Genesis 16 - 18

Abram tries to fulfill God's plans for his life his own way.  He fails miserably.  Although he makes numerous mistakes, God still makes a covenant with him that will bring blessing to Abram.  Part of that covenant involved changing Abram's name to Abraham; another part was the promise of a son born to his wife Sarah.  God makes this promise to Abraham personally. Abraham also intercedes for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah - convincing God to not destroy the wicked cities if ten righteous people can be found among her citizenry.