Page 26 - Pentateuch

24:3 – “I want you to swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth.” Abraham needs to find
a wife for his son. Not wanting a daughter-in-law from the Canaanite nations around him, he sends a
servant to his relatives back in Nahor. The servant finds Rebekah and brings her back for Isaac. Throughout
the chapter, the servant refers to the God of Heaven or the God of my master Abraham. The chapter is long
and somewhat complicated by repetition. Here is God providing for Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Rebekah’s
parents, and this servant.

25:1-11 records the death and burial of Abraham.

The Genesis chapters on Abraham are skillfully written. They interweave lessons on the core of salvation
through the Messiah with a growing knowledge of God. Event after event deepens Abraham’s
understanding of the nature of God and of how he works in this world. Event after event deepens his
understanding of the salvation of God. The God who gives a son in miraculous birth and supplies a sacrificial
ram in the place of that son also leads Abraham to a wife for his son. Our faith journey is well served by
meditating on the life of Abraham. We are allowed and encouraged to do some speculating. The text leads
us to imagine what it would be like to bind one’s son for sacrifice. As we follow Abraham in meditation, our
own faith is deepened, and we look with fresh eyes on the events of our lives as well.

Let’s Practice…

1. Explain the gospel in the promise to Abraham, “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

2. Who spoke to Abraham about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?

3. Is faith in a God who keeps his promises enough to be saved and one day enter heaven? Explain.

4. Who was Melchizedek?

5. How did Melchizedek learn about “God Most High?”

6. What did Abraham learn about God through God’s command to kill Isaac?

7. When did Abraham learn that the LORD is the Sovereign Lord?

8. How did Abraham learn that the LORD is the Eternal God?

9. (Review Question) What is the difference between the name “Elohim” and “Yahweh?”

10. What four NT verses speak about Abraham’s faith?

24