Page 25 - Pentateuch

sin, the need for a sacrifice to approach God, and a coming Savior had been passed down through the
centuries in many different cultures. Sometimes by word of mouth, sometimes by myths, and sometimes
by specific practices, core truths stayed alive from one generation to the next. Depending on other cultural
values, the truths may be embellished with details, or they may be sidetracked into significantly different
expressions.

“Melchizedek stood in the Valley of Shaveh as a figurehead or type of God’s general revelation to mankind.
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[General revelation] influences 100 percent of mankind instead of just a small percentage!” As God was
working with Abraham in a new and clearer way, other nations at the same time retained a memory of
God’s work in previous generations, although these faded with each passing generation.

15:2 – “Sovereign LORD, what can you give me?” The interaction between God and Abraham surrounds
God’s ability to give him a child since he is old. The name “Sovereign LORD (Adonai YHWH)” reflects
Abraham’s humble, although questioning, trust in God. We might also add God’s initiation of the
conversation as he assures Abraham. “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, and your very great
reward” (15:1). Ultimately, God Himself is the best gift Abraham could ever have.

16:13 – “I have seen the One who sees me.” Indirectly, Abraham learns about God’s omniscience and great
care. Through a chain of events, Hagar runs away into the wilderness. God calls to her, making certain
promises. She learns about the God who sees and returns to Abraham, who has the opportunity to learn
the same lesson.
yD;v; la – El
17:1 – “I am God Almighty.” At ninety-nine years old, Abraham learns by
firsthand experience the power of God, El Shaddai. He will have a son. His
name is changed from Abram to Abraham. His wife’s name is changed from Sarai to Sarah.

18:25 – “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” In a lengthy discussion about the destruction of
Sodom and Gomorrah, followed by a description of that event, Abraham is led to a deeper understanding
of God as judge in all his righteousness and mercy (cf. 19:16).

20:4 – “Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation?” Passing off his wife as his sister in an attempt to protect
his own life, Abraham learns something about his God, who has made a difference between Abraham and
others. A foreign ruler knows God, Elohim (20:3), as Lord, Adonai (20:4), but not as LORD.

21:33 – “There he called on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God, El Olam. Isaac is born, and Hagar and
her son Ishmael are evicted with different promises from God. Abraham tries to iron out some conflicts
with a local ruler and learns something about this God whose plans are very long-term.

22:14 – “So Abraham called that place The Lord Will
Provide.” God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, ha,r>yI hw"hy – Yahweh
and provides a lamb as an alternate at the last minute.

The future tense of this name, YHWH Yireh, shows us how Abraham understands the event. God asked him
to sacrifice his beloved son. At some time in the future, God will sacrifice His beloved Son. God will provide.

23:1-20 – Sarah dies. Abraham negotiates for a burial site and buries her. No new names for God are
revealed in this event.

33 Don Richardson, Eternity in their Hearts (Ventura: Regal, 1984), p. 31.
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