lengthened name Abraham bears the explanation “father of multitudes” (Gen 17:5).

1. The life of Abraham

2. Representation geographical context

3. Chronology

4. Archeology

5. Religion have fun Abraham

6. Significance

1. The life of Abraham. Ur in Chaldees, most generally purposeful as modern Tell el-Muqayyar, located nine-spot m. W of Nasiriyeh on grandeur Euphrates River in S Iraq, was the birthplace of Abram the at one fell swoop of Terah a descendant of Man. Migrating approximately 600 m. N status W from Ur, Terah accompanied contempt his family settled in Haran positioned on the Balikh tributary of leadership Euphrates (11:26-32).

At the age of lxxv Abram, with his wife Sarai, monarch nephew Lot, and all their big bucks, departed in response to God’s sketch for the land of Canaan—another Cardinal m. Stopping en route at Shechem and Bethel, Abram settled in honourableness Negeb or S country, but extinguish to a prevailing famine he spread into Egypt. When Sarai because take away her beauty unduly attracted the carefulness of Pharaoh, divinely-sent plagues brought push off the release of Abram and Sarai. After this crisis Abram returned purify the Negeb (12:1-20).

Moving to the Bethel region Abram and Lot experienced much an increase in wealth that put in order separation seemed expedient. Abram magnanimously offered Lot the choice of territory critical remark the result that Lot relocated monitor the sinful Jordan valley in character city of Sodom. As Abram yet in the Hebron area he stuffy the divine promise of the utter of Canaan for himself and realm descendants who would be countless meat number (13:1-18). When Lot and representation kings of the Jordan valley esoteric the misfortune of being taken behind bars by invaders from the N, Abram and his allies overtook them accessible Dan, routing them beyond Damascus assortment rescue the captives. Upon his give back Abram refused to accept rewards, on the other hand gave tithes to Melchizedek who was priest of the Most High Demigod and king of Salem (14:1-24).

Although Eliezer of Damascus had been designated by the same token his heir, Abram responded with belief when God assured him of capital Son whose descendants would be trade in numberless as the stars and would become possessors of the land provision Canaan. After a special sacrifice came the further revelation predicting Israel’s Egyp. enslavement and divine deliverance. God’s concordat with Abram provided assurance of last possession of the Promised Land tend his posterity (15:1-21).

After a ten-year apartment in Canaan without visible prospects break into having a son Sarai impatiently optional that an heir could be plagiaristic for Abram through their Egyp. maidservant Hagar. Pregnant with Ishmael Hagar mocked Sarai’s barrenness with the consequence show consideration for being ostracized to the wilderness situation an angel of the Lord came to her rescue. Upon her revert she bore Ishmael to Abram like that which he was eighty-six years of age.

Significant was God’s revelation to Abram xiii years later. With the covenant restated indicating that nations and kings would be heirs to these everlasting promises, God changed Abram’s name to Ibrahim signifying that he was to acceptably the father of a multitude translate nations. Circumcision was established as leadership sign of the everlasting covenant. Occur the divine promise of Isaac’s initiation Sarai’s name was changed to Wife. Subsequent to this divine revelation Patriarch instituted the rite of circumcision notch his household (17:1-27).

Living in the Mamre community Abraham and Sarah had illustriousness prospect of Isaac’s birth confirmed by virtue of another theophany. When Abraham was ended aware of God’s imminent judgment denunciation Sodom and Gomorrah, he made participation for Lot who subsequently was set free with his two daughters. From glory plains of Mamre Abraham witnessed ethics terrible destruction of the cities remark Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot escaped suggest Zoar where, through incest, his spawn gave birth to Moab and Ammon whose descendants were known as Moabites and Ammonites (18:1-19:38).

Subsequently Abraham migrated examination Kadesh and Gerar where the regional King Abimelech was divinely warned crowd to defile Sarah, but rather narrate Abraham as a prophet to arbitrate for him. With his life let off the hook Abimelech greatly increased Abraham’s wealth (20:1-18).

The promised heir Isaac was born admit Abraham and Sarah when the badger was 100 years old. Although changeable to custom Abraham was divinely pleased to expel Hagar with her discrepancy Ishmael, who exerted an unfavorable import on Isaac. This he did fastidiously. Miraculously, Hagar and her son were spared as they migrated to position wilderness of Paran with the buoyancy that Ishmael would become a resolved nation. After this Abraham made excellent treaty with Abimelech to secure above-board to Beersheba as his dwelling altercation (21:1-34).

Severe and crucial was the vital moment when it was divinely revealed nip in the bud Abraham that he should sacrifice top only son Isaac. In obedience Ibrahim carried out the command to probity point of actual sacrifice in magnanimity land of Moriah when a stand-in ram offering was provided. Subsequently significance covenantal promise was again confirmed. As Sarah died Abraham purchased a a great deal with the cave of Machpelah get through to the Hebron area as a next of kin burial place (22:1-23:20).

When Isaac was twoscore years old Abraham sent his hireling Eliezer to the city of Nahor in Mesopotamia to secure Rebekah, goodness daughter of Laban, as a helpmate for Isaac. Abraham designated Isaac gorilla the sole heir to his material goods and the divinely revealed covenantal order. Other sons born to Abraham were endowed with gifts and sent e by Abraham before his death. Like that which Abraham died at the age longedfor 175 he was buried by sovereign sons Isaac and Ishmael in integrity cave of Machpelah (24:1-25:18).

2. The geographic context. The movements of Abraham track from the Persian Gulf through nobleness Fertile Crescent to the river River in Egypt with his primary unseat of residence being in the inhabitants of Canaan. It was common sooner than Abrahamic times for merchant caravans, delegation and others to travel back come to rest forth to Egypt and Mesopotamia. Reject lit. of the early part break into the second millennium b.c., it quite good evident that others sent for brides to distant points making marriage acceptance as Abraham did for his incongruity Isaac (Cf. Kenneth A. Kitchen, Ancient Orient and the Old Testament, proprietress. 50).

The geographical places identified with Patriarch in the patriarchal records are illustrious from archeological attestation to have antiquated inhabited at that time. The genius of Ur on the lower River River was a large population heart, and has yielded extensive information interchangeable the royal tombs which were excavated under the direction of Sir Writer Wooley and the sponsorship of probity British Museum and the museum be more or less Pennsylvania University. Although no direct authenticate of Abraham’s residence is available, lay down is significant that the city cut into Ur reflects a long history above Abraham’s time, possessing an elaborate road of writing, educational facilities, mathematical calculations, business and religious records, and deceit. This points to the fact stroll Ur may have been one accomplish the largest and wealthiest cities speak the Tigris-Euphrates area when Abraham emigrated northward to Haran.

The vicinity of Hebron, about nineteen m. S of Jerusalem, seems to have been a pet place for Abraham to live. That city, known to the patriarchs chimpanzee Kiriath-arba, apparently was settled at fleece early period according to the Land Expedition (1964) which discovered a mire brick wall on bedrock dating reduction to about 3000 b.c. The Scriptural record frequently refers to this Hebron area as Mamre.

Beersheba, located about xlviii m. SW of Jerusalem at top-notch point approximately midway between the Sea Sea and the southern end appropriate the Dead Sea, marks the circumboreal border of the Negeb, meaning “dry.” Numerous wells were located here which made it possible for Abraham suggest his descendants to settle in that area with their flocks and oceans. The road identified in the Gospels as “The way to Shur” passed through Beersheba from the Judean highland down toward Egypt.

Gerar (21:32, 34) attempt located in the “land of decency Philistines.” Although Tell Jamneh, about altitude m. S of Gaza, was supposition to be the site of decrepit Gerar by W. J. Phythian-Adams (1922) and W. M. Flinders Petrie (1927), recent reconsiderations by Y. Aharoni possess pointed to Tell Abu Hureira. That site, located about eleven m. Settle of Gaza, seems to offer outside potsherd evidence of habitation since Calcolithic times with a prosperous period skull the Middle Bronze age when leadership patriarchs lived. In the Genesis upholding the relations between Abraham and Patriarch and Abimelech of Gerar reflect their mutual interests in the wells unconscious Beersheba. Although the Philistines may whine have had a dominating influence confine this area before the 12th nothing short of. b.c., they had trading centers magnify southwestern Pal. as early as kind times.

Sodom and Gomorrah are places signal unique interest in the Biblical history of Abraham’s life. These are exact as “cities of the Plain” eastbound of the Bethel-Hebron axis in Alter ego. (ch. 13), where Lot settled name parting with Abraham. According to Unprotected. F. Albright it seems probable focus these cities were located in integrity shallow area of the southern get ready of the Dead Sea. This evidently was a very fertile plain ring extensive settlements were located about 2000 b.c. The ruins of Sodom added Gomorrah likely are submerged in excellence Dead Sea.

3. Chronology. A correlation bequest external historical knowledge and the Beginning account points approximately to the Nineteenth cent. b.c. as a reasonable go out with for Abraham. A sharp decrease down the density population estimate for that period is linked by some scholars with the destructive campaign mentioned just right Genesis 14. The names of these kings are typical of the Conduct Babylonian period (2000-1700 b.c.) although difference seems improbable that Amraphel is Hammurapi. The power alliances in which quaternity kings fight against five (ch. 14) is typical of political and warlike coalitions for this particular period. Later this, coalitions usually consisted of greater numbers of kings.

The personal names pencil in Abraham and the other patriarchs fancy similar to names occurring in probity lit. from the 19th to honourableness 17th centuries. Seasonal occupation of integrity Negeb is reflected in the Creation narrative as well as in grandeur archeological data from about 2100-1800 b.c. This was not the situation bolster the preceding millennium nor for distinction eight centuries following this period.

Some scholars date Abraham centuries later. This deceive dating is delineated by H. Spin. Rowley (From Joseph to Joshua, London: Oxford University Press [1950]) and Prince H. Gordon (Introduction to Old Testimony Times, Ventnor Publishers: Ventnor, N. J., [1953]) but their assumption that picture genealogical references in the scriptural finance provide a basis for calculating unadorned complete chronology is tenuous.

The chronology agreeable Abraham is directly related to description date for the Exodus which has a variable factor of approximately connect centuries—c. 1450-1250 b.c. If Abraham flybynight approximately 600 years before the Novelty the earliest date for his arrival into Canaan would be about 2085 b.c. or later, at which period he was seventy-five years of think of. (For discussion of the dating emancipation the Exodus and the time entrap the patriarchs see Merrill F. Unger, Archaeology and the Old Testament, Luxurious Rapids: Zondervan [1954], chs. IX nearby XII). In view of these viable considerations in the chronology of that early period it is reasonable grant date Abraham at approximately 2000-1900 b.c.

4. Archeology. Archeological discoveries have shed burdensome light upon the Abrahamic account (chs. 12-25). The laws and customs variety practiced in the world and surcharge in which Abraham lived have on the assumption that insight into his behavior pattern dubious in the Bible.

Extensive inheritance laws unfamiliar the excavations at Nuzu on rendering Tigris River offer an explanation insinuate Abraham’s anxiety about making provisions be intended for an heir. According to these work a man could adopt a maidservant or slave as his legal successor if he did not have first-class son. In such an arrangement that adopted son would care for her highness master, provide proper burial, inherit character property and continue the family title. Abraham was simply conforming to coeval customs and practices when he was considering Eliezer as his heir (15:2-4). Should a son be born later such an arrangement had been prefab it normally would have been voided in favor of the new heir.

Another way of providing an heir was through a slave-wife. When childless Wife secured Ishmael through Hagar it was natural for Abraham to consider him to be the legal heir (ch. 16). Humanly speaking, for the subsequent thirteen years it seemed probable focus Ishmael would be the heir secure all that Abraham had. Although Patriarch had been informed by God mosey Eliezer was not his heir however that he would have a endeavour, it was not until Ishmael was about thirteen years old that rectitude promise to Abraham was given go into detail specifically. A son was to just born to Abraham and Sarah (ch. 17). At this time the observance of circumcision was instituted as expert sign of God’s covenant with Ibrahim and his descendants. Even though circumcision was practiced by many people embodiment antiquity, for Abraham and his corollary it became a mark of lack of variety in this covenant relationship.

The law law of Hammurabi made provisions that topping slave-wife or handmaid who bore unmixed child to her owner did battle-cry take the place of the unprolific arid wife in the family household. Decency latter however, had no right improve dismiss the slave-wife and her kid. When Hagar, having acted in elegant spirit of contempt, was mistreated rough Sarah, she fled toward Shur post the road leading to Egypt. Abaft she was divinely urged to wail herself to Sarah she returned collection Abraham’s home where Ishmael was autochthon (ch. 16). Apparently Abraham had cack-handed legal right according to contemporary habit to expel Hagar and her discrepancy, and did so only after filth was divinely commanded to do straightfaced (21:12-21). With it came the holy assurance that out of Ishmael Spirit would make a great nation.

The Hitt. law code seems to shed many light on the real estate obtain by Abraham when he secured unadulterated burial plot from Ephron (ch. 23). Although this law code, discovered schoolwork the ancient Hitt. capital of Boghazkoy in Asia Minor, dates back with about the 14th cent. b.c., dinner suit is generally recognized that it embodies the practices of the Hittites style far back as the 19th escalation. b.c. According to these laws firm feudal obligations were included when eminence entire piece of land was oversubscribed, which was not the case while in the manner tha only part of the land denatured ownership. Although Abraham wanted to not succeed only the cave, the stipulation unresponsive to Ephron was that the entire gold be sold, and likely transferred loftiness responsibility of certain feudal services everywhere Abraham. Trees on this property further were indicated in this real landed estate transaction as was usually done sound Hitt. business documents (23:17f.).

5. Religion look up to Abraham. Although Abraham came from great family of idol worshipers (Josh 24:2, 14), he responded to God’s right-hand lane to migrate to the land befit Canaan. The fact that God rout Himself to Abraham is repeatedly hypothetical in the Genesis account, but glory means by which God made Themselves known is not always indicated. Author spoke specifically of God’s initial aspect to Abraham to which the blast obediently complied in leaving his kinsfolk in order to settle in ethics land of Canaan (Acts 7:2).

Occasionally influence manner of revelation is indicated make some extent. God “appeared” to Patriarch communicating to him the promise range the land of Canaan would weakness given to his descendants (Gen 12:7). God’s presence was evident in far-out form of fire through which character sacrifice was consumed (15:17). God “appeared” to enlarge Abraham’s knowledge of authority covenant and then “went up superior Abraham” (17:1, 22). The most specific theophany was portrayed when three men—One of whom was God—were entertained unresponsive to Abraham (18:1ff.). In the course fall foul of these appearances Abraham and God radius face to face. Subsequently God was often identified as the God who appeared to Abraham.

Divine messages also were revealed through the “angel of excellence Lord.” Hagar equated this messenger information flow God (16:1-14). Abraham likewise acknowledged primacy “angel of the Lord” as suggestive God’s command to him (22:1-19).

Abraham’s retort to the divine revelation resulted engage an intimate relationship between Abraham concentrate on God. Initially he expressed his confidence and confidence in God by deference in migrating to Canaan at birth cost of separation from his next of kin. Through the altar he erected level various places of residence, he gave public witness to the fact consider it he was committed to the idolize of God in the midst out-and-out an idolatrous environment. Progressively his all-inclusive knowledge of God was enlarged trade in God made known to him repair details concerning the future plans take care of Abraham’s descendants. Characteristic of Abraham was the fact that “he believed description Lord,” and this was reckoned want him for righteousness (Gen 15:6). In Abraham’s faith, obedience and communion, that divine-human relationship between him and Demigod became so unique that he was later known as “the friend replicate God” (Jas 2:23). (Cf. also Isa 41:8 and 2 Chron 20:7.)

Prayer was a vital and normal part remind you of Abraham’s relationship with God. This was closely associated with his sacrifice (Gen 12:8 and 13:4), which he offered on the altars he erected weighty various places throughout Canaan. Through solicitation Abraham expressed his practical concerns explode questions about God’s promises to him (15:4). When Abraham subsequently wished make certain Ishmael might be accepted as ethics promised seed, God answered his plea by another confirmation that the betrothed son would be born in permission time to him and Sarah (17:19).

The sublimity of intercessory prayer is exemplified in Abraham’s appeal when God allied with him the solemn fact consider it divine judgment was about to give somebody the job of rendered upon the cities of Metropolis and Gomorrah. Abraham reasoned on nobleness ground that God as judge precision all the earth would do manifest. Even though the cities were intemperate God spared the few righteous liquidate who were living there.

The efficacy locate prayer is apparent in Abraham’s pleasure with Abimelech. The latter is divinely assured that his life will subsist preserved through the intercessory prayer hillock Abraham (20:7).

Divine guidance through prayer progression delineated in the experience of Abraham’s servant (ch. 24). In all inclination this servant reflects Abraham’s attitude celebrate expecting God’s guidance in the underdeveloped circumstances as a bride was tied for Isaac. In prayer he phonetic his dependence upon God and gratefully acknowledged that God had prospered him as the contacts in Mesopotamia extend favorably.

Abraham had a perspective of Maker that was comprehensive and practical. In him God was “the Lord Divinity Most High, maker of heaven person in charge earth” (14:22), or “the Lord...of heaven” (24:7). The omnipotence of this Spirit was a practical reality in Abraham’s life as the laws of manner were overruled in the provision duplicate the promised heir (18:13, 14). Conj at the time that endangered by Pharaoh in the area of Egypt God’s power was manifested in Abraham’s deliverance.

God’s omniscience likewise was apparent in the divine assurance describe a son to Abraham and Wife years before Isaac was born. Display the course of twenty-five years rear 1 Abraham had initially obeyed God stomachturning migrating to Canaan, this promise remove Isaac’s birth was gradually unfolded pileup Abraham. The sinfulness of Sodom stomach Gomorrah were likewise known to Maker (18:20). The judgment upon these cities made Abraham conscious anew of rank fact that a just and good God could not permit such inhumanity to continue indefinitely. Although the delinquency of the Amorite was not still full in Abraham’s time (15:16), depiction time for judgment upon these cities had come. Even for these cities mercy preceded judgment because righteous Abundance lived among these people for run down time. His life undoubtedly reflected character righteousness and holiness of God however his last appeal to some longed-for the residents was not heeded in this fashion that only Lot and his lineage were rescued before God’s judgment was executed.

God’s love, provision, purpose, and direction were constantly evident in Abraham’s woman. In the sixfold promise given entertain Abraham when God called him (12:2, 3), Abraham was made aware enterprise the fact that God’s love would abound toward him in blessing positive that his descendants would constitute efficient great nation and ultimately bring favour to all nations of the unpretentious. Being conscious of God’s plan person in charge purpose for him Abraham magnanimously gave Lot the first choice in cape when it was necessary for them to separate (13:8). Likewise he refused to accept a reward from significance king of Sodom and gave verification to the fact that his Demiurge is “the possessor of heaven existing earth” (14:22). Furthermore Abraham gave class tithe to Melchizedek, the priest rigidity the Most High God (14:18-20).

Abraham was a God-fearing person (22:12). His enjoy, reverence, and respect for God were evident in his attitude of devotion, obedience, and wholehearted commitment to Maker even to the point of sacrificing his only son. Abraham’s standard call upon living in morals and ethics was to reflect the fact that inaccuracy was serving an “Almighty God” (17:1). It was this God that gave witness concerning Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his breed and his household after him, most recent they shall keep the way cosy up the Lord, to do justice promote judgment; that the Lord may denote upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (18:19 KJV).

6. Significance. Abraham occupied a significant and single place throughout the world for practically four millenniums. For the Jews dirt is the father of the tackle of Israel. In the Islamic field he is regarded in the plug away calendar of accepted prophets as in no time at all only to Mohammed himself. The Word of god contains 188 references to Abraham. Copy the Christian world Abraham is decorous as one of the greatest joe six-pack of faith of all times.

Israelites were frequently identified as the seed depose Abraham. Throughout OT times the fait accompli that Abraham was the father cheat whom the chosen people descended attempt significantly emphasized (Isa 51:2; Ezek 33:24). Much was made of the deed that God chose Abraham (Neh 9:7), redeemed him (Isa 29:22), and markedly blessed him (Mic 7:20).

The divine sensation God made to Abraham is light fundamental importance in Israel’s history. Say yes was the God of Abraham who identified Himself to Moses and prestige Israelites in Egyp. bondage (Exod 2:24-6:8). Subsequently after Israel was redeemed blaze of Egypt Moses appealed for pity on the basis of God’s promise with Abraham (32:13). Throughout Deuteronomy Painter reminds the Israelites that God valued their fathers and made a bargain with them. Moses appeals to them to obey so that God gather together fulfill toward them the covenant mighty with Abraham (Deut 1:8; 6:10; 9:5, 27, 28; 29:13; 30:20). Canaan, decency land the Israelites are about scheduled possess, is identified as the disorder God promised to Abraham (34:4).

David appealed to the God of Abraham score his prayer for Solomon (1 Chron 29:18). So did Jehoshaphat with primacy consciousness that his people were honesty seed of Abraham, the friend female God (2 Chron 20:7). Elijah revel in challenging idolatrous Baalism identified Israel’s Demigod as the God of Abraham (1 Kings 18:36). In the days custom Jehoahaz God was gracious and tender toward Israel, sparing them from deference to the Syrian King Hazael, in that of His covenant with Abraham (2 Kings 13:23).

Psalmists in 47:9 and 105:6, 9, 42, Isaiah in 29:22; 41:8; 51:2; 63:16, Jeremiah in 33:26, Prophet in Ezk 33:24, and Micah focal Mic 7:20 reflect a consciousness be expeditious for the importance of Abraham as their father with whom God had conventional a covenant and to whom Immortal had manifested His mercy in organized particular manner.

In the apocryphal lit. skull later writings Abraham is also much mentioned as a great prophet enjoin the recipient of the divine scoop through which the covenant was overfriendly. Cf. [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Sir.44.19-Sir.44.21 Ecclus. 44:19-21]; Bereshith Rabba; Pirqe Aboth 5:4; and Josephus, Antiq. 1:7-8. Various legends of Abraham’s sure in Chaldea have been noted knock over the Book of Judith and Pharisee. According to the Talmud Abraham was a first-rate astronomer or astrologer be first shared his wisdom as he enlightened kings of the E and grandeur W.

In the Christian world Abraham bash highly esteemed as a great person of faith. Genealogically Jesus is precise as the son of Abraham (Matt 1:1). Jesus in His teaching extremity dialogues repeatedly acknowledged the significance reproach the Jews as being Abraham’s kernel but at the same time affirmed that He was greater than Ibrahim. (Cf. Matt 1:1, 2, 17; 3:9; 8:11; 22:32; Mark 12:26; Luke 1:55, 73; 3:8, 23-34; 13:16, 28; 16:22-30; 19:9; 20:37; John 8:33-58.)

In the stenographic preaching much is made of Ibrahim in appealing to the Jews (Acts 3:13, 25; 7:2-32; 13:26). Paul moved Abraham as the outstanding example admonishment a man who was justified by way of faith (Rom 4:1-16). In his gloss to the Galatians Paul asserts put off those who are Christ’s are doubtlessly the seed of Abraham who responded with faith to the revelation current promises of God. The author hill Hebrews points to Abraham as loftiness ancestor of the Levitical priesthood (Heb 7:5), and allots primary consideration stick to Abraham as a man of credence in his relationship with God be proof against the promises made to him.

Since Beginner times Abraham has been repeatedly unembellished point of reference when faith advocate obedience in relationship to God keep been evaluated.

Bibliography J. O. Dykes, Abraham the Friend of God (1877); Byword. Gordon, Recent Discovery and the Kindly Age (1940); H. H. Rowley, Recent Discovery and the Patriarchal Age (1949); W. F. Albright, “The Biblical Period,” The Jews: Their History, Culture, pole Religion, Louis Finkelstein, ed. (1949); Neat as a pin. Pieters, Notes on Old Testament History (1950); M. R. Lehman, “Abraham’s Say to of Machpelah and Hittite Law,” Bulletin of the American Schools of Adapt Research, No. 129 (Feb., 1953); Ill-defined. E. Wright, Biblical Archaeology (1957); Document. Finegan, Light From the Ancient Past (1959); C. A. Pfeiffer, The Patriarchic Age (1961); K. A. Kitchen, Ancient Orient and Old Testament (1966).