Old Testament Reading: Genesis 26

“Now there was a famine in the land, besides the former famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Gerar to Abimelech king of the Philistines. And the LORD appeared to him and said, ‘Do not go down to Egypt; dwell in the land of which I shall tell you. Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father. I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.’ So Isaac settled in Gerar. When the men of the place asked him about his wife, he said, ‘She is my sister,’ for he feared to say, ‘My wife,’ thinking, ‘lest the men of the place should kill me because of Rebekah,’ because she was attractive in appearance. When he had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out of a window and saw Isaac laughing with Rebekah his wife. So Abimelech called Isaac and said, ‘Behold, she is your wife. How then could you say, ‘She is my sister’?’ Isaac said to him, ‘Because I thought, ‘Lest I die because of her.’’ Abimelech said, ‘What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.’ So Abimelech warned all the people, saying, ‘Whoever touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.’ And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The LORD blessed him, and the man became rich, and gained more and more until he became very wealthy. He had possessions of flocks and herds and many servants, so that the Philistines envied him. (Now the Philistines had stopped and filled with earth all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father.) And Abimelech said to Isaac, ‘Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.’ So Isaac departed from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. And Isaac dug again the wells of water that had been dug in the days of Abraham his father, which the Philistines had stopped after the death of Abraham. And he gave them the names that his father had given them. But when Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of spring water, the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, ‘The water is ours.’ So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah. And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, ‘For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.’ From there he went up to Beersheba. And the LORD appeared to him the same night and said, ‘I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.’ So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the LORD and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac’s servants dug a well. When Abimelech went to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army, Isaac said to them, ‘Why have you come to me, seeing that you hate me and have sent me away from you?’ They said, ‘We see plainly that the LORD has been with you. So we said, let there be a sworn pact between us, between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you, that you will do us no harm, just as we have not touched you and have done to you nothing but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the LORD.’ So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. In the morning they rose early and exchanged oaths. And Isaac sent them on their way, and they departed from him in peace. That same day Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well that they had dug and said to him, ‘We have found water.’ He called it Shibah; therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day. When Esau was forty years old, he took Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite to be his wife, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and they made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah.” (Genesis 26, ESV)

New Testament Reading: Acts 3:11–26

“While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: ‘Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.’” (Acts 3:11–26, ESV)

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Introduction

If you are paying very careful attention in our study of the book of Genesis you may have thought to yourself, this story seems to be a bit out of place. But it would only seem out of place if your expectation is for the narrative of Genesis to proceed chronologically. In the previous chapter we were told of the birth of the twins, Esau and Jacob, to Isaac and Rebekah. But here in this passage we encounter a story which seems to have happened in the days prior to the birth of the boys. Notice that the twins are not mentioned in this story. And even more significantly, it is difficult to immagine all of this happening if Isaac and Rebekah were sojourning with twins in tow. Certainly, it would have been impossible for Isaac to say that Rebekah was his sister, and not his wife, if children were in the picture. They are married but without children in this story. 

A question we should as is, why this non-chronological organization to the book of Genesis? The answer is that Genesis is sometimes organized thematically. In other words, it is structured,  not so that you might have chronological understanding of historical events, but so that you might get the point that is being made in the passage.

This non-chronological organization of Genesis forces us to  compare and contrast the story of Issac with the story of his father, Abraham, for the two cycles, or stories, mirror one another in their thematic organization. In other words, if you were to set the story of Abraham alongside the story of Issac (which we are now considering) you would see that they follow a similar pattern. The pattern is easy to see even in the first two scenes of each of the cycles. 

If you were set the first scene of the Abraham story (11:27 – 12:9) alongside the first scene of the Isaac story (25:19-28) you would notice that they mirror one another thematically. In those introductory passages promises are made concerning the offspring of Abraham and the offspring of Isaac. And do you remember the way that the second scene of the Abraham story began? Genesis 12:10 reads, “Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land. When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife… Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake’ (Genesis 12:10–13, ESV). Does that sound very familiar to you? It should, for it is very much like the story that we have just read concerning Isaac. In the second scene of the Isaac story  we learn that there was also a famine in his day. And he behaved like his father did when he sojourned, saying that Rebekah was his sister, when she was really his wife.  

The point is this: The story of Abraham and the story of Isaac are meant to be set side by side so that they might be compared and contrasted. They are structured in the same way so that we might do this.  And as we are faithful to consider this text in this way three things become clear. One, the promises that were made to Abraham were also made to Isaac. Two, the fear that plagued Abraham also infected Isaac. And three, the blessings that fell upon Abraham were also showered upon Isaac. 

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The Promises Made To Abraham Were Also Made To Isaac

First,  let us consider that the promises made to Abraham were also made to Isaac.

In verses 1 we read,  “Now there was a famine in the land, besides the former famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Gerar to Abimelech king of the Philistines” (Genesis 26:1, ESV). Here we are clued in to the fact that we are supposed to compare Abraham’s famine story with Isaac’s famine story. “There was a famine in the land, besides the former famine that was in the days of Abraham”, the text says. 

[APPLICATION: Brothers and sisters, we should remember that “famines” do sometimes threaten and plague the people of God as they sojourn in this world. Belonging to God does not mean that we are immune from the famine experience. Life will have it’s ups and down. There will times of plenty, and times want, times of sickness and health . May we be like Paul who  said, “For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11–13, ESV) 

Our spiritual parents, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecka, endured famine. But when we compare the account of the famine in Abraham’s day (12:10-20) with the account of the famine in Isaac’s day (26:1-11) we see a difference. Whereas Abraham left the land of promise to go down into Egypt, Isaac was told to remain. Verse 2: “And the LORD appeared to him and said, ‘Do not go down to Egypt [as Abraham did]; dwell in the land of which I shall tell you. Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands…” (Genesis 26:2–3, ESV). Isaac was to stay. 

This would have required great faith. Egypt was not as vulnerable to famine as Canaan was, for the crops of Egypt were watered by the ever consistent flow of the Nile. The crops of Canaan depended upon rain from heaven. Droughts were not uncommon. But Isaac was warned not to run off to Egypt. He was to remain in Canaan, trusting ever in the LORD. The lure of Egypt was undoubtably very strong. Quite literally, the grass looked much greener on the other side. 

[APPLICATION: And I would bet that you also have felt the alure of Egypt. Obviously I do not mean that a literal famine has prompted you to consider a litteral move to that place. But perhaps a “famine” of another kind has prompted you to consider a move to Egypt, spiritually speaking. Following Christ in this world is sometimes difficult, friends. And sometimes the grass does look greener on the other side. But what does the LORD say to you and me? He says, remain in the land and trust in me. Indeed the scriptures say, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12, ESV).

Now, remember that the LORD did not explicitly tell Abraham to go to Egypt. He decided to do that on his own. But the LORD commanded Isaac, saying, do not leave Canaan because of the famine — stay in this land, for it is this land that I will give to your offspring. More than that, the LORD also promised Isaac, saying in verse 3, “I will be with you and will bless you…”  

[APPLICATION: Friends, there is no greater comfort in life than for God to say to you, “I will be with you and bless you.” If God is with us, who can be against us? If God is for us, then what can man do to us. If God is with us, then even the most difficult and trying circumstances will be laced with his grace. His love will comfort us in our affliction. His presence will uphold and sustain us through the trial. Brothers and sisters, be reminded that if we are in Christ Jesus the God has promised to be with us always. This is why James exhorts those who have faith in Christ saying,   

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5, ESV). The one who has faith in Christ is not to find his or her security in material possessions. The Christ follower is to be content with what they have, no matter if it is little or much. And we are take courage and comfort in the fact that God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us in Christ Jesus. 

When the LORD called Isaac to remain in the land of promise that was at that time plagued by famine, he reassured  him with these words —  “I will be with you and will bless you…” After this the LORD reminded Isaac of the promises made to his father Abraham and made them to Isaac also, saying, “for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father. I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed…” (Genesis 26:3–4, ESV). Isaac was to remain in the land knowing that the LORD would be with him to bless him. And he was to remain being mindful of the promises made to his father, and also to him. This land — the land of Canaan — would belong to his offspring. His offspring would be as the stars of heaven (though Rachael was at this time barren). And through his offspring all of the nations of the earth would be blessed. And then the LORD added these words to move Isaac to obey (verse 5): “because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws” (Genesis 26:5, ESV). God would surely accomplish his purposes and fulfill his promises, but it would come about through the obedience of Isaac and his descendents. 

Why does this matter? Why does it matter that the promises made to Abraham were made to Isaac also?

[APPLICATION: It matters because it advances the story of redemption that is told in the pages of Holy Scripture. Promises were made to Abraham concerning land, offspring, and their being blessed of God, and the blessings of the nations through them. And here we those promises being inherited by the next generation. Later in Genesis the promises will be passed along again, and then again, until they are fulfilled in the Exodus event, and after that in the conquest of Canaan, and finally in the life, death, and resurrection of the Christ, the Son of Abraham, the Son of God. Here we are witnessing the unfolding of God’s plan for the salvation of the world. 

These promises made to Isaac also matter because they are yours in Christ Jesus. And how are they yours in Christ Jesus? Well, clearly they do not apply to you in the same way that they applied to Isaac. God has not said to you “to your offspring I will give all these lands”, or “I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven” or I will give to your offspring all these lands [meaning Canaan]”, or “in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.” Those promises were for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Those promises were fulfilled in the arrival of the Christ! But these promises do belong to you if you are in Christ Jesus, for in him you will partake of the fulness of the rewards that he has earned as the faithful Son of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. 

In Christ we are not waiting to inherit a small sliver of land called Canaan, but, as Peter says, “according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13, ESV). For this is what Jesus the Christ has earned — not Canaan only, but a new heavens and new earth. And this he has earned, not for one people group only, but for all the nations of the earth — for all peoples who have faith in his name.] 

The promises made to Abraham were also made to Isaac, advancing God’s work of redemption. 

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The Fear That Plagued Abraham Also Plagued Isaac

But notice that though Isaac remained in the land in obedience to the word of the LORD, he still struggled in the faith. In this story we learn that the fear that plagued had plagued his father Abraham also plagued Isaac.

This part of the story should also sound familiar to you. Verse 6: “So Isaac settled in Gerar. When the men of the place asked him about his wife, he said, ‘She is my sister,’ for he feared to say, ‘My wife,’ thinking, ‘lest the men of the place should kill me because of Rebekah,’ because she was attractive in appearance” (Genesis 26:6–7, ESV). Isaac lied about his wife just as his father Abraham lied about his, saying only that she was his sister. Both men were driven by fear to do this unholy thing. Both men lacked faith when they took the road of self protection rather than trusting in the LORD.   

Do not forget that the LORD had promised to be with Isaac and to bless him, but here he  seems to have forgotten those promises. Here he seems to have forgot that the LORD had set his love upon him. Had he remembered the lovingkindness of the LORD he would not have allowed fear to drive him, for “there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18, ESV).

It is important to notice that in both the story of Abraham’s deception and the story of Isaac’s deception, the pagan nations are portrayed as having more integrity that the patriarchs. Think about that for moment. When Abraham lied in Egypt and then again in Gerar, those kings were appalled by his actions. They were astonished that Abraham would lie, and they were furious that he would put them in a position where they might sin by taking Sarah as wife. And the same is true here. Verse 8: “When he had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out of a window and saw Isaac laughing [being flirtatious] with Rebekah his wife. So Abimelech called Isaac and said, ‘Behold, she is your wife. How then could you say, ‘She is my sister’?’ Isaac said to him, ‘Because I thought, ‘Lest I die because of her.’’ Abimelech said, ‘What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.’ So Abimelech warned all the people, saying, ‘Whoever touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death’” (Genesis 26:8–11, ESV). 

Isaac thought that the men of Gerar were thoroughly wicked. Instead he was humbled to discover that in this instance they were more righteous than he. This is an  important theme. Abraham and Isaac were the fathers of the Israelite nation. The message being communicated to them through this history of their people is that they were chosen by God from amongst the nations, not because they were better than the rest, but by the grace of God alone.    In other words, with the election of Abraham and Isaac a particular people were set apart in the world from the rest. The Israelites would belong uniquely to the LORD for a time,  whereas the nations would remain in darkness. But the beginning of the history of the Israelites makes it plain — it was by grace that they were set apart, and not the result of works, lest anyone amongst them should boast.  

[APPLICATION: This too is our heritage, brothers and sisters. Abraham and Isaac are our forefathers spiritually speaking. And by considering  their imperfections  we are reminded that that our election in Christ is by the  free grace of God alone, and not because of something deserving within us. I have said it before, and I will say it again, there is nothing more humbling than the doctrine of unconditional election when it is properly understood. Remember and never forget that  God “saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began…” (2 Timothy 1:9, ESV). 

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The Blessings That Fell Upon Abraham Were Also Showered Upon Isaac

Lastly, let us see that the blessings that fell upon Abraham were also showered upon Isaac. 

No sooner do the scriptures finish describing Isaac’s sin of deception and the righteous actions of Abimelech king of  Gerar, do we read in verse 12,  “And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The LORD blessed him, and the man became rich, and gained more and more until he became very wealthy. He had possessions of flocks and herds and many servants, so that the Philistines envied him” (Genesis 26:12–14, ESV). Indeed,  the LORD was faithful to be with him and to bless him despite his shortcomings. 

The Philistines envied his wealth and so  they began to drive him away. Isaac would dig a well and the Philistines would quarrel over it and claim that it was theirs. This happened repeatedly. It should be noted that this section which runs from 26:18-22 mirrors the story of Abraham’s separating from Lot. Remember that Abraham’s wealth was so great that the land could not support the two of them, so Lot  and Abraham went their separate ways after their herdsmen began to quarrel (Genesis 13). But in the story of the separation of Lot from Abraham, Abraham was blessed of the LORD. And similarly  in the story of Isaac being driven from Gerar, it was Isaac who was blessed of the LORD. 

Verse 23: “From there he went up to Beersheba. And the LORD appeared to him the same night and said, ‘I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.’ So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the LORD and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac’s servants dug a well.” (Genesis 26:23–25, ESV)

Why all the talk of well digging? It should be remembered that there was a famine in the land of Cannan, most likely due to a lack of rain. Having a source of water in the Canaan was essential to survival in the land. Here is a clear  sign  of the LORD’s blessing upon Isaac — he provided  water for him in a dry and thirsty land. Isaac was blessed of the LORD, and the provision of water was a clear sign of this blessing.  

[APPLICATION: Brothers and sisters, our sojourning is not physical, but spiritual. And so too our thirst is not physical, but spiritual. Those blessed in the LORD are those who have faith in Christ. And what does Christ say? “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35, ESV). And, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:37–38, ESV).]

In verses 26-33 we learn that even the Philistines, as they are called in this passage, recognized that Isaac was blessed. Abimelech,  Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army came to Isaac and said, “We see plainly that the LORD has been with you. So we said, let there be a sworn pact between us, between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you…” (Genesis 26:28, ESV).

[APPLICATION: Friends,  I ask you, when the world looks in upon your life can they tell that you are blessed in Christ? Can they see something distinguishing about you — love, joy, peace? Do they see someone who’s hunger and thirst has been satiated? Do they see one who is thankful and content? Oh that we would walk with Christ in such way that the world around us would take notice and come to us to ask “for a reason for the hope that is in [us] (1 Peter 3:15, ESV). When the world looks in upon your life do they see someone who I shape  and blessed in the Lord? They should! And if they don’t, then something needs to change. 

Friends, if you are in Christ then you are  truly blessed. Isaac was blessed with earthly things, and the kings of Gerar took note of it.  But if you are in Christ you are blessed in the spiritual realm. God has blessed us “in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:3–12, ESV).]

Perhaps you noticed that this passage ends rather abruptly and strangely in verses 34 and 35 with this little remark about Esau, Isaac and Rebekahs oldest son — “When Esau was forty years old, he took Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite to be his wife, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and they made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah” (Genesis 26:34–35, ESV). And with that we are prepared to consider the lives of Esau and Jacob again in chapter 27. Clearly, the LORD favored Jacob the younger over Esau the elder. Esau married from amongst the Hittites. And bad marriages can make a real mess of things. 

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Conclusion 

As we move to a conclusion, let us remember that the LORD is faithful to keep his promises. He was faithful to Abraham and to Isaac, and he will be faithful to us. It is “impossible for God to lie”  and that is why it is right for us to flee to him “for refuge” and to take “strong encouragement” in him. Indeed, “we have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:18–19, ESV).

Let us put away all  fear, therefore.  “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18, ESV).  Are you convinced that God loves you in Christ Jesus? Then there is no room for fear. Let us walk  by faith and not by fear as Isaac did when he lied about his wife.

And let us see clearly how very blessed  we are in  Christ Jesus. Do you rejoice in this, brothers and sisters? Are you thankful and content? Are joyful and at peace? It is only right for us to be if we are indeed blessed in Christ Jesus.  

Posted in Sermons Joe Anady Genesis 26
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QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

• Why would the Lord permit Sarah and Rebekah to struggle for so long with barrenness? What does this teach us about God’s ways as it relates to our sufferings? Consider James 1:2-18. 
• What does the theme of the Lord choosing the younger over the older teach us about the ways of the LORD? 
• What do we learn concerning the grace of God and human merit as we consider the stories of the patriarchs?

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Posted in Study Guides Gospel Community Groups Joe Anady Genesis 25:19-34
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Old Testament Reading: Genesis 25:19-34

“These are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham fathered Isaac, and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife. And Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. The children struggled together within her, and she said, ‘If it is thus, why is this happening to me?’ So she went to inquire of the LORD. And the LORD said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.’ When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, ‘Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!’ (Therefore his name was called Edom.) Jacob said, ‘Sell me your birthright now.’ Esau said, ‘I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?’ Jacob said, ‘Swear to me now.’ So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.” (Genesis 25:19–34, ESV)

New Testament Reading: Hebrews 12:1–17

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’ It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.” (Hebrews 12:1–17, ESV)

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Introduction

A theme that has been developing in the book of Genesis ever since the account of the fall of man into sin is that God will accomplish his purposes in the world, not through the strong and powerful, but through those who are weak. Put differently, God determined to provide a way of salvation for fallen humanity, and this he would accomplish, not though those people and institutions that seem strong and impressive from the point of view of the world, but in and through those that the world esteems as small and insignificant. God’s established mode of operation is to use “what is foolish in the world to shame the wise… what is weak in the world to shame the strong… 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” his presence… (1 Corinthians 1:26–31, ESV).

Consider the story of Cain and Able. Cain was the firstborn. According to the way of the world, he should have been the favored one. But God was pleased with Able, the younger of the two. When Cain rose up out of jealousy and pride and killed Able his brother, God rose up Seth to take his place so that the righteous line would be preserved through him. God used “what [was] weak in the world to shame the strong.”

Consider Noah. He alone was righteous in his day. He must have seemed so small and insignificant to the world around him. In fact, he must have seemed a bit odd as he invested so much into the construction of that ship, being warned by God of the impending watery judgement. They mocked him, I’m sure. He seemed like a fool to them. But it was through him that the human race was preserved, as well as the righteous line. God used “what [was] foolish in the world to shame the wise.”

Abram and Sarai were also unlikely candidates to be used of the LORD to fulfill his plans for redemption. They too were small and insignificant. They lived in the midst of an idolatrous people. Sarai was barren. And yet God choose them as his conduit of blessing to the nations. Through them and though their offspring the Savior of the world would come. God used “what [was] low and despised in the world, even things that [were] not, to bring to nothing things that are.”

If we were look ahead a bit in the story of redemption we would notice that this theme continues. It would be through Joseph, the youngest of Jacobs 12 sons that Israel would be preserved. Moses was to be put to death as an infant because he was a male born to the Hebrews while they were in bondage within Egypt. But God preserved him, raised him up, and used him despite his weakness to bring about that great act of deliverence that we now call the exodus. Consider King David. He too was the youngest of his brothers. He, unlike King Saul, was small in stature. And yet he was chosen by the LORD to be king.

And finally, consider Jesus the Christ himself. He was born to poor and insignificant parents. He lived a very common life. In fact his life was marked by trial and tribulation. When it came to his death, he died in a most inglorious way. Of course, here I am speaking of Christ as he seemed to the world. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3, ESV).

It is very important that we recognize this paradigm, friends. This is God’s way. When God carries out his purposes concerning the salvation of sinners, his mode of operation is to do so in and through the weak and the lowly. This is to show that it is he who is at work. This is to show that what he does, he does by his grace, and not because of something deserving within the creature.

And the very same thing is true in this New Covenant era. This is why Paul wrote to the Corinthians, saying, “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong…” etc. This was not a new idea that Paul came up with. Instead, he noticed that God’s way of operating in ages past was being continued in the last days. “God chose 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…” Indeed, this exhortation stands true: “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:26–31, ESV).

This theme is clearly at the heart of the story of Jacob and Esau which we are beginning to consider today. What we will discover is that neither of these men were paradigms of virtue who were worthy, in and of themselves, to serve as conduits of God grace to the world. Esau was a man driven by fleshly passion. Jacob was crafty and cunning. But the Lord, by his grace, determined to fulfill his redemptive purposes through Jacob, who was the most unlikely of the two, as it is written, “the older shall serve the younger.”

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Twins Born To A Woman Once Barren

Let us begin by considering the story of the brith of Esau and Jacob. As we do we will learn that these twins were born to Rebekah, who was once barren.

In verse 19 we read, “These are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham fathered Isaac, and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife” (Genesis 25:19–20, ESV).

The words, “These are the generations of…” indicate that we are entering into a new section of the book of Genesis. After the prologue, Genesis is organized into ten family histories. A prolonged section was devoted to the family history of Terah, Abraham’s father (11:27-25:11). After that the family history of Ishmael, Abraham’s first born son, was briefly presented to us (25:12-18). And now we are considering the family history of Isaac, the son of promise. This section begins at 25:19 and will run all the way through to the end of chapter 35. The thing to notice is that Genesis highlights the righteous and chosen line through whom Israel, and ultimately the Christ, would come, and minimizes the non-elect lines. Their family histories are very brief, whereas the family histories of those chosen of God are expanded. Clearly, the point of the book of Genesis is to reveal our origins — the origin of the heavens and earth; the origin of men and angels; the origin of sin; and the origin of our redemption in Christ Jesus. This is why the book is called Genesis. It is a book about beginnings. Again, verses 19 reads, “These are the generations of Isaac…”, and there we learn that “Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah… to be his wife.” It would be through Isaac, and not Ishmael, that the promises of God concerning salvation for the nations would be fulfilled.

In verse 21 we read, “And Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived” (Genesis 25:21, ESV). It is important to remember that Sarah, Isaac’s mother, was barren. She struggled with her barrenness for many years. It wasn’t until she was 90 that she conceived and bore a son to Abraham. Great attention was drawn to Sarah’s barrenness in the Abraham story. Here we learn that Rebekah was also barren. And in verses 26 we learn that here barrenness lasted for 20 years! Moses does not give us the details, but we are to assume that those were difficult years, and that Isaac and Rebeka struggled to believe that God would keep his promises, just as Abraham and Sarah struggled with their barrenness.

A question that we should ask is, why the barrenness? Why did God ordain that the patriarchs marry women who were unable to bear to children? Certainly, the LORD could have had them marry women with fruitful wombs. And certainly, the LORD could have overturned their barren condition much sooner than he did — either immediately, after a month or two, or perhaps after a few years. But take special note. The LORD’s will was that Sarah remain barren until she was 90, and he left Rebekah in her barren condition for 20 years after her marriage to Isaac. Why did the LORD choose to do things this way?

Well, we should begin by admitting that the plans and purposes of God are oftentimes mysterious to us. When we ask questions like, why did God allow this or that to happen? The answer is often, we don’t know for sure. God has clearly revealed many things to us, but there are some things that remain a mystery.

But in this instance I believe it is safe to say that we know something of his purpose for the barrenness of Sarah and Rebekah. On a personal level, I’m am sure that the trial of barrenness was a test to their faith. We know this was the case for Sarah and Abraham, and it is safe to assume that the same was true for Isaac and Rebekah. Their faith was tested as they awaited the fulfillment of the promises of God concerning offspring. And when I say that their faith was tested, I mean that it was strengthened by the testing over time. These couples were drawn into a closer dependence upon God as they waited long for their promised offspring.

But it seems that the barrenness of Sarah and Rebekah were also permitted by God in order to send a message to those who would look in upon their stories. They were barren, so that their barrenness might be overcome by God. They were barren so that the power of God might be put on display as the he overcame their weakness.

When Sarah gave birth to Isaac after being barren till the age of 90, it was abundantly clear that it was the LORD who was at work. Humanly speaking, it was impossible for her to conceive. And yet the LORD visited her and enabled her to conceive so that his promises might be fulfilled. And the same was true of Rebekah. After 20 years barrenness in the marriage relationship, “Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife… And the LORD granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived.” This was to show, among other things, that it was indeed the work of the LORD.

And this is purpose of miracles, isn’t it? To demonstrate that God is at work? When Christ made the lame to walk and the blind to see, it was to show that he was from God. When the Apostles healed the sick, it was a validation of their authority. They were uniquely sent from the LORD and their miricele workings testified to this. Miracles were signs indicating that it was God who was working in and through his people, and such was the case with Sarah and Rebekah. They were barren, but the LORD gave them offspring, in fulfillment to his promises.

[APPLICATION: Brothers and sisters, in some respects you and I are not at all like Sarah and Rebekah. They had a very special role to play in the outworking of God’s plan of salvation. Through them the nation of Israel, and ultimately the Christ, would come into the world. But in other respects we are very much like them. We, like they, know what it is to experience difficulty in this life and to ask the question, why, LORD? Why have you ordained that this thing happen? Or, why have you permitted this suffering? And while many of our questions will likely go unanswered in this life, one thing we can know for sure — if we belong to God through faith in Christ, our suffering, whatever form it may take, is not for nothing.

For one, it will be for God’s glory. Concerning some suffering Paul once wrote, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:8–10, ESV). God is glorified when we rely upon him in the midst of hardship.

Two, it will be for our ultimate good. “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, ESV). This is why James says that we are to “Count it all joy… when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know 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).

Trials and tribulations are not naturally pleasant and joyful. But the one who is in Christ is able to step back from the tribulations of life to consider them with eyes of faith and in light of what God has revealed to us in his word. And having considered the trial from God’s point of view, the Christ follower is able then to count it joy, knowing that God will use the trial for his glory and our good.]

These twins, Esau and Jacob, were born to Rebekah who was once barren. But the barrenness was for a purpose. She and Isaac were tested and strengthened in the waiting, and the power of God was put on display, as he demonstrated that he is able to bring life from death, something out of nothing.

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The Older Shall Serve the Younger

Let us now briefly consider the description of the birth of these twins, for what is said of them here sets the stage for the rest of the story of Esau and Jacob. As we do we will learn that older of the two was predestined to serve the younger.

In verse 22 we learn that “The children struggled together within [Rebekah]”. By the way, the word struggled is a strong word. It means to break, crush, or oppress. And so she said, “If it is thus, why is this happening to me?’” The NET Bible translates this odd phrase a little differently, saying, “But the children struggled inside her, and she said, ‘If it is going to be like this, I’m not so sure I want to be pregnant!’”. Either way, it is clear that the pregnancy was unusual and extremely uncomfortable for Rebekah. It felt as if there was a war raging within her womb! Snd so she went to inquire of the LORD.

And when she did, she received this oracle (verse 23): “And the LORD said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23, ESV).

Notice that this was determined before the children were even born. As you know, Paul highlighted this fact as he presented his teaching on unconditional election. In others words, as he taught that God does in fact chose to save some and not others, and this, not on the basis of what those people will do or be, he used this passage to illustrate his teaching.

Listen carefully to Romans 9:6-16: “But it is not as though the word of God has failed. 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.’” This little remark, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated”, is a reference to Malachi 1:2-3, where the LORD speaks to Israel through the prophet saying, “‘I have loved you,…’ But you say, ‘How have you loved us?’ ‘Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?’ declares the LORD. ‘Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert’” (Malachi 1:2–3, ESV). The teaching is plain. God set his love upon Jacob and his disfavor upon Esau before they were even born — before they themselves had done any good or evil. In other words, they were predestined. Paul anticipated the protest that would come from sinful men and women when he wrote in verse 14, “What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part?” In other words, was it wrong for God to predestine in this way — that is, not on the basis of what the twins would do, but according to his will only? Paul’s reply is very strong. “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). God was merciful to Jacob when he set his predestinating love upon him. But he determined to leave Esau to himself and in his sin, to act according to his own desires only.

I would imagine that being pregnant with twins is always a bit uncomfortable. But Rebekah was especially uncomfortable because these twins were at war with one another even in the womb. This she learned, not by ultrasound, but by the word of the LORD. And she also learned that this conflict would not come to end at birth. These two would continue to have conflict. They would become two nations. One would be stronger than the other. Strangely, and contrary to the way of the world, the older would serve the younger.

This little prophesy concerning Jacob and Esau, and the older serving the younger, is very important to the rest of the story contained within holy scripture. The nation of Israel would come from Jacob, and the nation of Edom would come from Esau. And these two nations would be locked in perpetual conflict with each other.

Notice that the twins wrestled with one another even in the moment of birth. Verse 24: “When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them” (Genesis 25:24–26, ESV).

Esau was red in color and hairy. The color red will be important to the narrative that follows. Esau, the red one, will be driven by a craving for his brothers red, red soup and will sell his birthright for a bowl of it, and, in due time, will become the people of Edom, which comes from the root of the word meaning “red”.

Jacob, though he is the second born, is a heal snatcher. He emerged from the womb second, but right on Esau’s heals, as if he were attempting to wrestle Esau from the first born position right up to the moment of birth. In the narrative that follows we will learn that this characteristic of Jacob remained even unto adulthood. He was a heal snatcher, a wrestler, a cunning and crafty fighter all the days of his life.

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Esau, A Man Driven By His Appetites

Verses 27 through 34 provide us with a glimpse of the twins in adulthood. Their character in adulthood is typified by the story that is told here.

Let us briefly consider the character of Esau. Notice that Esau is portrayed as a brutish man, one who was driven by his appetites.

Remember that Esau was red and hairy, and here we learn that he was a man of the field. He was animal like.

He was the favorite of his father, for Isaac loved to eat of his game.

The story that is told in verses 29-34 portrays Esau as foolish man who lacked self control. His fleshly appetites went unchecked, and drove him to do foolish things.

Verse 29: “Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, ‘Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!’ (Therefore his name was called Edom.) Jacob said, ‘Sell me your birthright now.’ Esau said, ‘I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?’ Jacob said, ‘Swear to me now.’ So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright” (Genesis 25:29–34, ESV).

In this story we learn how it was that Jacob came to be heir over his older brother, and how the prophesy given to Rebekah at the time of their brith came to be fulfilled: “the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.”

Notice also that though Esau was predestined to this, he did in fact despise his birthright freely and from the heart. Predestination does not turn men into robots, friends. Though it was predestined that Esau the elder would serve Jacob the younger, it was the free and willing choices of the boys that got them there.

Esau was a fool. In that moment he cared more about satisfying his hunger than for living as the firstborn heir of his father.

[APPLICATION: Brothers and sisters, there is application for us here. We must learn from Esau and be sure to develop wisdom and self control. To gain wisdom we must give attention to God’s word. We must ingest it and believe it to the heart. And self controle is developed as we learn to obey the LORD day by day, little by little, in thought, word, and deed. We must learn to say no to the cravings of the flesh, and yes to God’s word and the prompting of his Spirit.

Too many who profess faith in Christ are like Esau. They think little of their inheritance in Christ Jesus, and are driven by their appetites, passions and cravings, instead of by Christ, his word and Spirit. This is why Paul exhorts us, saying, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:5–10, ESV). And this is why the writer to the Hebrews said, “Strive for… holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears” (Hebrews 12:1–17, ESV).

Friends, though it is that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone, the scriptures also exhort us to make our calling and electing sure. The one who has true faith will turn from sin, progressively put to the death the deeds of the flesh, and will grow in the knowledge and love for our Savior.]

This moment here was a watershed moment for Esau. By selling his birthright for a bowl of red soup he showed that he cared more about satisfying his physical cravings than for being the one through whom the promises made to his grandfather Abraham, and father Isaac would be fulfilled. Because he was “immoral” and “unholy” he “sold his birthright for a single meal.”

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Jacob, The Crafty Heal Snatcher

We already know that Jacob would be the one to inherit the promises of God given to his father Isaac, for this was prophesied concerning him before his birth. But here we see clearly that this favor was shown to Jacob, not because of some good in him, but by the free grace of God alone. In other words, Jacob doesn’t come off much better than Esau in this narrative. Whereas Esau was man driven by his fleshly appetites, Jacob was a crafty and cunning heal snatcher even into adulthood. Jacob was ruthless towards Esau in this episode. He took advantage of his hunger. He capitalized upon his brutishness.

Esau came in from the field and said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red, red [that is what the text says in the Hebrew], for I am exhausted!” Jacob could have shown kindness to his brother in that moment. Instead, he dealt treacherously with him. “Jacob said, ‘Sell me your birthright now.’ Esau said, ‘I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?’ Jacob said, ‘Swear to me now.’” When Esau swore, this made the matter legal and binding. “So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob” (Genesis 25:31–33, ESV).

The narrative of Genesis will focus upon Jacob from this point all the way until the end of chapter 35. We will learn a lot about Jacob in those chapters. One thing we be clear: he too was a flawed individual. Not only did he wrestle with his brother, but also with God. He would remain a crafty, cunning, and deceptive heal snatcher for many years after this, until the LORD would humble him.

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Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, the book of Genesis describes to us the beginnings of our redemption in Christ Jesus. And one thing is very clear. It is all by God’s grace. God showed unmerited favor to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And he worked in a through them in such a way so as to prove that it was he who was at work. He brought life from barren wombs, and choose that which was weak according to the world to shame the powerful.

Jesus the Christ would not be born into the world for another 1,900 years from the events that are recorded for us here. But when he was born, he came into the world in like manner. He was born, not to a barren women, but to a virgin. His parents were poor. He was utterly unimpressive according to the standerds of the world. When he died, he died a brutal and humiliating death. But note this: on the third day he rose again.

Friends, let us learn from the scriptures how it is that God works in the world. He works, not through what seems powerful and wise, but through what many might consider weak and foolish. And let us not be ashamed to identify with those things. Let us not be ashamed to identify with Christ and with his gospel, which the world calls foolish. Paul knew that this was a temptation, and so he wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16, ESV). And let us not be ashamed to identify with his church, though she might seem so very unimpressive to the world. “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord… but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel…” (2 Timothy 1:8–10, ESV).

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

• How are we to understand Abraham’s polygamus practices?
• What role does Genesis 25:1-18 play in the narrative of Genesis? 
• In what way is the gospel of Jesus the Christ present in this passage?

Tags: Gospel Community Groups

Posted in Study Guides Gospel Community Groups
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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
Comments Off on Discussion Questions For Sermon on Genesis 24 Posted by Joe

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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