Joshua 24:3a). Abram was called by God to leave what was familiar to him and obeyed by faith (Heb 11:8). The calling came to Abram while he stilled lived in Ur
(Acts 7:2–4, Gen 11:31–32). He obeyed because he trusted God. Whenever we are called to do something that is unfamiliar, it takes a special leap of faith to do it.
God promised to make him a great nation, to bless those who bless him, curse those who dishonors him, and all the peoples on Earth will be blessed through him. (Gen 12:2–3, Gal 3:8b). It contains a promise from God to give Abram an offspring and a prophesy about the coming Messiah. These words are one reason why many Bible-believing Christians feel the way they do about Israel.
Nations that have treated the Jewish people well have often been blessed.
Abram was only half obedient: He took his father Terah and his nephew Lot with him, but the calling was to leave his father's house (Gen 12:1, 11:31). He also stayed for a time in Haran instead of going directly to the land that God would show him. Abram's half-hearted obedience didn't take away God's promise.
Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated, and the people they had acquired, when he left Haran and they went to the land of Canaan (Gen 12:4–5). The Lord appeared to Abram and promised him to give the land of Canaan to his offspring (Gen 12:7a).
Abram built several altars to the Lord (Gen 12:7b–8, 13:18b).
Abram built several altars to the Lord (Gen 12:7b–8, 13:18b).
Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because of a severe famine in the land (Gen 12:10). Abram made a decision on his own based on his circumstances to go to Egypt without bringing it to the Lord. He didn't go there because of a direction from the Lord. He compromised. He wasn't perfect in his faith and neither are we.
Abram told his wife Sarai to tell the Egyptians that she was his sister, because he was afraid they would kill him because of her beauty. If she said so, he would be well treated for her sake, and his life would be spared because of her. When Abram came to Egypt, the Egyptians saw that Sarai was a very beautiful woman, and she was taken to Pharaoh's palace. He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep, cattle, donkeys, servants, and camels. But the Lord inflicted Pharaoh and his house with severe diseases because of Abram’s wife Sarai. Pharaoh then summoned Abram to him and asked him why he didn't tell him that she was his wife. Pharaoh told him to take his wife and go. Abram left Egypt with his wife and all he had.
(Gen 12:11–20).
(Gen 12:11–20).
God blessed Abram with wealth in the midst of his disobedience. Grace doesn't equal God's approval of something. It's a favor that hasn't been earned. We must be careful not to use grace as an excuse to live in sin.
Sarai would later at the age of 90 miraculous give birth to Isaac, who would marry Rebecca, who would give birth to the twins Jacob and Esau. Jacob would be renamed Israel. From him would come the twelve tribes of Israel. From the tribe of Judah would come Messiah. Abram not only put his wife in danger by his own compromise,
he literally endangered God's redemptive program to bring forth Messiah. It's important for us not to face circumstances alone but to put our heart to the Lord and pray, and to receive guidance from the Lord to know what to do and when, and not just be driven by things of this life.
he literally endangered God's redemptive program to bring forth Messiah. It's important for us not to face circumstances alone but to put our heart to the Lord and pray, and to receive guidance from the Lord to know what to do and when, and not just be driven by things of this life.
Abram returned to the place where he had first made an altar, and there he called upon the name of the Lord (Gen 13:1–4). Instead of agonising over his past sin,
he did what he needed to do, he called on the name of the Lord. This was his restoration of obedience, see time 4:58–6:34 in DAVID GUZIK SERMON ON GENESIS 13 GOD AGAIN PROMISES THE LAND TO ABRAM. He looked forward to God's
Heaven and grew in his faith, see How to Build Your Faith. By faith he made his
home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country (Heb 11:9–10).
he did what he needed to do, he called on the name of the Lord. This was his restoration of obedience, see time 4:58–6:34 in DAVID GUZIK SERMON ON GENESIS 13 GOD AGAIN PROMISES THE LAND TO ABRAM. He looked forward to God's
Heaven and grew in his faith, see How to Build Your Faith. By faith he made his
home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country (Heb 11:9–10).
However, Abram had become very wealthy in livestock, silver and gold (Gen 13:2). The land couldn't support both Abram and Lot, for their possessions were too great to be supported while they stayed together (Gen 13:5–7). They therefore decided to separate and live in different places where Abram let Lot choose the better place
(Gen 13:8–12, Phil 2:4), see time 10:23–17:00 in DAVID GUZIK SERMON ON GENESIS 13 . . .. This was a drawback of their riches which they mostly got while in Egypt, but also the result of Abram bringing with him relatives which wasn't God's will. If they hadn't had so many sheep and cattle, they would probably have been able to stay together. Abram had good influence on Lot because Abram was such a godly man. It would therefore have been good for Lot if they had been able to stay together, so that he could learn from him. Two is also better than one. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. Although one can be overpowered, two can defend themselves. (Ecc 4:9–12), see The Book of Ecclesiastes.
(Gen 13:8–12, Phil 2:4), see time 10:23–17:00 in DAVID GUZIK SERMON ON GENESIS 13 . . .. This was a drawback of their riches which they mostly got while in Egypt, but also the result of Abram bringing with him relatives which wasn't God's will. If they hadn't had so many sheep and cattle, they would probably have been able to stay together. Abram had good influence on Lot because Abram was such a godly man. It would therefore have been good for Lot if they had been able to stay together, so that he could learn from him. Two is also better than one. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. Although one can be overpowered, two can defend themselves. (Ecc 4:9–12), see The Book of Ecclesiastes.
After Lot had separated from Abram, God promised all the land that Abram could see to him and and to his offspring forever (Gen 13:14–15, 17).
Five kings rebelled against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, as these five kings
had served for twelve years. This led to a war between four kings
(Chedorlaomer and three other kings), and these five kings. The kings over
Sodom and Gomorrah were among these five kings. Lot and his family lived in Sodom at this time. The four kings defeated the five kings. They took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, including Lot's possessions, and went their way. When Abram heard of this, he led forth just 318 of his trained men and defeated the enemy, whose numbers were probably much higher. Abram had faith
in the Lord. He then brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people. (Gen 14:1–16).
had served for twelve years. This led to a war between four kings
(Chedorlaomer and three other kings), and these five kings. The kings over
Sodom and Gomorrah were among these five kings. Lot and his family lived in Sodom at this time. The four kings defeated the five kings. They took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, including Lot's possessions, and went their way. When Abram heard of this, he led forth just 318 of his trained men and defeated the enemy, whose numbers were probably much higher. Abram had faith
in the Lord. He then brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people. (Gen 14:1–16).
Melchizedek brought out bread and wine for Abram and his men, see
Melchizedek in The Book of Hebrews and time 20:34–32:25 in DAVID GUZIK SERMON ON GENESIS 14 ABRAM RESCUES LOT & MEETS MELCHIZEDEK
(Gen 14:17–20).
Melchizedek in The Book of Hebrews and time 20:34–32:25 in DAVID GUZIK SERMON ON GENESIS 14 ABRAM RESCUES LOT & MEETS MELCHIZEDEK
(Gen 14:17–20).
Abram kept nothing of the possessions except what the young men had eaten and the share of the men who went with him (Gen 14:13, 21–24). Abram accepted food from Melchizedek because he was a righteous man, but he didn't accept anything from the king of Sodom because Sodom was an incredible wicked city, and Abram
probably didn't want to be aligned with anything from that city (1 John 2:15–17).
probably didn't want to be aligned with anything from that city (1 John 2:15–17).
God promised Abram that one who would come from his own body would be his heir, and that his offspring would be so numerous that he wouldn't be able to count them. Abram believed the Lord, and God credited it to him as righteousness. (Gen 13:16, 15:4–6, Rom 4:18–22, 2–3, 9, Gal 3:6, James 2:23). Righteousness comes by faith (Rom 4:23–25) and not by works or following rules, see 4) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness in The Sermon on the Mount. See also How to Build Your Faith.
God told Abram that he had given him that land (Canaan) to possess.
Abram's descendants will first be strangers in a land that isn't their own, and will be enslaved and mistreated there. But God will punish that nation that they will serve as slaves, and then they will come out from there with great possessions. They will come back to the land of Canaan to take possession of it. The sin of the Amorites
who lived there must first reach its full measure before this can happen. God made a covenant with Abram, the so called Abrahamic covenant, and promised him to give this land (the Greater Israel) to his descendants, from the Brook of Egypt
(Num (4 Mos) 34:5, 1 Kings 8:65, Gen 15:18, Exo 23:31) to the great river, which is the Euphrates. (Gen 15:7, 13–16, 18–19, Acts 7:5–7).
Abram's descendants will first be strangers in a land that isn't their own, and will be enslaved and mistreated there. But God will punish that nation that they will serve as slaves, and then they will come out from there with great possessions. They will come back to the land of Canaan to take possession of it. The sin of the Amorites
who lived there must first reach its full measure before this can happen. God made a covenant with Abram, the so called Abrahamic covenant, and promised him to give this land (the Greater Israel) to his descendants, from the Brook of Egypt
(Num (4 Mos) 34:5, 1 Kings 8:65, Gen 15:18, Exo 23:31) to the great river, which is the Euphrates. (Gen 15:7, 13–16, 18–19, Acts 7:5–7).
Many scholars believe that the Brook of Egypt was a river channel that flowed into the Mediterranean Sea between Sinai Peninsula and Gaza.
It was actually only for a short time under king Solomon (1 Kings 4:21a)
that the children of Israel ruled over this whole area as the Greater Israel.
However, this promise will be fulfilled during the millennial kingdom, see
The Millennial Kingdom and the Great White Throne Judgement.
that the children of Israel ruled over this whole area as the Greater Israel.
However, this promise will be fulfilled during the millennial kingdom, see
The Millennial Kingdom and the Great White Throne Judgement.
This covenant is one-sided, based on the fact that only God passes between the pieces (Gen 15:9–12, 17, Jer 34:18), see the times 28:43–32:33 and 36:56–41:28 in DAVID GUZIK SERMON ON GENESIS 15 GOD CONFIRMS THE COVENANT WITH ABRAM. The certainty of this covenant is based on who God is, not on Abram or what ho would do, and God can't fail. This means that the promises in this covenant will be fulfilled regardless of the behavior of the Jews. It also means that God isn't finished with the Jews and the nation of Israel. Give away land for peace,
west of the Jordan river from the nation of Israel can therefore be questioned.
west of the Jordan river from the nation of Israel can therefore be questioned.
Time passes and Sarai grows older. She thinks these things through and comes to the logical but faulty conclusion that she is too old to to have children. She therefore offers Abram her slave Hagar to have a child with her. Abram agrees to Sarai's proposal and Hagar becomes pregnant. But Hagar then begins to despise Sarai for not being able to have a child and thinks she is better than her.
Sarai complains to Abram, who allows her to do with her whatever she thinks
is best. Then Sarai mistreats Hagar, so she flees from her. (Gen 16:1–6).
Sarai complains to Abram, who allows her to do with her whatever she thinks
is best. Then Sarai mistreats Hagar, so she flees from her. (Gen 16:1–6).
This isn't good leadership from Abram. He shouldn't have accepted Sarai's proposal in the first place. They should have waited for God's promise to be fulfilled without interfering. Second, after he wrongly accepted it, he should have protected Hagar
as his second wife, and not hand her over to Sarai to mistreat her.
as his second wife, and not hand her over to Sarai to mistreat her.
The angel of the Lord told Hagar to go back to Sarai and submit to her. (Hagar
shouldn't despise Sarai any longer, but that doesn't mean that she has to accept being mistreated by Sarai.) The Lord would increase her descendants so much that
they would be too numerous to count. She would give birth to a son and name
him Ishmael. (Gen 16:7–16). See the angel of the Lord explained at the times:
shouldn't despise Sarai any longer, but that doesn't mean that she has to accept being mistreated by Sarai.) The Lord would increase her descendants so much that
they would be too numerous to count. She would give birth to a son and name
him Ishmael. (Gen 16:7–16). See the angel of the Lord explained at the times:
- 25:18–30:19 in DAVID GUZIK SERMON ON GENESIS 16 . . ..
- 3:16–4:23 in Bible Q&A with Pastor Paul │ October 2023.
When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said that he would multiply him greatly. Abram would become the father of a multitude of nations (he is the father of all of us who share his faith) (Rom 4:16, Gal 3:7, 29, 1 Pet 3:6b). His name would henceforth be Abraham, because God had made him the father of a multitude of nations, and kings would come from him. God would establish his
covenant between him and Abraham and his offspring (the Jews) after him. God would give to Abraham and his offspring all the land of Canaan, and he would be their God. The sign of this covenant, which they must keep, is that every male among them must be circumcised when he is eight days old.
This must be done on every male born in his house and on every male bought with money from any foreigner who isn't of his offspring. It will be an everlasting
covenant between him and Abraham and his offspring (the Jews) after him. God would give to Abraham and his offspring all the land of Canaan, and he would be their God. The sign of this covenant, which they must keep, is that every male among them must be circumcised when he is eight days old.
This must be done on every male born in his house and on every male bought with money from any foreigner who isn't of his offspring. It will be an everlasting
covenant. The name of Abraham's wife Sarai, who was 89 years old, would be Sarah. God would bless her and give Abraham a son through her, and his name would be Isaac. God would establish his covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. (Gen 17:1–17, Rom 4:18–22, Acts 7:8).
Note that God already in the Old Covenant wanted the people to know that circumcision was symbolic in nature (Deu 10:16, 30:6), see Typology. Although the priests physically performed the circumcision when the child was eight days old, true circumcision is made by God in the hearts (in the minds) of men. We have similarities in the New Covenant (Rom 2:28–29, Col 2:9–12, Gal 6:12–15).
Jesus said that if anyone comes after him, he shall deny himself and take up his cross and follow him (Mat 16:24), see Sanctification.
Jesus said that if anyone comes after him, he shall deny himself and take up his cross and follow him (Mat 16:24), see Sanctification.
God also blessed Ishmael, who was 13 years old at this time. God would make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He would be father to twelve rulers, and God would make him a great nation (Gen 25:12–18). But it would be Isaac who would be the recipient of the covenant, not Ishmael. Then Abraham took Ishmael and all who were born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the males of Abraham’s house, and circumcised them on the same day, as God had told him.
(Gen 17:18–27).
(Gen 17:18–27).
Ishmael was circumcised because he was part of Abraham's household. The
covenant however didn't go through his line. Abraham was obedient to God.
The Lord appeared to Abraham: Three men stood nearby (the Lord and two angels). (Gen 18:1–2a). The Lord couldn't be God the Father because no one can see him and live (Exo (2 Mos) 33:20–23, John 1:18). It was the pre-incarnated Jesus
(John 8:56), see time time 2:16–4:08 in DAVID GUZIK SERMON ON GENESIS 18....
The Lord promised to return to him next year, and then would Sarah have a son (Gen 18:10a, Rom 9:9). For God is nothing impossible (Gen 18:14, Luk 1:37).
Then the Lord said that from Abraham there would be a great and powerful nation, and all the nations of the Earth would be blessed through him. God had chosen him to direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of
the Lord by doing what is right and just. (Gen 18:18–19).
(John 8:56), see time time 2:16–4:08 in DAVID GUZIK SERMON ON GENESIS 18....
The Lord promised to return to him next year, and then would Sarah have a son (Gen 18:10a, Rom 9:9). For God is nothing impossible (Gen 18:14, Luk 1:37).
Then the Lord said that from Abraham there would be a great and powerful nation, and all the nations of the Earth would be blessed through him. God had chosen him to direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of
the Lord by doing what is right and just. (Gen 18:18–19).
The Lord then said that the sin in Sodom and Gomorrah was so grievous.
The two men (the two angels) turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Abraham continued to have a conversation with the Lord on the basis of the heart of justice, whether righteous people would be swept away because of the wickedness of the other people. The answer was that God won't sweep away the righteous with the wicked. If God could find ten righteous people in Sodom he wouldn't destroy the city. (Gen 18:20–33).
The two men (the two angels) turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Abraham continued to have a conversation with the Lord on the basis of the heart of justice, whether righteous people would be swept away because of the wickedness of the other people. The answer was that God won't sweep away the righteous with the wicked. If God could find ten righteous people in Sodom he wouldn't destroy the city. (Gen 18:20–33).
The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city where he lived. Lot, knowing how dangerous it could be in Sodom, invited them (whom he thought were two men) to spend the night in his house.
(Gen 19:1–3). Lot was a righteous man who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless in Sodom (2 Pet 2:7–8). Before they had gone to bed, all the men from all parts of the city of Sodom surrounded the house. These men urged Lot to send the two men out so they could rape them, see also Homosexuality.
Lot offered them to let his two daughters do whatever they wanted with them instead. They didn't accept it and continued to press Lot and went forward to break down the door. But the two men (the angels) inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. Then they struck the men standing at the door of the house with blindness so that they couldn't find the door. The two angels asked
Lot if he had any sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belonged to him. Lot needed to get them out of there because the angels were going to destroy that place. However, Lot's sons-in-law didn't believe Lot, they thought he was joking. (Gen 19:1–14).
(Gen 19:1–3). Lot was a righteous man who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless in Sodom (2 Pet 2:7–8). Before they had gone to bed, all the men from all parts of the city of Sodom surrounded the house. These men urged Lot to send the two men out so they could rape them, see also Homosexuality.
Lot offered them to let his two daughters do whatever they wanted with them instead. They didn't accept it and continued to press Lot and went forward to break down the door. But the two men (the angels) inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. Then they struck the men standing at the door of the house with blindness so that they couldn't find the door. The two angels asked
Lot if he had any sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belonged to him. Lot needed to get them out of there because the angels were going to destroy that place. However, Lot's sons-in-law didn't believe Lot, they thought he was joking. (Gen 19:1–14).
The angels urged Lot to take his wife and his two daughters out of the city, or they would be swept away when the city was punished. They shouldn't look back nor stop anywhere in the plain. They should flee to the mountains to avoid being swept away. However, Lot asked the angels to flee to a small town nearby. He was allowed to do that, and that city was spared. When Lot reached the city, the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah. He overthrew these cities and the whole plain and destroyed all who lived in the cities and also the vegetation of the land. But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. God remembered Abraham and brought Lot and his daughters out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived. (Gen 19:15–29).
Lot and his two daughters left this little town to which he had fled, for he was afraid to stay there, and settled in the mountains. He and his two daughters lived in a cave. The daughters gave Lot wine to drink and slept with him to preserve their family through him. He wasn't aware of it. Both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab, the father of the Moabites. The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi, the father of the Ammonites. (Gen 19:30–38). The Moabites and Ammonites became enemies of the people of Israel, see Balaam and Balak.
Although Lot was a righteous man, he was also a double minded person, see Fear of Man. We can all be that from time to time. It's when you know something is wrong but choose not to do anything about it, which is much harder. Lot chose to live in Sodom, even though he knew that it was a wicked city, probably because there were benefits to living there that his family members appreciated (Rom 12:2,
1 John 2:15–17). He was willing to offer his daughters to be raped, when he should have protected them. He didn't want to flee to the mountains like the angles told him to, even if it was for his own good. They could have humbled themselves and gone back to Abraham instead of living in fear. There Lot could have found husbands for his daughters. Lot compromised more and more and didn't live in faith as Abraham did, see Faith, Hope, and Agape Love.
1 John 2:15–17). He was willing to offer his daughters to be raped, when he should have protected them. He didn't want to flee to the mountains like the angles told him to, even if it was for his own good. They could have humbled themselves and gone back to Abraham instead of living in fear. There Lot could have found husbands for his daughters. Lot compromised more and more and didn't live in faith as Abraham did, see Faith, Hope, and Agape Love.
Abraham was afraid of being killed because of Sarah and therefore said she was his sister. Then Abimelek sent for Sarah and brought her to him.
(Gen 20:1–2, 11–13). Abraham said so, even though God had previously told him not to be afraid, that God was his shield, and his reward would be very great
(Gen 15:1). God came to Abimelek in a dream and told him that Sarah was a married woman. He must return her to Abraham or die. He hadn't touched her yet. God told him that Abraham was a prophet, who would pray for him so that he would live. Then Abimelek brought sheep, cattle, and slaves, and gave them to Abraham and sent Sarah back to him. He said Abraham could live wherever he wanted and gave him thousand shekels of silver to cover the offense against Sarah
(Rom 12:20). (Gen 20:3–18).
(Gen 15:1). God came to Abimelek in a dream and told him that Sarah was a married woman. He must return her to Abraham or die. He hadn't touched her yet. God told him that Abraham was a prophet, who would pray for him so that he would live. Then Abimelek brought sheep, cattle, and slaves, and gave them to Abraham and sent Sarah back to him. He said Abraham could live wherever he wanted and gave him thousand shekels of silver to cover the offense against Sarah
(Rom 12:20). (Gen 20:3–18).
God again (see above) blessed Abraham with wealth in the midst of his disobedience. We must not use grace as an excuse for sin (Psalm 103:10). God's mercy didn't leave Abraham even though he hadn't trusted God.
Abraham had dishonoured both God and Abimelek. His cowardice had overwhelmed him and caused him to deny God by fearing that he wouldn't take care of him even though he had promised to do so. We can all fail in the same way that Abraham did. We must be grateful that God is faithful to us even when we aren't faithful to him.
Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham when she was 90 and Abraham 100 years old, just at the time God had promised him (Gen 18:10a). Abraham named him Isaac, who was circumcised when he was eight days old. Sarah told Abraham to get rid of Hagar and Ishmael, because she didn't want him to share the inheritance with her son Isaac. God told Abraham to listen to whatever Sarah told him, for it was through Isaac that his offspring would be reckoned. God would also make Ishmael into a nation, because he was an offspring of Abraham. Abraham obeyed God and sent Hagar and Ishmael away. (Gen 21:1–14).
Sarah's previous failures were removed from the eyes of the Lord when Sarah gave birth to Isaac (Heb 11:11–12). God forgives our sins and remembers them no more.
Isaac and Ishmael represents two covenants (Gal 4:22–29, Gen 21:9). Isaac
represents the life of promise issued through faith in the New Covenant. He represents freedom from the Law. Ishmael represents the life of the flesh that
goes out according to the Law. He represents bondage to the Law. When Sarah
tells Abraham to send away Ishmael and his mother, it's a picture of sending
away the life under the flesh. Circumcision is putting off the flesh. It's a picture of not living under the flesh, of putting away such a life (Rom 9:7–9, Heb 11:18), see Typology. We can also see the following similarities between Isaac and Jesus:
represents the life of promise issued through faith in the New Covenant. He represents freedom from the Law. Ishmael represents the life of the flesh that
goes out according to the Law. He represents bondage to the Law. When Sarah
tells Abraham to send away Ishmael and his mother, it's a picture of sending
away the life under the flesh. Circumcision is putting off the flesh. It's a picture of not living under the flesh, of putting away such a life (Rom 9:7–9, Heb 11:18), see Typology. We can also see the following similarities between Isaac and Jesus:
- Both were promised sons.
- Both had miraculous conceptions.
- Both were born after a period of delay.
- Both births showed God's omnipotence (Gen 18:13–14, Luke 1:34, 37), see God is omnipotent in God's Attributes.
- Both were given significant names before birth (Gen 17:19, Mat 1:21).
- Both were born at God's appointed time (Gen 21:2, Gal 4:4).
- Both events were of great joy (Gen 21:6, Luke 1:46–47, 2:10–11, 13–14).
- Both were offered up in sacrifice by God the Father.
- Both were brought back from the dead.
- Both were heads of a great lineage to bless all people.
- Both prepared a place for their bride and had a prayer service until they were united with the bride, see the Bride of Christ.
Abimelek (is a title and not a name of a person) saw how Abraham had been blessed by God and had great power. (He isn't the same person as mentioned earlier in
Gen 20:1–2.) He comes to Abraham and asks him to make a non-aggression pact. Abraham accepts and they make a treaty between them. (Gen 21:22–34).
Gen 20:1–2.) He comes to Abraham and asks him to make a non-aggression pact. Abraham accepts and they make a treaty between them. (Gen 21:22–34).
Abraham had waited about 30 years for Isaac's birth to take place after he was promised a son. God then tested Abraham to reveal his faith for what it was. God told Abraham to take Isaac, go to the region of Moriah, and sacrifice him as a
Burnt Offering on a mountain there. (Gen 22:1–2).
Burnt Offering on a mountain there. (Gen 22:1–2).
When faced with the unknown, we can fall back on what we know. We know that God is faithful and that he loves us. God doesn't turn back from his promises (Joshua 21:45, 23:14, 1 Sam 3:19). God answers prayer and will always do what is best for his children (Mat 7:11), see The Parable of the Persistent Widow and
Ask, and it will be given to you in The Sermon on the Mount.
Ask, and it will be given to you in The Sermon on the Mount.
Abraham knew that God had promised a future centered around Isaac (Gen 21:12, Rom 9:7). But he also knew that God had told him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham put his hope and trust in God. He put his obedience to God above his understanding of the situation. He believed that God could even raise Isaac
from the dead (Heb 11:17–19), see it explained at time 3:47–13:31 in
DAVID GUZIK SERMON ON Hebrews 11:17-22 – Jesus’ People of Faith 2.
from the dead (Heb 11:17–19), see it explained at time 3:47–13:31 in
DAVID GUZIK SERMON ON Hebrews 11:17-22 – Jesus’ People of Faith 2.
Early the next morning Abraham got up and took Isaac with him. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. Abraham took the wood for the Burnt Offering and laid it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two went on together, Isaac asked Abraham where the lamb for the
Burnt Offering was. Abraham replied that God himself would provide the lamb for the Burnt Offering. This can be be seen as a prophesy on the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross, something that John the Baptist prophesied about
(John 1:29). When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him to not lay his hand on him. Now the Lord knew that Abraham feared God, because he hadn't withheld his son. Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. It can be seen as a type of Christ, the lamb of God that God provided as a sacrifice, crowned by thorns.
He went forward and took the ram and sacrificed it as a Burnt Offering instead of his son. The angel of the Lord called to Abraham the second time and said:
"By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the Earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice." (Gen 22:3–18).
Burnt Offering was. Abraham replied that God himself would provide the lamb for the Burnt Offering. This can be be seen as a prophesy on the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross, something that John the Baptist prophesied about
(John 1:29). When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him to not lay his hand on him. Now the Lord knew that Abraham feared God, because he hadn't withheld his son. Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. It can be seen as a type of Christ, the lamb of God that God provided as a sacrifice, crowned by thorns.
He went forward and took the ram and sacrificed it as a Burnt Offering instead of his son. The angel of the Lord called to Abraham the second time and said:
"By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the Earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice." (Gen 22:3–18).
Abraham was justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar.
Faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works, see The Parable about the Wise and Foolish Builders.
Faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works, see The Parable about the Wise and Foolish Builders.
The Scripture was fulfilled which says: "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness" (Gen 15:6, James 2:21–23).
He was called a friend of God (James 2:23b, 2 Chron 20:7b, Isaiah 41:8).
He was called a friend of God (James 2:23b, 2 Chron 20:7b, Isaiah 41:8).
Ishmael wasn't a spiritual son of Abraham because he wasn't a by-product of faith (Heb 11:6, 17–19, Rom 9:6–9, Gen 21:12–13, 22:9–12). An "Ishmael" is a
by-product of unbelief and doubting God's promises. God forgives our "Ishmaels" (Jer 31:34) even though they may cause consequences in our lives.
by-product of unbelief and doubting God's promises. God forgives our "Ishmaels" (Jer 31:34) even though they may cause consequences in our lives.
Sarah died when she was 127 years old, and Abraham went to mourn for the loss of Sarah and to weep over her (Gen 23:1–2, 1 Thess 4:13). He missed her.
Abraham was now very old, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. Not wanting
Isaac to take a Canaanite
wife, he sent his senior servant in his household to his relatives in his homeland in Mesopotamia (Acts 7:2) to get a wife for his son. The Lord would send his angel before the servant so that he could get a wife for his son from there. If, however, the woman wasn't willing to come back to be Isaac's wife, the servant was allowed to come back without her. He must not take Isaac to the land where the woman lived to stay there. (Gen 24:1–9).
Isaac to take a Canaanite
wife, he sent his senior servant in his household to his relatives in his homeland in Mesopotamia (Acts 7:2) to get a wife for his son. The Lord would send his angel before the servant so that he could get a wife for his son from there. If, however, the woman wasn't willing to come back to be Isaac's wife, the servant was allowed to come back without her. He must not take Isaac to the land where the woman lived to stay there. (Gen 24:1–9).
We have God's will, see God is sovereign in God's Attributes, compared to the woman's will. The woman could resist God's will, at least for a degree, see
The Predestination Theory. But God knew what choice she would make.
The Predestination Theory. But God knew what choice she would make.
Then the servant went and took with him ten of his master's camels loaded with all his master's good things. When he arrived, he prayed to God that his journey would be successful, and he prayed that when he asked a woman for water to drink, she would answer that she would also water his ten camels. If she answered in such a way, he would understand that she was the woman for Isaac. Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. The woman was a virgin and very beautiful. When the servant asked her for water, she gave him water to drink. Then she said she would draw water for his camels as well until they have had enough to drink. When the camels had finished drinking, the servant brought out a gold nose ring and two gold bracelets and gave them to her. (Gen 24:10–28).
Rebekah had a brother named Laban, who invited the servant to their home when
he saw the gifts that Rebekah had received. The servant told them all that had happened. They then told the servant that Rebekah could come with him to become
Isaac's wife. Then the servant gave more gifts to Rebekah, to her brother Laban, and to her mother. They asked Rebekah if she wanted to go with the servant to become
Isaac's wife. She replied that she wanted to. When they returned, Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, she became his wife, and he loved her. Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. (Gen 24:29–67).
he saw the gifts that Rebekah had received. The servant told them all that had happened. They then told the servant that Rebekah could come with him to become
Isaac's wife. Then the servant gave more gifts to Rebekah, to her brother Laban, and to her mother. They asked Rebekah if she wanted to go with the servant to become
Isaac's wife. She replied that she wanted to. When they returned, Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, she became his wife, and he loved her. Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. (Gen 24:29–67).
Abraham took another wife named Keturah. She bore him six sons. While he was still alive he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son
Isaac to the land of the east. Abraham was 175 years old when he died. He left everything he owned to Isaac. (Gen 25:1–7, 1 Chron 1:32–33).
Isaac to the land of the east. Abraham was 175 years old when he died. He left everything he owned to Isaac. (Gen 25:1–7, 1 Chron 1:32–33).
Many of Keturah's offspring became enemies of Israel. Essentially they became the people of Arabia. Perhaps it would have been better if he hadn't taken a wife after
But God used this in Jethro who was the priest of Midian, a descendant of Abraham and Keturah, see Moses; Part 3: The First Time of Moses.
Abraham was still living by faith when he died. He didn't receive the things promised during his lifetime; he only saw it and welcomed it from distance, admitting that he was a foreigner and stranger on Earth. (Heb 11:8–16).
