Sermon Text: Genesis 25:1-18

“Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Jokshan fathered Sheba and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. But to the sons of his concubines Abraham gave gifts, and while he was still living he sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward to the east country. These are the days of the years of Abraham’s life, 175 years. Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, east of Mamre, the field that Abraham purchased from the Hittites. There Abraham was buried, with Sarah his wife. After the death of Abraham, God blessed Isaac his son. And Isaac settled at Beer-lahai-roi. These are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s servant, bore to Abraham. These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, named in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael; and Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their villages and by their encampments, twelve princes according to their tribes. (These are the years of the life of Ishmael: 137 years. He breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people.) They settled from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt in the direction of Assyria. He settled over against all his kinsmen.” (Genesis 25:1-18, ESV)

Reading From The Prophets: Isaiah 60

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall come up with acceptance on my altar, and I will beautify my beautiful house. Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows? For the coastlands shall hope for me, the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your children from afar, their silver and gold with them, for the name of the LORD your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has made you beautiful. Foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you; for in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor I have had mercy on you. Your gates shall be open continually; day and night they shall not be shut, that people may bring to you the wealth of the nations, with their kings led in procession. For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; those nations shall be utterly laid waste. The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the plane, and the pine, to beautify the place of my sanctuary, and I will make the place of my feet glorious. The sons of those who afflicted you shall come bending low to you, and all who despised you shall bow down at your feet; they shall call you the City of the LORD, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel. Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, with no one passing through, I will make you majestic forever, a joy from age to age. You shall suck the milk of nations; you shall nurse at the breast of kings; and you shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. Instead of bronze I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver; instead of wood, bronze, instead of stones, iron. I will make your overseers peace and your taskmasters righteousness. Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended. Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified. The least one shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation; I am the LORD; in its time I will hasten it.” (Isaiah 60:1–22, ESV)

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Introduction

I will admit there are some passage of scripture that, upon first reading, seem to be of little importance when compared to other passages. This is probably one of those. Here we learn that Abraham had children, not only by Hagar and Sarah, but also a woman named Keturah. The names of Katurah’s sons are listed for us in this passage. After that we are told of Abraham death. And finally we are presented with a genealogy of Ishmael, Abraham’s oldest son.

Though this passage might seem rather unimportant on the surface, it is a very important part of the story of Genesis. For one thing, this passage ties up the loose ends of the story of Abraham. And two, it prepares us to shift our focus to Isaac and his descendents, which we will do next week, beginning with Genesis 25:19. Perhaps you noticed the little remark in 25:11, which says, “After the death of Abraham, God blessed Isaac his son. And Isaac settled at Beer-lahai-roi” (Genesis 25:11, ESV). This passage is a transitional one. The focus is about to shift from Abraham and his offspring to Isaac and his offspring. Not only is this passage important to the story of Genesis, it is also important to the overall message of the story of scripture. Perhaps you noticed when I read from Isaiah 60,  which prophesied concerning the blessings of the New Covenant and the ingrafting of the nations into the Israel of faith, that some of the peoples mentioned there are descendents of Ishmael and the sons of  Keturah. This is not an insignificant passage, friends. Let us give our faithful attention to it today.  

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Abraham Had Other Sons By Keturah

The first thing we learn in the passage is that Abraham had other sons besides Isaac and Ishmael. These sons were born to him by a third wife, named Keturah. 

This announcement is a little shocking, isn’t it? All along we have thought of Abraham as Sarah’s husband, and that at one time he made the foolish mistake of taking Hagar to be his wife, this being the suggestion of Sarah. But here were learn that there was yet another wife. Notice that both Hagar and Keturah are referred to as “concubines” in verse 6. This means that they were legitimate wives, but of lesser rank than Sarah in Abraham’s household. 

So here is a question: when did Abraham take Katura as a wife? Was it after Sarah’s death, or before? It is hard to know for sure, but the evidence seems to point in the direction of Abraham having taken Katura as a wife many years before Sarah’s death. When did he do this? It is hard to know.

We must remember that the scriptures do not always present things in chronological order. Sometimes events are organized thematically, and I think that is the case here. Though Keturah is not mentioned until after the record of Sarah’s death, this does not mean that Abraham took her to be  his wife after her death. What it means is that she and her sons were not significant to the main story of Genesis until now. The focus has been upon the promise concerning a son, and the son of promise, Isaac. A minor theme was the birth of the son of the bondwoman, named Ishmael, his persecution of the son of promise, and his being sent away. The record of Keturah and her sons is almost an afterthought. They are mentioned only as the Abraham story is being brought to a conclusion. But they are mentioned for a reason, as we will see.    

Before we get there, we should probably address the elephant in the room. A question that many of you are probably thinking is, how are we to understand Abraham’s polygamous practices? What are we to think when we hear that Abraham had two wives besides Sarah — three in total? Was it right for Abraham to take more than one wife? Was polygamy condoned in those days, but condemned today? Or is it to be condoned even today? These are important questions. 

The answer is that Abraham was wrong to take more than one wife even in his day. When the scriptures tell us of his polygamous practices, it is a description of what happened, not a prescription — it is a statement of fact, not a statute to be followed. 

Consider these three points as proof that polygamy and polyandry (when a woman has more than one husband) has always been a distortion of God’s design for marriage. 

One, when God instituted marriage in the beginning his design was that one man and one woman be joined together in a one flesh union not to be severed by anything but death. This was God’s design. This is the ideal. One man and woman joined together  by God and in covenant for life. It is a mistake to formulate an ideal for marriage based upon the description of what Abraham, or any of the other patriarchs, did. Not everything that the patriarchs did was good and right. Clearly, they were flawed individuals. For example, it was wrong for Abraham to lie, saying only that Sarah was his sister. How do we know it was wrong? We know because God’s law forbids lying! God’s law is prescriptive. It’s express purpose is to reveal what is right and wrong. The Genesis narrative is descriptive — it reveals what Abraham and others did, and does not necessarily determine that which is right or wrong. The fact that Abraham lied does not make lying right, does it? Of course not! And neither does the fact of his polygamous marriages make bigamy right. The narrative of Genesis describes, it doesn’t not necessarily prescribe. God’s ideal for marriage is found elsewhere. Specifically, it is found in the institution of marriage in Genesis 2, where it is  said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, ESV).

Two, in the New Testament it is confirmed that God’s ideal for marriage is that one man and one woman be joined together by God and in covenant, till death do them part. This is what Jesus taught in Matthew 19. And Paul, when setting forth the qualifications for officers within the church, insisted that they be the husband of one wife. This  standard is not unique for elders and deacons. Indeed, all Christians ought to live according to this ideal. But if a man is to  hold office in Christ’s church, it  must be  true of him. He is to be a one woman man. 

Three, notice that when polygamy is described in the narrative of Genesis, or elsewhere in the story of scripture, it is often described as having negative consequences. When Abraham heeded the advice of Sarah and took Hagar as a second wife it was presented as an echo of the sin of Adam. Just as Adam listened to the voice of his wife and ate of the forbidden fruit, so too Abraham listened to the voice of Sarah and took Hagar into his embrace. Difficulty, pain and sorrow followed. 

APPLICATION: Brothers and sisters, I hope you are able to recognize in this little discussion a distinction between two approaches to religion. There are some who are religious who think of religion as a product of man. In their view it is man who determines what is to be believed and how religion is to be practiced. According to this view, religion naturally evolves and progresses over time. Now, I do not doubt that religious belief and practice evolve over time. That cannot be denied. But according to this view  — and I think it is best to call it the Liberal or Progressive view — religious evolution is not only expected and observed in the world, but encouraged and celebrated. Our view is different. Our view is that God has revealed himself to us. He has clearly spoken in ages past, and supremely by his Son. And as we practice our religion — as we believe what we believe and do what we do — our objective isnot to progress off into uncharted waters and new frontiers, but to receive and conform to that which God has revealed previously. We do not celebrate creativity and progress (as it is viewed by the Progressives), but conformity and faithfulness to God and his word. It is our position that  good and true progress in religion can be made only when the people of God identify within themselves some deviation from God’s word and then proceed to amend their ways to bring themselves back into conformity to  what God has previously said. This, my friends, is the only kind of progress in religion that is to be celebrated. And this is what we mean when we say that we are “Reformed”. By God’s grace we were formed and, by his grace, will be forever reformed…  by the living and abiding word of God. It is that last part that is so crucial. We are formed and reformed, by the living and abiding word of God. James 1:21  comes to mind. There James exhorts the Christian, saying, “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21, ESV). Brothers and sisters, true and God honoring religion can only be practiced from a heart of meekness that is willing to first receive God’s implanted word, and then to conform unto it. 

I suppose if we held to the Liberal and Progressive view of religion we might assume that polygamy was not sinful in  Abraham’s day but over time it became sinful as the religion of the Israelites evolved over time. But our view is that that God established his ideal for marriage in the beginning and that Abraham, if indeed he took Katura as wife before Sarah’s death, failed to conform to what God had revealed. In this part of his life, Abraham went the way of the world.

APPLICATION: I do wonder how long it will be before polygamy and polyandry become an issue within our nation. We have already traveled a long way down the road of allowing marriage to be defined by the feelings and preferences of man. It is hard for me to understand why polygamy and polyandry are still forbidden by law. Of course, I am not in favor of bigamous marriages. I am only drawing attention to the inconsistency so that I might say, it was foolish for us to head down the road of allowing personal preferences, and the appetites and affections of men and women to determine issues of morality in the first place. When seeking to understand what is right and wrong, we should have a natural distrust of that which is in the heart of sinful man. Is it not obvious that men and women sometimes have an appetite for things that are wicked? Does anyone need to be convinced of that? Friends, we would be wise to base our morals, not upon the desires of the human heart, but upon God’s moral law as it is revealed dimly in nature, but most clearly in scripture.  

It is apparent that Abraham, our beloved father in the faith, though chosen of God and made righteous by faith in the Christ that would come from his loins, was also man of his time.  It was common in that day for men to take more than one wife, and this is what Abraham did. This does not excuse his behavior,  but it does help us to understand it. 

It must also be recognized that it was through Hagar and Katura that the promises made to Abraham concerning a multitude of nations coming from him was fulfilled. Remember what the LORD said to Abraham in 17:4: “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations” (Genesis 17:4–5, ESV). Not  only would Abraham be the father of the nation of Israel,  but of many nations. When we read of the descendents of Katura, and later, Ishmael, we must recognize that in these men Abraham did indeed become a multitude of nations, just as it was promised. 

Observe that the children of these  concubines – Hagar and Keturah —were sent away from Isaac  while Abraham was still living. Verse 6 reads, “But to the sons of his concubines Abraham gave gifts, and while he was still living he sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward to the east country” (Genesis 25:6, ESV). 

One of the reasons that these descendents of Keturah are listed here is to further distinguish Isaac the son of promise from the other sons of Abraham, who were born merely of the flesh. The message is this: many sons were born to Abraham, but only one was the son of promise. The who narrative of Genesis will soon focus upon him and upon his descendents. Indeed, the rest of the pentateuch will tell the story of the birth of the nation of Israel who would come in the line of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

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Abraham Died And Was Gathered To His People

Let us now consider the death of Abraham as described in verses 7-11. 

Abraham died at the age of 175 — a very old man according to our standards. 

In verse 8 we read, “Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people” (Genesis 25:8, ESV). This phrase, “and was gathered to his people”, is significant. It means more than that he was buried, for his burial is described in verses 9. The phrase, and he was “gathered to his people” indicates that there is an after life. After Abraham breathed his last on earth, he continued to exist.

Notice that it was both Isaac and Ishmael that buried Abraham. Verse 9: “Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, east of Mamre, the field that Abraham purchased from the Hittites. There Abraham was buried, with Sarah his wife” (Genesis 25:9–10, ESV). Though Ishmael was sent away along with Hagar, his love for his father remained. Ishmael was there alongside Isaac to burry  Abraham. 

The thing to notice in the account of Abraham’s burial is that, though very significant in the  outworking of God’s purposes, he was a just a man. He died. And when he died, things continued to roll along. God’s purposes were not hindered in the least by his passing. In fact, immediately after the announcement of Abraham’s passing we read, “God blessed Isaac his son. And Isaac settled at Beer-lahai-roi” (Genesis 25:11, ESV). 

APPLICATION: Brothers and sisters, it is right that we remember those who have gone before us. And as we remember them it is right that we give thanks to God for them and to celebrate whatever good it was that they accomplished to the glory of his name. When a loved one passes from this world it is also right that we sincerely mourn their passing. But we must also be careful to not attach too much significance to any man, woman or child, thinking that without them life will not go on. Men and women are born and they die, and life goes on. Men and women are born and they die, and the purposes of God are not frustrated in the least. This is because you and I are men, and not God. Nothing depends upon us in the way they depend upon God. Abraham was a very significant person in the plan of redemption, and yet when he passed from this world he was put into the grave and the fulfillment to the promises of God weren’t hindered in the least.  

We should be very careful, brothers and sisters, to never attach to any man, woman or child the kind of significance that belongs only to God. That, friends, would be idolatrous. Man is man, and God is God. Indeed, some men and women play significant roles in the accomplishment of God’s purposes

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These Are The Generations Of Ishmael

Lastly, let us briefly consider the generations of Ishmael as mentioned in verses 12-18. 

You would do well to remember that the book of Genesis is divided up by this reoccurring phrase, “1these are the generations of…”, or something very similar to that. After the prologue of 1:1-2:3, there are 10 sections to Genesis which are, in fact, family histories. First, we encountered the family history of the heavens and earth. Then came the family history of Adam. After that the family history Noah, and then of Noah’s sons. Next  we encountered the family histories of Shem, and then Terah (the father of Abraham), and now come to the family history of Ishmael with teh words, “These are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s servant, bore to Abraham” (Genesis 25:12, ESV).

The think to be notice here is that the family history of Ishmael is covered in only 7 verses. The family history of  Isaac, on the other hand (which begins in 25:19) takes up 10 and a half chapters in the book of Genesis. Can you see, therefore, that a contrast is being made between the son of promise, and the son born of the flesh? In other words, a distinction issuing made in Genesis between the elect and non-elect. Ishmael was, in fact, Abraham’s oldest son. He, by the worlds standard, should have been the heir. But he was not the chosen one. Isaac, the second born of Abraham, was. This pattern will be observed again in the family history if Isaac. Isaac would have  two sons — Esau and Jacob. And again, we will see that the second born would be the one through who the LORD would fulfill his promises. 

Not all who  descend from Abraham are elect of the LORD, therefore. This is exactly what Paul the Apostle highlights in his letter to the Romans, chapter 9 verse 6, where he  writes, “For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. For this is what the promise said: ‘About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.’ And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— she was told, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ As it is written, ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’ What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy” (Romans 9:6–16, ESV). What we are seeing in the Genesis narrative is the outworking of God’s purpose of election. Isaac was elect of God, Ishmael was not. 

But we should remember that promises were made concerning Ismael too. Then the LORD was comforting Abraham concerning the boy away, he said, “And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring” (Genesis 21:13, ESV). The genealogy of Ishmael shows that LORD was faithful to keep his promises concerning Ishmael. Indeed, nations came from him. 

It is apparent, therefore, that Ishmael was blessed on account of him being the firstborn son ofd Abraham, but he was not to be the conduit of blessing to the nations as Isaac was  — he was a pool of blessing, but not  a river. The  Messiah would come through Isaac and Israel, not Ishmael and the nations that descended from him. 

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Conclusion 

Friends, though it may not be immediately clear, the gospel is present in Genesis 25. Though the son of Hagar and the sons of Keturah were sent away from Isaac the elect son of promise, it was  for their good and the good their descendents. Isaac was set apart from them, not for his sake alone, but so that through him the promises of God concerning a savior for all nations might be fulfilled. Through Isaac the nation of  Israel would come. And through Israel, the Messiah would come into the world. He is Jesus the Christ, the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. And it through faith  in him that all of the nation of the earth will be reconciled to  God.

Perhaps you noticed that in that Isaiah passage that was read at the beginning of the sermon the prophet spoke of the glories of the covenant of grace. The prophet spoke of the day when the nations would come to see the glory of the Lord and to worship his most holy name. And perhaps notices that some of the sons of Ishmael and some of the sons of Keturah were mentioned in that passage. The prophet spoke of the day when the nations would join themsleves Israel, saying, “A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall come up with acceptance on my altar, and I will beautify my beautiful house.”

Read the New Testament scriptures and see that is precisely what happened when the Christ finally arose from within Israel— the nations have flocked to him. The Gentiles have been grafted into Israel. Jew and Gentile have been made one through the offspring ofAbraham, Isaac and Jacob, Christ Jesus our Lord. “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility” (Ephesians 2:14–16, ESV).

Fiends, let us be found clinging to Christ by faith. And let us  be faithful to proclaim his good news to the nations until he returns.  

Posted in Sermons Joe Anady
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QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

• God is sovereign, but man is responsible. Discuss how these truths are seen in the narrative of Genesis 24. Discuss how these truths impact the Christian life.  
• What are the similarities between Abraham and Rebekah? What can we learn from her faith?
• Though many truths can be gleaned from Genesis 24, what is the main point of the text?

Tags: Gospel Community Groups

Posted in Study Guides Gospel Community Groups Joe Anady
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Old Testament Reading: Genesis 24

“Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had, ‘Put your hand under my thigh, that I may make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell, but will go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.’ The servant said to him, ‘Perhaps the woman may not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?’ Abraham said to him, ‘See to it that you do not take my son back there. The LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my kindred, and who spoke to me and swore to me, ‘To your offspring I will give this land,’ he will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there. But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this oath of mine; only you must not take my son back there.’ So the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master and swore to him concerning this matter. Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, taking all sorts of choice gifts from his master; and he arose and went to Mesopotamia to the city of Nahor. And he made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time when women go out to draw water. And he said, ‘O LORD, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham. Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.’ Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her water jar on her shoulder. The young woman was very attractive in appearance, a maiden whom no man had known. She went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up. Then the servant ran to meet her and said, ‘Please give me a little water to drink from your jar.’ She said, ‘Drink, my lord.’ And she quickly let down her jar upon her hand and gave him a drink. When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, ‘I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking.’ So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran again to the well to draw water, and she drew for all his camels. The man gazed at her in silence to learn whether the LORD had prospered his journey or not. When the camels had finished drinking, the man took a gold ring weighing a half shekel, and two bracelets for her arms weighing ten gold shekels, and said, ‘Please tell me whose daughter you are. Is there room in your father’s house for us to spend the night?’ She said to him, ‘I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, whom she bore to Nahor.’ She added, ‘We have plenty of both straw and fodder, and room to spend the night.’ The man bowed his head and worshiped the LORD and said, ‘Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the LORD has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen.’ Then the young woman ran and told her mother’s household about these things. Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban. Laban ran out toward the man, to the spring. As soon as he saw the ring and the bracelets on his sister’s arms, and heard the words of Rebekah his sister, ‘Thus the man spoke to me,’ he went to the man. And behold, he was standing by the camels at the spring. He said, ‘Come in, O blessed of the LORD. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.’ So the man came to the house and unharnessed the camels, and gave straw and fodder to the camels, and there was water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him. Then food was set before him to eat. But he said, ‘I will not eat until I have said what I have to say.’ He said, ‘Speak on.’ So he said, ‘I am Abraham’s servant. The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become great. He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male servants and female servants, camels and donkeys. And Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to my master when she was old, and to him he has given all that he has. My master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell, but you shall go to my father’s house and to my clan and take a wife for my son.’ I said to my master, ‘Perhaps the woman will not follow me.’ But he said to me, ‘The LORD, before whom I have walked, will send his angel with you and prosper your way. You shall take a wife for my son from my clan and from my father’s house. Then you will be free from my oath, when you come to my clan. And if they will not give her to you, you will be free from my oath.’ I came today to the spring and said, ‘O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, if now you are prospering the way that I go, behold, I am standing by the spring of water. Let the virgin who comes out to draw water, to whom I shall say, ‘Please give me a little water from your jar to drink,’ and who will say to me, ‘Drink, and I will draw for your camels also,’ let her be the woman whom the LORD has appointed for my master’s son.’ Before I had finished speaking in my heart, behold, Rebekah came out with her water jar on her shoulder, and she went down to the spring and drew water. I said to her, ‘Please let me drink.’ She quickly let down her jar from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I will give your camels drink also.’ So I drank, and she gave the camels drink also. Then I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her arms. Then I bowed my head and worshiped the LORD and blessed the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me by the right way to take the daughter of my master’s kinsman for his son. Now then, if you are going to show steadfast love and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand or to the left.’ Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, ‘The thing has come from the LORD; we cannot speak to you bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is before you; take her and go, and let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has spoken.’ When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed himself to the earth before the LORD. And the servant brought out jewelry of silver and of gold, and garments, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave to her brother and to her mother costly ornaments. And he and the men who were with him ate and drank, and they spent the night there. When they arose in the morning, he said, ‘Send me away to my master.’ Her brother and her mother said, ‘Let the young woman remain with us a while, at least ten days; after that she may go.’ But he said to them, ‘Do not delay me, since the LORD has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.’ They said, ‘Let us call the young woman and ask her.’ And they called Rebekah and said to her, ‘Will you go with this man?’ She said, ‘I will go.’ So they sent away Rebekah their sister and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant and his men. And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, ‘Our sister, may you become thousands of ten thousands, and may your offspring possess the gate of those who hate him!’ Then Rebekah and her young women arose and rode on the camels and followed the man. Thus the servant took Rebekah and went his way. Now Isaac had returned from Beer-lahai-roi and was dwelling in the Negeb. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming. And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel and said to the servant, ‘Who is that man, walking in the field to meet us?’ The servant said, ‘It is my master.’ So she took her veil and covered herself. And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. Then Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother and took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.” (Genesis 24, ESV)

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Introduction

The story of the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah is one of the most beloved stories in the book of Genesis. It is a very happy story. Some might even call it “romantic”.  And it is not uncommon for pastors — particularly youth pastors — to interpret this story as if it’s purpose was to provide guidelines for finding spouse. 

Friends, though it be true that there is something romantic about this story, its purpose is not to show us how to find a spouse. Instead, its purpose is to once again highlight the LORD’s provision and his faithfulness to fulfill the promises he made to Abraham. The LORD promised that Abraham would have many descendents. Nations and kings would come from him. Specifically, the promises would be fulfilled through Isaac, the son of promise. And now that Abraham is advanced in years he is concerned to find a wife for Isaac, not only that Isaac might be comforted by her, but also that he would bear children by her, thus fulfilling the promises of God concerning a multitude of descendents. Now, I do not deny that there are some interesting observations to make along the way that pertain to finding a godly spouse (and I will make some of those observations). But those observations are tangential to the main point, namely, the fulfillment of the promises of God made to Abraham through Isaac and his blessed wife, Rebekah.  

This passage is a little difficult to preach for two reasons. One, it is long. And two, it is a bit repetitive. I have decided to preach the passage by saying a brief word about each of main characters. One, we will consider Abraham and his diligence. Two, we will consider Abraham’s servant and his obedience. Three, we will consider Laban and his greed. Four, we will consider Rebekah and her faith. And five, we will consider Isaac and his comfort. 

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Abraham’s Diligence

Let us begin with Abraham and take special notice of his diligence. 

Abraham, being now very advanced in years, was diligent to find a bride for his son Isaac. It should not be difficult to understand that the fulfillment of the promises of God concerning a great multitude descending from Abraham would require that Isaac be married and have children. And so Abraham was diligent to commission his faithful servant to go and find a bride for his son.

APPLICATION: Brothers and sisters, as you consider this narrative I hope you are able to recognize that trusting in the promises of God does not mean that we are sit idly by waiting for their fulfillment. It would have been irresponsible for Abraham to sit around waiting for a bride for Isaac to magically appear.  Based upon the promises of God made to Abraham, Isaac would surely marry and have children — this would certainly come to pass! But do you see that it was right  for Abraham to take the initiative to send his servant to find a bride for him? This was Abraham’s responsibility.   

Throughout the pages of Holy Scripture we see that God is sovereign over all things, and yet human beings are responsible. These two things — God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility —  do not contradict one another. Instead they fit together hand in hand. 

God is sovereign. He has  decreed from eternity past all things that shall come to pass. And he also providentially rules over his creation. He will  carry out his decrees. But please understand, God’s sovereignty does not do away with the free choices of human beings, nor does it remove our responsibility. Instead, what we see in the scriptures from beginning to end is that God, who is sovereign over all, will indeed bring about all of his purposes, and this he will do through the free choices of responsible creatures. 

I will admit, it is mysterious to me as to how exactly God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility fit together. But one thing I know for sure is that this is what the scriptures teach. God is sovereign over all. Nothing is outside of his control. He will surely do that which he has decreed. And yet you and I are responsible creatures who make  real choices. 

Perhaps no single verse demonstrates this better than Acts 2:23. There Peter is found preaching to the Jews on the day of Pentecost, saying,  “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” (Acts 2:22–23, ESV). In verse 23 we learn that Christ was crucified because it was the definite plan of God, and yet at the same time Peter sets the blame at the feet of those who freely chose to crucify him. You can complain all you want concerning the mystery, but one thing you cannot do is deny that the scriptures teach it. God is sovereign over all (event the crucifixion of Christ), and yet man is a responsible creature. 

Abraham knew this. When he considered the promises of God he knew for certain that Isaac would  have a wife and kids someday. And yet Abraham also knew that he was responsible to act, for God brings his purposes about through the free choices  of his creatures. 

Remember how Abraham got into trouble earlier in his life when he convinced his wife to lie, saying only that  she was his sister, and by going along with Sarah’s plan to have a child by way of Hagar? In those instances we criticized Abraham for his lack of faith. There we said that Abraham should have waited upon the LORD instead of taking matters into his own hands. But note this: Abraham failed in those instances, not because he took action, but because he acted contrary to the law of God and without faith. In those instances his activity was fleshly and faithless. But please do not misunderstand. This does not mean that we are to sit idly by waiting for God to magically fulfill his promises. The Christian life is to be characterized by activity — diligent and faithful activity. The Christian is to be active, knowing that God will accomplish his decrees through the actives of his free creatures.

Has God promised to sanctify you if you are in Christ Jesus? Indeed, he has promised to refine those who belong to  to him. But notice that we are also exhorted in the scriptures pursue holiness. Hebrews 12:14 says, “Strive for… holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14, ESV). See, therefore, that God has promised to make us holy, and yet we are responsible to strive after holiness.

Similarly, has God promised to preserve you if you are in Christ Jesus? Indeed he has! “And I am sure of this”,  Paul wrote, “that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6, ESV). And yet we are also responsible to persevere. The writers to the Hebrews offers these words of warning: “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12, ESV).

God is sovereign. He will bring about his purposes. He will fulfill everyone of his promises. And yet this he will do, not in competition with, but through the free choices of his responsible creatures. Brothers and sisters, trust in God, but also take action. Pray that the Lord would provide for you and your family, but also go to work. Ask the Lord to give you victory over sin, but also choose not to sin. Rest assured that the Lord will preserve you if you are his in Christ  Jesus, but never grow slack. You must persevere to the end in Christ, knowing that there is no salvation outside of him. 

Abraham was diligent to find a wife for Isaac. He took action, not because he lacked faith, but because he knew that the fulfillment of God’s promises would come about through his faithful activities. Abraham walked by faith and not by sight. But here I am emphasizing that the walk of faith does involve walking.

Not only was Abraham diligent to send his servant off on this mission, he was also diligent to give him specific instructions. He made his trusted servant “swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and God of the earth, that [he] will not take a wife for [his] son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom [Abraham  dwelt], but [would] go to [his] country and to [his] kindred, and [there] take a wife for… Isaac” (Genesis 24:3–4, ESV).

Certainly, it would have been easier to take a wife from amongst the Canaanites. I’m sure there were many eligible young ladies living in close proximity to Abraham’s clan. Not to mention that Abraham could have bettered his position in the land by making an alliance via marriage, as was the custom in his day. But Abraham insisted that a bride be taken for his son, not from amongst the Canaanites, but from amongst his own people back in Mesopotamia. 

Calvin states that the reason for this is that, “he would not allow his own race to be mingled with that of the Canaanites, whom he knew to be already divinely appointed to destruction; yea, since upon their overthrow he was to be put into possession of the land…” (Commentary on the First Book of Moses Called). 

The Abrahamic Covenant was a fleshly, earthly covenant. Abraham was concerned  to preserve  the purity of the covenant by taking a wife for his son from amongst his own people, and not the Canaanites.  There is, of course, a New Covenant paralel to this. The New Covenant is not confined to a particular race of men.  Indeed, all who have faith in Christ, Jew or Gentile, are partakers of the blessings of the New Covenant. Christians are therefore free to marry all kinds of people — ethnicity is no barrier to marriage — but the Christian is to marry in the Lord. Marrying someone of a different race will have no impact upon the purity  of the New Covenant, for it is not fleshly and earthly, but spiritual. What matters is faith in Christ. Brothers and sisters, if you hope to marry in the future, be resolved marry in the Lord. Be sure that the person has faith — true faith — in  Christ Jesus. Marriage is a blessing . But a bad marriage can make a real mess of things. Marry in the Lord.

Notice also that Abraham instated that his servant not take Isaac out of the land of  promise. The servants question was a reasonable one. “The servant said to him, ‘Perhaps the woman may not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?” (Genesis 24:5, ESV). Abrahams reply: “See to it that you do not take my son back there. The LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my kindred, and who spoke to me and swore to me, ‘To your offspring I will give this land,’ he will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there. But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this oath of mine; only you must not take my son back there” (Genesis 24:6–8, ESV). This proves what I said earlier, that this entire episode is about the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham. Abraham was to have many descendents, and these descendents were to possess the land of the Canaanites. 

Abraham’s faith is impressive here. He took action — that has already been emphasized. But he did not cut corners. He refused to take the easy rout. Sure, it would have been easier to find a wife for Isaac from amongst the Canaanites, but he was not willing to corrupt the covenant. And it would have been more reasonable to take Isaac back to the homeland to meet the potential bride, but Abraham would not risk the abandonment of the land of promise. 

APPLICATION:  Brothers and sisters, following Christ in this world often requires this kind of resolve. No, I won’t take the job for it will  require me to work on the Lord’s Day. I’ll keep looking for another trusting that the Lord will provide and I will worship according to his word. Or, no, I will not marry this girl. She is wonderful in every way, but she she does not have faith. I will trust that the Lord will provide another. These are not easy decisions, friends. But following after Christ in this world requires this kind of resolve. The straight and narrow road is sometimes a difficult one to travel. 

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His Servant’s Obedience

Secondly, I would like to say a brief word about Abraham’s servant’s obedience. This man is everything that a faithful servant should be. 

Notice that this servant does not have a name. Obviously he had a name, but we are not told what it was. But that should not matter to a servant. A servant’s desire is to do the will of his master and to promote his name. May the same be true of us as we serve Christ. May our highest aim be his glory, and not our own. 

Notice also how hesitant this servant was to take an oath that he did not understand or could not fulfill. He asked for clarification before placing his hand under Abraham’s thigh (we raise the right hand in our culture, or sign our name).  He also obtained an exception from Abraham before swearing. Abraham released him from the obligation, saying, “But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this oath of mine; only you must not take my son back there” (Genesis 24:8, ESV). Oh, that we would take our oaths this seriously. Our yes should be yes, and our no should be no. This 

This servant was very faithful to Abraham.  He traveled a great distance. And when he arrived he  would not rest or refresh himself with food and drink until he finished his masters work. May we be this devoted to our LORD and committed to his work. 

Notice that this servant also shared Abraham’s faith. He believed that the LORD would give him success. He prayed to the LORD saying,  “O LORD, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham. Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master” (Genesis 24:12–14, ESV). And who the LORD gave him success, he bowed and worshipped “and said, ‘Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the LORD has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen’” (Genesis 24:27, ESV). 

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Laban’s Greed   

Let us now briefly consider the character of Laban, the brother of Rebekah. 

Notice that he was quite impressed with the wealth of Abraham. The narrative emphasizes how he took note of the “ ring and the bracelets on his sister’s arms”. He also was found standing “by the camels at the spring” (Genesis 24:30, ESV). Put into todays terms, he was found checking out the servant’s Cadillac Escalades. Not much is said about Laban, but he is portrayed as one impressed with the wealth of Abraham, and desiring to profit from it. 

APPLICATION: Friends, we must be careful to not allow the glitter of wealth to catch our eye and to captivate our affections. To be rich is not sinful. Abraham was very wealthy because the Lord chose to bless him in that way. But to love money is sinful. Listen carefully: “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Timothy 6:10, ESV). Brothers  and sisters, there are some who are rich who love money supremely, and there are some who are rich who love the LORD supremely. Similarly, there are some who are poor who love money supremely, and there are some who are poor who love the LORD supremely. No matter our financial position, let us be careful to never be entangled by the love of money. 

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Rebekah’s Faith  

Now we come to the real star of the story — Rebekah. As we consider Rebekah, we are to notice her faith. 

Remember that Rebekah was mentioned for the first time back at the end of Genesis 22 in that little genealogy of Nahor, the brother of Abraham. On of the reasons for that genealogy was to set the stage for the introduction of Rebekah into the narrative. 

You should know that her name sounds like the word “to bless” in the Hebrew language. You and I might miss it, but she is portrayed as one who, like Abraham, is blessed of the LORD. 

Notice that she was hard working and hospitable. Abraham and Lot have already demonstrated that they were a hospitable people, concerned for the wellbeing of the sojourner. And what did Rebekah do for Abraham’s servant as he sojourned? She gave him a drink of water when he was weary. More than that, she watered all of his camels. That was a huge job! The young woman was not afraid of hard work. Her natural bent towards hospitality made her a perfect candidate as a wife for Isaac, the son of Abraham, the father of a hospitable people.   

In fact, Rebekah met all of the qualifications. She was a girl of marrying age who had not joined herself to a man. She was from Abraham’s clan. She was hard working and hospitable. On top of all of this, she was of beautiful appearance. Add to this the fact that Abraham’s servant had just prayed to the LORD, saying, “Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master’” (Genesis 24:14, ESV). All things considered, Rebekah seemed to be the one. It appeared that the LORD had directed the servant to her providentially. 

APPLICATION: Brothers and sisters, you and I don’t know what the will of the LORD is. And by that I mean, we do not know his hidden or secret will is for the future. His future providence is mysterious to us. But in another sense we do know what the will of the LORD is. Here I am referring to God’s revealed will. Friends, we cannot get hung up on the fact that we do not know the secret will of God. Instead we must rise up day by day and obey his revealed will — his law; his word — and trust that he will providentially guide us according to his secret will. You know the song. Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey. That’s what Abraham’s servant did, and the LORD led him to the blessed Rebekah.  

But one question remained. Would she be willing to go?

Notice that the choice was hers to make. She was not forced into this. After Abraham’s servant told the story of God’s provision for him, “Laban and Bethuel answered and said, ‘The thing has come from the LORD; we cannot speak to you bad or good’ (Genesis 24:50, ESV). And when it was time to leave, “They said, ‘Let us call the young woman and ask her.’ And they called Rebekah and said to her, ‘Will you go with this man?’ She said, ‘I will go’” (Genesis 24:57–58, ESV).

Take special note of this — Rebekah is the female version of Abraham. She, like him, was  called to leave her home to go to a land of promise. And she, like him, exercised great faith when she decided to go.  Think of how scary that must have been for her to leave her home at such a young age, and to go with a group of men that she had never met before. That required great faith. Now granted, it was not leap into the dark. She knew of her relative Abraham. Proof of his wealth had been provided to her. Nevertheless, she had great faith. 

Listen to the blessing pronounced upon her and compare it to the promises of God made to Abraham and Isaac. “And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, ‘Our sister, may you become thousands of ten thousands, and may your offspring possess the gate of those who hate him!’” (Genesis 24:60, ESV).Clearly, the purpose of this story is to show that it would be through Isaac and Rebekah that the promises made to Abraham would be fulfilled.

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Isaac’s Comfort   

Lastly, let us consider very briefly that Isaac was comforted by Rebekah as he mourned the death of his  mother. 

The most romantic portion of this story begins in verse 62. “Now Isaac had returned from Beer-lahai-roi and was dwelling in the Negeb. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming. And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel and said to the servant, ‘Who is that man, walking in the field to meet us?’ The servant said, ‘It is my master.’ So she took her veil and covered herself. And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done” (Genesis 24:62–66, ESV).

Isaac was 40 years old when he married Rebekah. This we learn in 25:20. But isn’t it interesting that Isaac’s comfort is emphasized in this story that is clearly about the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham. 

APPLICATION: Friends, God is sovereign over all. He is God Almighty. He will accomplish all of his purposes. But do you see that he is also a compassionate Father. Not only was he concerned to fulfill his purposes through Isaac. He was also concerned for Isaac. And he is also concerned for you. Yes, the  LORD is accomplishing things that are way bigger than you. Yes, he is concerned about big things that make the little circumstances of your life seem small by comparison. But our God is so big and awesome that he also able to be near to us and to be concerned about our little problems. He is concerned to bring comfort to his people who have been redeemed by the blood of the lamb. Put into theological terms, our God is both transcendent and immanent.  He is God Most High, Creator of heaven and  earth, and he is YHWH, the covenant making and keeping God, who is can ever present help in time   of need. 

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Conclusion 

Brothers and sisters, as we move now to the conclusion, please recognize that the point of this sermon is that God was faithful to fulfill his promises. He faithful to provide a blessed bride for Isaac so that the promises made to Abraham would be fulfilled. More than that, please know that the Lord has been faithful to provide a Savior who arose, in  the fulness of time, arose from the  line of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob — Jesus Christ our Lord. Let us be found  ever trusting in him, for apart from him there is no forgiveness of sins.

Posted in Sermons Study Guides Joe Anady Genesis 24
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QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

• Why should Chritsians mourn death? Why should our mourning be  different from those who do not have faith? Discuss how a Christian’s mourning should be different.
• Why should God’s people in every generation live a sojourners? What practical difference should this make?
• In what ways did the LORD give Abraham a foretaste of the fulfilment of his promises concerning descendents and land? How has the LORD given us a foretaste of the glory to be revealed on the last day?

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Posted in Study Guides Gospel Community Groups Joe Anady
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Old Testament Reading: Genesis 23

“Sarah lived 127 years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. And Sarah died at Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. And Abraham rose up from before his dead and said to the Hittites, ‘I am a sojourner and foreigner among you; give me property among you for a burying place, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.’ The Hittites answered Abraham, ‘Hear us, my lord; you are a prince of God among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs. None of us will withhold from you his tomb to hinder you from burying your dead.’ Abraham rose and bowed to the Hittites, the people of the land. And he said to them, ‘If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me and entreat for me Ephron the son of Zohar, that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he owns; it is at the end of his field. For the full price let him give it to me in your presence as property for a burying place.’ Now Ephron was sitting among the Hittites, and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the Hittites, of all who went in at the gate of his city, ‘No, my lord, hear me: I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the sight of the sons of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead.’ Then Abraham bowed down before the people of the land. And he said to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, ‘But if you will, hear me: I give the price of the field. Accept it from me, that I may bury my dead there.’ Ephron answered Abraham, ‘My lord, listen to me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.’ Abraham listened to Ephron, and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver that he had named in the hearing of the Hittites, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weights current among the merchants. So the field of Ephron in Machpelah, which was to the east of Mamre, the field with the cave that was in it and all the trees that were in the field, throughout its whole area, was made over to Abraham as a possession in the presence of the Hittites, before all who went in at the gate of his city. After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah east of Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. The field and the cave that is in it were made over to Abraham as property for a burying place by the Hittites.” (Genesis 23:1–20, ESV)

New Testament Reading: 2 Peter 3:1–13

“This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:1–13, ESV)

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Introduction

The last time that we heard about Sarah, the wife of Abraham and mother of the nation of Israel, was in Genesis chapter 21. There we learned of the birth of Issac and the casting out of Ishmael. That was only two chapters ago in the book of Genesis, but think of this — 37 years passed between the events of chapter 21, and the events recorded for us here in chapter 23. Sarah was 90 years old when Issac was born, and here are told that she died at the age of 127.

I think it is good to be reminded from time to time that the scriptures are not a detailed record of the history of God’s people. Sarah lived for 127 years, and we know nothing at all about her life from the age of 90 to the time  of her death. The scriptures are very selective, aren’t they? God reveals what he reveals for a purpose. Moses wrote what he wrote, not so that we might have a detailed record of the history of Abraham and Sarah, but to make a point so that people of God might be edified in every generation. 

What, then, is the point of Genesis 23? What does this passage teach us? 

As we consider this text carefully we find that it highlights three things: One, Abraham’s sorrow. Two, Abraham’s sojourning. And three, Abraham’s acquisition of a sliver of land in Canaan as a burial place for his wife. And you would do well to notice that it is actually the third of these things that receives the most attention in this text. Yes, Abraham mourned Sarah’s death. And yes, he continued on as a sojourner in the land Canaan. But notice that the bulk of Genesis 23 focuses upon the negotiation between Abraham and Ephron the Hittite, and Abraham’s eventual acquisition of a sliver of land in Canaan to be used as a burial place for his people. The question we must keep in mind is, why this is emphasis upon Abraham’s possession of a piece of land?

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Abraham’s Sorrow

But let us begin by first of all considering Abraham’s sorrow in verses 1 and 2. 

There we read, “Sarah lived 127 years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. And Sarah died at Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her” (Genesis 23:1–2, ESV). 

I  would like to make three observations about this sad scene. 

One, notice that Abraham and Sarah, as important as they were to the fulfillment of God’s redemptive purposes, were not exempt from the curse of death that has come upon all mankind as a result of Adam’s fall. From our point of view, Sarah lived a very long life. 127 years is a very long time for a person to live. But we should remember that in the world that was before the flood, men and women lived much longer than that! I suppose that some of those pre-diluvian figures — men like Enoch  and Adam — would look upon Sarah’s 127 years and say that she died too young! Furthermore, we should also remember that when God made Adam and Eve in the beginning, he created them to live forever and ever. Had Adam past the test he would have been moved out of that probationary period and into glory to live before God forever and ever. But remember, the wages of sin is death. And because all are in sin and have themselves sinned, all die. This is emphasized in the Genesis narrative again and again — so and so lived for this many years, and they died. As significant as Sarah was to the accomplishment of God’s plan of redemption, she still died. 

APPLICATION: Brothers and sisters, you and I ought to live our lives being mindful of our mortality. There is a ditch on both sides of the road when it comes to this. 

Some give little thought  to their mortality. They live as if they will never die. And they overlook the fact that when  they do they will stand before their maker. This might be particularly true for those who are young. Time moves more slowly for the young. And to them 60, 70, or 80 years seems like such a long way off. They often forget that the LORD might choose to take them at a younger age, and so they give little thought to their mortality. But even those who are advanced in years make the mistake of thinking little of their mortality. 

Some slip into the ditch on the other side of the road. These dwell upon the thought of death to the point of being overcome by fear. These are so mindful of the frailty of life that they find it difficult to live. 

Brothers and sisters, God’s call us to avoid both errors. We are live being mindful of our morality so that we might live humbly and purposefully, but we are also to live courageously and by faith, trusting ever in our God, knowing that he is able to bring us safely into our heavenly home.

Abraham and Sarah, as important as they were to the fulfillment of God’s redemptive purposes, were not exempt from the curse of death that has come upon all mankind as a result of Adam’s fall.

Two, recognize that the neither were they exempt from sorrow.

This point hardly needs to made. If you have been following along in our study of Genesis you know full well that Abraham and Sarah experinced sorrow.  

APPLICATION: Friends, do not be surprised by sorrow when it strikes. Give thanks to God for the good times, and when difficulties arise, cling to Christ and  “Count it all joy… [knowing] that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2–4, ESV).

Three, notice that Abraham truly mourned Sarah’s death. He “went in to mourn for [her] and to weep for her.”

This is truly a touching scene. Here we see Abraham’s love for Sarah put on display. Some assume that because the text says “Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah” this means that he was not by her side during her ailment, or as she passed, indicating some separation between the two. But this is not necessarily the case.  The language used here refers to mourning conducted in a formal fashion according to the customs of the day.

APPLICATION: There are, of course, relationships that are especially close — the relationship between friends, brothers and sisters, parents and children. But the relationship between husband and wife is most intimate, for in marriage the two become one flesh. It is no secret that Abraham and Sarah had their difficulties in marriage. I can think of three (maybe four) events reordered for us in the pages of holy scripture that must have put a significant  strain upon their marriage. And yet here we see Abraham and Sarah together in the end. Abraham truly mourn over her passing. Brothers and sisters, if you are married, cherish your spouse. Protect that relationship. Make it first above all  other earthly relationships. Invest into. And when wrongs committed, repent truly and be sure to forgive. May our final moments with our spouses be a touching as the one that we see here.    

Abraham mourned Sarah’s death.

APPLICTAION: See, therefore, that you are permitted to mourn even if your hope is set in Christ Jesus. 

I have noticed that amongst the Christian community mourning is sometimes frowned upon as if it is an indication of a lack of faith, or the result of forgetting the hope that we have in Christ. Notice how we no longer call them funerals, but celebrations of life. Really, I don’t think it matters what we call them. My concern is that Christian’s be permitted to mourn. Abraham sincerely mourned Sarah’s death. Christ sincerely mourned at the death of his friend Lazarus. “[He] wept. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’” (John 11:35–36, ESV).

The scriptures do not forbid us from morning. Death is an awful thing. It is, in a sense, an unnatural thing — God created us in the beginning to live forever. Death is the consequence of our rebellion. It is right, therefor, for the follower of Christ to mourn. But the scriptures do warn against grieving “as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13, ESV). In other words, our faith in God and in the Christ whom he has sent should regulate our morning. 

When a follower of Christ mourns, he should, in due to time, lift his eyes up from the earth to heaven. The mourner must 

When a follower of Christ morns he should do so with the help of others. Notice that Abraham and Christ both morned in the presence of others. They did not isolate themselves from the community. Keep this in mind, friends. We live in an unusually individualistic and private society. We do a lot of things alone. Grieving is not  something that we should do all  alone, 

When a follower of Christ mourns he is to do so as one who’s hope is set firmly in God. This is what the Apostle explicitly calls the Christian to. 

Friends, the time comes for us to mourn, let us mourn well and to the glory of our God who has given us hope that goes beyond the grave through the Christ whom he has provided. 

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Abraham’s Sojourning

We have considered Abraham’s sorrow. Let us now briefly consider Abraham’s sojourning by looking at verse 3-4.

There we read, “And Abraham rose up from before his dead and said to the Hittites, ‘I am a sojourner and foreigner among you; give me property among you for a burying place, that I may bury my dead out of my sight’” (Genesis 23:3–4, ESV).

The Hittites were what the inhabitants of the land of Canaan were called generally. And notice that when Sarah died Abraham had to ask them for a place to burry his dead, for he was still a sojourner. He was a foreigner who owned not a single piece of land in Canaan — not even a plot to burry his dead.  

This is significant when we considered it light of the promises of God made to Abraham concerning the land. God promised Abraham that he would have many descendents, and he had provided Isaac. God also promised that his descendents would possess Canaan, but as of yet, Abraham was still a sojourner.

APPLICATION: The fact of Abraham’s sojourning would have an impact upon all of his descendents, physically and spiritually considered. 

The Jewish people, once they finally came to possess the land of Canaan, were to be mindful of the sojourners who lived amongst them. They were to be careful not to oppress them in any way. For example, Exodus 23:9 says, “You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 23:9, ESV). Furthermore, the Israelite who lived in the promise land after the exodus and conquest was to live in the land knowing that their hope was truly set in the heavenly Jerusalem, and not the earthly. 

And listen to Peter’s words to the Christian living under the New Covenant: “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:11–12, ESV)

As children of Abraham we are to maintain the mentality of a sojourner. This does not mean that were are forbidden from acquiring property or from building wealth. But it does mean that we are to live on this earth continually mindful of the fact that this is not our home. We are to store up treasures, not on earth, but heaven. 

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Abraham’s Acquisition Of A Sliver Of Land In Canaan   

Lastly, let us consider Abraham’s acquisition of a sliver of land in Canaan as described in verses 5 through 20. 

I will not walk you though this passage methodically given it’s length, but notice a few things. 

One, notice that the bulk of Genesis 23 is devoted to the story of Abraham’s acquisition of this land. This is the thing that Moses wants to highlight. Sarah’s death and Abraham’s mourning is only a precursor to the main story.   

Two, notice the respect that Abraham showed to the Hittites.

APPLICATION: May all of Abraham’s children learn how to sojourn from their father. Though it is true that if we belong to God we are to  live lives of holiness in the world. Though it is true that there should be a noticeable difference between the way that we live and the way that the world lives. It is also true that we are strive for peace with all men, and to treat others in a respectful way. 

Listen to Peter again, when he says, “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:13–17, ESV).

The Christian sojourner is to give “a reason for the hope that is in [them]; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” The Christian is to have a “good conscience” concerning the treatment of the non-Christian, and even those who persecute them. 

APPLICATION: Perhaps you have noticed that our culture is not currently characterized by kind, gentle, and respectful behavior. It seem’s that people have forgotten how to disagree with civility. Perhaps it is the social media that had contributed to it, but there is a harshness that characterizes our discourse. I believe that Christians are called to be better than this. Followers of Christ are called solve their enemies and do good to those who mistreat them. Followers of Christ are to treat people with  gentleness and respect. Our speech is to be seasoned with salt. Friends, let us not be conformed to the way of the world, but transformed by the renewal of our minds. Here is one way that we can shine as lights in darkness — we can treat those around us with respect. 

Abraham showed respect to the Hittites. And three, notice the honor that they showed to him, saying in  verse 6, “Hear us, my lord; you are a prince of God among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs. None of us will withhold from you his tomb to hinder you from burying your dead” (Genesis 23:6, ESV), and again in verse 11 Ephron says, “No, my lord, hear me: I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the sight of the sons of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead” (Genesis 23:11, ESV).

The offer was really this — I will loan you the field. I will give it to you for your use, is the idea. But the land would not have been Abraham’s possession if he accepted this generous offer. The offer was kind and generous, but Abraham wanted to own the land. And so in verse 11 we read that he “bowed down before the people of the land. And he said to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, ‘But if you will, hear me: I give the price of the field. Accept it from me, that I may bury my dead there” (Genesis 23:12–13, ESV). 

Ephron eventually named the price — 400 shekels of silver. It’s hard to know if this was a good price, or an inflated price. We simply don’t know enough about land prices in that time. But the point is this — Abraham bought. He did not negotiate the price. He respectfully paid what Ephron asked. 

Listen to the emphasis upon Abraham’s acquisition in verses 17-20. “So the field of Ephron in Machpelah, which was to the east of Mamre, the field with the cave that was in it and all the trees that were in the field, throughout its whole area, was made over to Abraham as a possession in the presence of the Hittites, before all who went in at the gate of his city. After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah east of Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. The field and the cave that is in it were made over to Abraham as property for a burying place by the Hittites” (Genesis 23:17–20, ESV).

Friends, the story of Genesis can be describes as the story of the beginning of the fulfillment of the promises of God made to Abraham. 

It was promised to Abraham that his descendents would be like the dust of the earth,  the stars of heaven, and the sand on the seashore — nations would come from him. But what did Abraham see? He saw only his son Issac.

And it was promised that land of Canaan would also be his. But  what did he himself come into possession of? Only one sliver of land to be used as a burial ground for his people.  

I suppose we might emphasize how little of the fulfillment of the promises that Abraham saw. But we mighty also emphaiszze the fact that the LORD did give him something. He blessed him to at least have a taste of the fulfillment. He saw Isaac, and he owned a bit of the land to burry his dead. Abraham was given a taste. 

Notice that this is how God has chosen to accomplish his plan of redemption. His plan unfolded progressively. The illustration of a seed is always helpful here. When God gave those promises to Abraham it was like a farmer dropping a seed down into the earth. And when Abraham saw the birth of Issac and when he acquired the land it was like a farmer being blessed to see the plant spout forth from the earth. How invigorating that experience must have been for Abraham to the first fruits.  It must have given him hope that indeed God would bring his promises to fulfilment.

APPLICATION: Brothers and sisters, the LORD has done the same for you and me. Though it is true that the Christ has come, we still have not received the final fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham. According to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:1–13, ESV).

But God has given us a downpayment. Having believed upon Christ you were “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13–14, ESV).

And we too have seen the firstfrutes when Christ rose from the grave. “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20, ESV)

Brothers and sisters, just like father Abraham you and I long to see the new heaven and earth and the resurrection of the dead on the last day. And just as he did for Abraham, the LORD has graciously provided us with a foretaste and a downpayment which guarantee the full  and final fulfillment of these things — the resurrection of Christ from the grave proves that he will raise the dead who are in him, and the Spirit has been poured out upon us showing that the LORD will bring  us to glory. 

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Conclusion 

 Friends, may you be encouraged by these things and continue on faithful to the end. My desire is that “each one of you [would] show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:11–12, ESV).

Posted in Sermons Study Guides Genesis 23
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QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

• Is it easier to start well or end well in the Chritsian life? What does the story of Abraham reveal concerning this question? Discuss how this might apply to your own life.
• Should we expect to hear from the LORD in the same way that Abraham did? How does the LORD speak to his people today? Should we obey in the same manner that Abraham did? Discuss.
• What impact does our obedience or disobedience have upon our sense of assurance (our confidence that we do indeed belong to God in Christ Jesus)? (See 1 John 2:3)

Tags: Gospel Community Groups

Posted in Study Guides Gospel Community Groups Joe Anady
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Old Testament Reading: Genesis 22

“After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’ So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, ‘Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.’ And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. And Isaac said to his father Abraham, ‘My father!’ And he said, ‘Here I am, my son.’ He said, ‘Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’ Abraham said, ‘God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.’ So they went both of them together. When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.’ And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The LORD will provide’; as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.’ And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven 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.’ So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba. And Abraham lived at Beersheba. Now after these things it was told to Abraham, ‘Behold, Milcah also has borne children to your brother Nahor: Uz his firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram, Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel.” (Bethuel fathered Rebekah.) These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. Moreover, his concubine, whose name was Reumah, bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.’” (Genesis 22, ESV)

New Testament Reading: Hebrews 11:8–19

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.” (Hebrews 11:8–19, ESV)

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Introduction

I think you would agree with me that the story of Genesis 22 is perplexing at the start. From Genesis 12 on through to the end of Genesis 20 we have been eagerly awaiting the fulfillment to the promises of God  concerning a son for Abraham and Sarah. Finally, in Genesis 21 we hear that the son was born. And then in Genesis 22 we are startled by these words: God spoke to Abraham and said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you” (Genesis 22:2, ESV). 

This command is perplexing on a couple of levels. First, it contradicts the promises that had been made to Abraham previously concerning his son Isaac and the work that God would accomplish through him. How could God accomplish that work if he were dead? And secondly, this command does not square at all with what we know to be true of the character of the God of the Bible. The scriptures in other places strictly condemn and forbid the practice of child sacrifice which was (and is) practiced in the world, and yet here the LORD tells Abraham to do it. As I said, the beginning of this story is very perplexing to the reader

And what about Abraham? Can you imagine how perplexing this must have been to him? This passage  gives us very little insight into the thought life of Abraham. The reader is left to imagine what was going on in his mind and heart as he walked through this experience. No doubt, he would have been thinking what we are thinking: Doesn’t this contradict what the LORD has said to me previously? And this seems to be entirely out of character for the LORD that I know. I’m sure that these thoughts were swirling around in Abraham’s mind, but what do you think was going on in  his heart? You and I can look back upon this narrative and ask these questions, but we are detached personally. Abraham lived this story. He actually  “rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac [his son, his only son, whom he loved]. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him” (Genesis 22:3, ESV). And he must of agonized over these things during  the three day journey. If this story is perplexing to the reader, how much more for Abraham as he experienced these things personally. 

But please noticed how I have said that this story is perplexing at first, or in the beginning. This is an important thing to emphasize, for though it is true that this story startles the reader at the start, by the end it is clear, understandable, illuminating and very comforting. Abraham himself journeyed towards Moriah perplexed and heavyhearted, but he journeyed home encouraged, comforted and reassured in the promises of God. Indeed, his faith was greatly strengthened through this test. He returned home more certain than ever that the LORD would provide. The LORD would provide the fulfillment to his promises. And more specifically, the LORD would provide a substitute for his offspring so that, though as good as dead, they might live.

I would like to  consider the story of Genesis 22 in five parts this morning. One, we will consider the call of God in verses 1 and 2. Two, the obedience of Abraham in verses 3 through 10. Three, the provision of the LORD in verse 12 through 14. Four, the promises of God in verses 15 through 19.  And five, a warning concerning trusting in the appearance of things in verses 20 through 24. We will need to move rather quickly. 

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The Call Of God Upon Abraham

First of all, let us consider the call of God upon Abraham in verses 1 and 2. 

There we read, “After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you’” (Genesis 22:1–2, ESV).

Notice how these words echo the original call of God upon Abraham when he was called to leave his homeland and go to a land that God would show him. If you were to set Genesis 22:1-2 alongside Genesis 12:1 you would see that there are very similar. It makes me wonder which journey was more difficult for Abraham? Was it more challenging for him to leave his home in Ur for the promised land? Or was it more challenging for him to leave home in the promised land for Moriah?

APPLICATION: In my experience I have found that many Christians assume the Christian life will grow easier with the passing of time? I would question that notion. It seems to me that finishing well is often more difficult than starting well. The story of Abraham would support this theory. It must have been difficult for him to leave Ur when first called by God. That required great faith. But something tells me that this journey to Moriah later in life was even more challenging. Friends, starting well in the Christian life matters little when compared to finishing well. Finishing well is what the scriptures call us to do. Those truly in Christ will  finish well, as Christ himself has said, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22, ESV).

The words, “after these things” in verse 1 might seem insignificant, buy they are very important for the direct our attention to the past. One, they remind us of what happened in chapter 21 with the birth of Isaac and the casting out of Ishmael. If we had the time I would set the story of the casting out of Ishmael and God’s provision for he and Hagar right along side this story concerning the sacrifice of Isaac and God’s provision of a substitute. And if I were to do that you would see that the two stories concerning Abraham’s two son’s parallel one another. They are meant to be compared and contrasted. Also, the words “after these things” remind us of all that has transpired  from Genesis 12 up to this point. Moses wants all of that  — especially the promises made to Abraham in years past — to be fresh in our minds so that we might be prepared to absorb the shocking story that he is about to tell. 

APPLICATION: Indeed, it wise for anyone who is going through a difficult and trying time to look back upon the past and to to remember God’s promises and his faithfulness. If you are going through a season of difficulty, don’t forget to look back. Look back and remember God’s faithfulness in  your  own life, and remember God’s faithfulness in generations past. God is faithful yesterday, today and forever. 

As we go on in verse 1 we read these words: “God tested Abraham”. Now, these are Moses’ words to the reader, and not God’s words to Abraham. Moses wants the reader to know from the outset that this was a test. Abraham’s faith was tested in this event, this we know from the start. Whether or not Abraham realized that it was a test from the start, we do not know. 

APPLICATION: And here is something we must understand about our God. Though he never tempts people (James 1:13), he does test them. What is the difference,  you might ask? Well the evil one tempts people with evil to make them stumble and fall. But God when God tests his people it is for the purpose of strengthening and refining them. Tempting and testing share this in common: they both involve a kind of test. But the purposes of God and of Satan are quite different. Satan seeks to destroy. God’s purpose is for the test to purity of ones faith. When he tests those who belong to him, it is to strengthen and refine them. Sometimes God’s people pass the test. Sometimes they fail. But even when they fail God uses the failure to further refine them.     

Abraham’s faith was tested in the event that is described to us here in this chapter. And I, for one, am glad to know that it was a test from the  start, for the thing that God called Abraham to do is shocking.  God called out to Abraham, saying,  “Abraham!” And Abraham replied as a faithful servant should, saying, “Here I am” (Genesis 22:1, ESV). And then God spoke, saying, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you” (Genesis 22:2, ESV).

As I have already said, this must have been shocking to Abraham. This word from the LORD seemed, at first, to contradict what the LORD had promised earlier — that through Issac the promises of God would be fulfilled. Also, this word from the LORD seemed to contradict the character of God which Abraham had come to know so well — the false gods of the pagans were pleased with human sacrifice, but not the LORD of all creation.   

But notice this. The LORD did help Abraham along when he called him. In other words, he called him in such a way so as to soften the blow and to coax him along towards obedience. Notice ______ things about the call. 

One, though our English translations do not bring this out, in the Hebrew it is clear that God said “please” to Abraham when he delivered this command. Translated more literally the text says, “Please take your son, your only child whom you love…” It is very, very uncommon for God to  say “please” or “I beg you” or “I urge you” when delivering commands to his people. But here he does. It is as if God said to Abraham, I know this is going to sound very strange to you, please trust me. Take your son, etc. 

Two, notice that God reassured Abraham that he knew  how precious Isaac was to him. I suppose he could have simply said, Abraham, take your son Isaac… But instead he said, “Please, take your son, your only only whom you love…” 

Three, take notice of the name of the place that God called Abraham to go to. Go to the land of Moriah, God said. The Hebrew  word Moriah sounds like the Hebrew word for “provide” which will become the central theme of the story as it continues to unfold. 

A little later in the story Isaac will notice that his dad has everything needed for a sacrifice except… the sacrifice, and so he asks his father. And what did Abraham say? “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:8, ESV). And after the whole ordeal was over notice that Abraham expanded upon the name “Moriah” and called the place, “The LORD will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided” (Genesis 22:14, ESV). 

What I am saying is this: Though all of this became increasingly clear to Abraham as he obeyed, the name of the place was a clue to Abraham that the LORD would make it clear, would see to it, and would provide. Abraham was called by God to head of towards land where the LORD would provide. It is as if  the LORD spoke to Abraham and ever so subtly said, Abraham, please trust me. Take your only son — the son whom you love so very much, and go to the land of provision, and offer him up there. I do not mean to minimize how difficult fit must have been for Abraham to obey. But at the same time we should not ignore the hints that God dropped when called Abraham, so as to ease his mind concerning the perplexing thing that he was calling him to do. 

By the way, where is Moriah? Where is this mountain of provision that Abraham was called to sacrifice his son upon? 2 Chronicles 3:1 reveals that Moriah is where the city of Jerusalem would eventually be build. More specifically, Mount Moriah was the location where the temple in Jerusalem would eventually be constructed.  In 2 Chronicles 3:1 we read, “Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to David his father, at the place that David had appointed, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite” (2 Chronicles 3:1, ESV). Please keep this in mind as we continue on with our story.  

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The Obedience Of Abraham

We have considered the call of God upon Abraham in verses 1 and 2. Now let us consider the obedience of  Abraham in verses 3 through 10. 

As you know, Abraham’s faith was not always perfect. He had his ups and downs. He sometimes allowed fear of the unknown to get to him. But here in this episode, his faith is rock solid. He simply obeyed the LORD this he did from the moment that he saddled his donkey to the moment that he lifted up the knife to slay his son. Abraham simply obeyed the LORD. 

And what was he thinking? The scriptures reveal very little concerning Abraham’s thought life. I think it is safe to  assume that he agonized over the thought of Isaac death, and especially over the though that it would come by his hand. But the scriptures do give us some insight into his thinking. And when they do, what do we find? We find faith.  

For three days Abraham journeyed along with Isaac and two of his young men. Verse 4: “On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar” (Genesis 22:4, ESV). This is a dramatic scene. I think Abraham’s heart sank when he saw the place. How did he know it was the place? The LORD must have revealed it to him. But listen carefully to what  Abraham said to his servants. Verse 5: “Then Abraham said to his young men, ‘Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you” (Genesis 22:5, ESV). The word “come” in the phrase “come again to you” is plural. In other words, Abraham said, “I and the boy will go over there and worship and [the who of us will] come again to you.” How could Abraham have said this to his servants given what thew LORD had commanded him to do? He said it in faith knowing that the LORD would provide somehow. The LORD would not  break his promises concerning the blessing that would come through Issac.  The LORD would provide. How? Abraham did not know, but he knew that he would. And so he said, we are going to worship, and we will return. 

Abraham’s faith is also evident in his response to Isaac’s question concerning the missing sacrifice. Uh, Dad. I see the fire.  I see the wood. But where is the lamb? “Abraham said, ‘God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.’ So they went both of them together” (Genesis 22:8, ESV).

And notice that Abraham obeyed, not half way, or three quarters of the way, but all of the way. “When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.” By the way, I think this indicates that Isaac also had faith. It is difficult to imagine that young man would not be able to escape a man of Abraham’s age in a situation like this. Issac was a willing sacrifice. “Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son” (Genesis 22:9–10, ESV).

Abraham was perfectly obedient to God in this moment. He obeyed even to the point of lifting the knife to slay his son. And yet we might still  ask the question, what was thinking that he would be willing to go this far in  obedience to the command of God? The New Testament helps us to understand. Remember that Hebrews passage that I read at the beginning of the sermon. In chapter 11 verse 17 we find these words: “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ He [Abraham] considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back” (Hebrews 11:17–19, ESV).

This is very helpful. Here the scriptures reveal to us that Abraham lifted up the knife to slay his son believing that one of the ways that God could provide would be to raise the boy from the dead. Abraham  knew that God was able to bring life from death, and so he was obedient to the point of death. 

APPLICATION: Brothers and sisters, you and I should obey the LORD as Abraham did — consistently, to the end, and even to the point of death, believing for sure  that God will raise the dead and that he is the rewarder of “those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6, ESV). 

Now please do not misunderstand me. You would be a fool to think that God will speak to you in the way that he spoke to Abraham. Abraham was a prophet. Abraham played a unique and very unusual role in the history of redemption. God does not speak to anyone today in the way that he spoke to Abraham. It would be very misguided and unbiblical for anyone today to wait around waiting to hear from God before knowing what to do. If you need help understand why this is so, I would be happy to explain it to you from the scriptures. In brief, the Christ has come to whom the law and the prophets pointed. All of the promises of God — the promises that were delivered first to Abraham — find their “yes” in him (2 Corinthians 1:20). Jesus the Christ was the word of God come in the flesh — the panicle of God’s special revelation. “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world” (Hebrews 1:1–2, ESV). In other words, there is nothing left for God to reveal now that the Christ has come. The New Testament scriptures testify concerning him. The foundational age of the Apostles and Prophets is over. And now we have the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament. They are all we need. 

Now, does the Holy Spirit “speak to us”? Yes! But in this sense. He is the Paraclete — the Helper — who ministers the Word of God to us. He illuminates the scriptures. He helps us to understand them and to apply them. He gives wisdom to his people so that they might live in obedience to the Word of God already given.

That is what I mean when I say that we should obey the LORD as Abraham did. It is not that we should expect God to speak to us as God spoke to Abraham the prophet. Rather, now that God has spoken to us by his Son, we ought to be found living obedient lives of faith, as Abraham did in this instance.  

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The Provision Of The LORD   

Abraham believed that God was able to raise Issac from the dead, if necessary. Thankfully, it did not come to that, for the LORD  provided a substitute. Let us now consider the provision of the LORD. 

Right as Abraham lifted his hand to slay his son, his only son Isaac, whom he loved, “the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven saying, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am’” (Genesis 22:11, ESV). You can almost here the urgency in the LORD’s voice, and the relief in Abraham’s. And the LORD said, “’Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.’ And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The LORD will provide’; as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided’” (Genesis 22:12–14, ESV).

I have mentioned this many times now in our study of the book of Genesis: many of the event that are recorded for us in this book (and in the Old Testament) have a prototypical quality to them. They were real events that really happened, but they also pointed forward to things yet to come on a greater scale. Certainly this story concerning the sacrifice of Isaac and the LORD’s provision of a substitute was one of those events.  

On an earthly level, Issac typifies the people of Israel who would descend from him. They, because of their sin and rebellion will deserve to be cast out of the land. But God would provide a sacrificial system by which atonement would be made for their sins. 

On a spiritual and heavenly level, Issac typifies the Israel of God — that is to say, the elect of God. All who have the faith of Abraham from amongst the Jews and Gentiles. They deserve death because of their sin. But God, beings rich in mercy would provide a Savior — Christ Jesus the LORD, the lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. He is our substitute. 

Please understand, therefore, the gospel was portrayed through Abraham’s obedience and the LORD’s provision. The message was communicated loud and clear — the LORD will provide! And what would he provide? A substitute for the children of God. The doctrine of substitutionary atonement was not invented by Christians, therefore. Far from it! Even Abraham, and all who descended from him, were taught that God would save his people from death — the death that is due to all of us because of our sin — and this he would do by sending someone to our place. 

Did you notice the little remark that Moses made at the end of verse 14? As it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided’” (Genesis 22:12–14, ESV). Moses wrote Genesis over 400 years after Abraham experienced this. He wrote Genesis after the Hebrews spent a long time as slaves in Egypt. And yet even still the saying was common — “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided”.  What mount? Moriah. The mountain where the temple would be build. The mountain where animal sacrifices would be offered up for hundreds of years. And in the place where the Christ, the lamb of God who takes aways the sins, not only of the Hebrews, but also the Gentiles, would slain as a substitute for those given to him by the Father.  

Now what do we say? Not, “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided”, but praise be to God, On the mount of the LORD it has been provided, for it is finished.

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The Promises Of God   

I have two more points to make, and very little time to make them. We have considered the call of God upon Abraham, the obedience of Abraham, and the provision of of the LORD. Now let me say a very brief word concerning the promises of God reiterated.

These promises are new. They have already been made to Abraham unconditionally. In others words, God had promised that these things would surely happen. But now, because of Abraham’s, they are stated with even more forcefulness and clarity. 

“And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven 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’” (Genesis 22:15–18, ESV).

Again, these are not new promises. And the fulfillment of them was never contingent upon Abraham’s obedience. But Abraham’s obedience brought about an even more robust expression of these promises. Not only would his descendents be as the stars of heaven, but as the sand of the seashore. And not only would Abraham possess the land, but his offspring would possess the gate of their enemies, referring to their victory over their enemies. 

APPLICTAION: Friends, when we obey God we do not earn our salvation or make it sure, but we do often gain a sense of assurance concerning it. When we disobey God we sometimes wonder if we are really his. But when we obey that often brings an increase in our confidence in Christ. I would imagine that Abraham walked away confident. He obeyed. He passed the test. The gospel was portrayed before his very eyes — he was sure that “on the mount of the LORD it shall be provided”. And he was reassured concerning the promises of God that had been delivered unconditionally to him years earlier. I wonder, friends, do you have a sense of assurance? Are you confident in Christ Jesus. If you lack assurance, the possible reasons are many. But one possibility is that you lack it because you have been disobedient. The Apostle spook of assurance when he said, “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments” (1 John 2:3, ESV).

Abraham was obedient. He passed the test. And he was blessed to have the promised of God reiterated to him yet again, with even greater boldness and clarity than before. 

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A Warning Concerning The Appearance Of Things   

In the fifth and last portion of our text for today we are warned against trusting in the appearance of things. 

This narrative has a conclusion that seems strange at first. In verse 20 we read, “Now after these things it was told to Abraham, ‘Behold, Milcah also has borne children to your brother Nahor: Uz his firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram, Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel.’ (Bethuel fathered Rebekah.) These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. Moreover, his concubine, whose name was Reumah, bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah” (Genesis 22:20–24, ESV).

What is this about? Why did Moses provide a list of the descendents of Abraham’s brother, Nahor, as a conclusion to this story concerning Abraham and his son Isaac? 

The answer, I think, is that it sets the apparent flourishing of Nahor over and against the apparent languishing of Abraham, God’s chosen and blessed one. 

When you look at Nahor, Abraham’s brother, who did not follow the LORD, who remained in Ur and, presumably, continued to worship other god’s, what do you see? A man flourishing and blessed. 12 of his descendents are mentioned. 

But when you look at Abraham what do you see? Well, concerning offspring, he is a man that is barely scraping by. He had one son by Hagar, Sarah’s servant girl, and he had to send him away. He had only one son by Sarah, and this one narrowly escaped being sacrificed. 

But the people of God must learn to distrust the appearance of things, for sometimes things are not as they appear. Abraham was indeed blessed of God. A great multitude was truly in his loins. Indeed, God would establish his kingdom through him. And from him the Christ would be brought into the world. Judging by appearance one might be tempted to say that Nahor was the blessed one of the two. But not according to the decree of God. 

APPLICATION: Friends, you too must learn to look beyond the appearance of things. Quite often the people and institutions that appear prosperous and blessed will come to nothing, and the people and institutions that belong to the LORD seem on the surface to be so very small and insignificant. This has been a common phenomenon throughout the history of redemption, and I believe it is true to this present day.  I ask you, where is the Kingdom of God in the world today? Where is his church? Where is he working? If I were a betting man I would wager a great some of money upon God working amongst people and institutions that on the surface seem to be of little significance, for this is God’s way. Our God has chosen “what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Corinthians 1:28–29, ESV).

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Conclusion 

Almighty God, grant that the words which we have heard today, with our outward ears, may by your grace be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honor and praise of your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Posted in Sermons Joe Anady Genesis 22
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QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

• What does the name “Isaac” mean?
• Compare and contrast the laughing of Sarah with the laughing of Ishmael. What does this reveal concerning their attitude towards the promises of God?
• Discuss how the sorrow of sending Ishamel away was the natural consequence of Abraham’s sin. How might the Lord use the consequences of our sin to refine us. When we suffer under the consequences of our sins does this mean that God is angry with us?
• Where do we see evidence of God’s mercy in this passage? How has God been merciful to you in the midst of pain and suffering (of any kind, but even pain caused by your own sin)?

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Posted in Study Guides Gospel Community Groups Joe Anady
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