In Genesis 22:23, we see the report of the birth of Rebekah, which anticipates the future marriage between Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 24:1-67). Likewise, the report of the death and burial of Abraham’s wife, Sarah (Genesis 23:1-20), anticipates his future marriage with Keturah (Genesis 25:1-4). Read Genesis 23:1-20. What function does the story of Sarah’s death and burial … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 22:8, Genesis 22:14, Genesis 22:18. How did God fulfill His promise that He will provide? What was provided? When Isaac asked about the sacrificial animal, Abraham gave an intriguing answer: God will “provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering” (Genesis 22:8, NKJV). Yet, the Hebrew verbal form can actually mean “God will provide Himself as … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 22:1-12 and Hebrews 11:17. What was the meaning of this test? What spiritual lessons come from this amazing event? Genesis chapter 22 has become a classic in world literature and has inspired philosophers and artists, not just theologians. The meaning of God’s test is difficult to comprehend, however. This divine command contradicted the later biblical prohibition … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Genesis 22:1-24, Hebrews 11:17, Leviticus 18:21, John 1:1-3, Romans 5:6-8, Genesis 23:1-25:34, Romans 4:1-12. Memory Text: “Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things” (Genesis 24:1, NKJV). Finally, as God had promised, Sarah bore Abraham a son, “in his old age” (Genesis 21:2), and he named the baby … Continue reading –>
A Teacher’s Prayer By Andrew McChesney A school friend told Selinah that she should worship Jesus. “You need to go to church because Jesus is coming and, when He comes, He will take His own,” she said. The friend also said only two churches exist in the world — the Seventh-day Adventist Church and another … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Law and the Covenants,” Pages 370-373, in Patriarchs and Prophets. Abraham’s patient and tenacious plea with God on behalf of the people of Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33) should encourage us to pray for the wicked, even though they appear to be in a hopeless condition of sin. Furthermore, God’s attentive response to Abraham’s … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 18:16-19, Genesis 18:29. How does Abraham’s prophetic ministry affect his responsibility toward Lot? Abraham has just been reconfirmed in God’s promise of a son. Yet, instead of enjoying the good news, he engages God in a passionate discussion about the fate of Lot in Sodom. Abraham is not only a prophet to whom God … Continue reading –>
The last scene of circumcision involved everyone: not only Ishmael, but all the males of Abraham’s household were circumcised (Genesis 17:23-27). The word kol, “all,” “every,” is repeated four times (Genesis 17:23, Genesis 17:27). It is against this inclusive background that God appears to Abraham to confirm the promise of a son “Isaac.” Read Genesis 18:1-15 and Romans 9:9. What lessons of hospitality … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 17:1-19 and Romans 4:11. What is the spiritual and prophetic significance of the circumcision rite? Abram’s lack of faith, as seen in the preceding story (Genesis chapter 16), broke the flow of Abram’s spiritual journey with God. During that time God was silent. For the first time now, God speaks again to Abram. God reconnects with … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 16:1-16. What is the significance of Abram’s decision to go with Hagar, even despite God’s promise to him? How do the two women represent two attitudes of faith (Galatians 4:21-31)? When Abram doubted (Genesis 15:2), God unambiguously reassured him that He will have a son. Years later, Abram is still without a son. Even after God’s … Continue reading –>
