Genesis 20-29
D. Scott Meadows
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
Here see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, three generations of the holy family. Abraham dies, Isaac is born and then married, and Jacob is born. The Abrahamic covenant is confirmed to each.
20. ABRAHAM AT GERAR. Fearing the pagans in this Philistine city, he lies again about his relationship to Sarah, 25 years later (1, 2; cf. 12.10-20). Having taken Sarah, Abimelech (probably a title, not a name) is warned by God in a dream (3-7). Abimelech rebukes Abraham (8-13) and gives him and Sarah many gifts (14-16). Abraham prays for Abimelech’s household and fertility returns to his women (17, 18).
21. FRICTION IN AND OUT OF ABRAHAM’S FAMILY. Isaac, the son God promised to Abraham (now 100) and Sarah (now about 90), is finally born, circumcised, and the laughter of joy replaces the laughter of unbelief (1-7). Ishmael’s persecution of Isaac (cf. Gal 4.29) enrages Sarah who banishes Hagar and her son, but God cares for them (8-21). Abimelech and Abraham covenant together over a disputed well, “Beersheba” (22-34).
22. ABRAHAM’S TEST. A shocking and memorable story prefiguring the sacrifice of Christ. God commands the sacrifice of Isaac (1, 2). Abraham journeys three days to Moriah, later known as Jerusalem (3, 4; cf. 2 Chr 3.1). On the way to the altar, Isaac asks about the sacrifice (5-8). Abraham and Isaac obey God by faith (9, 10). “Jehovah-jireh” (“the Lord will provide”) saves from death by a substitute sacrifice (11-14). God confirms the covenant to bless Abraham and all the nations of the earth in his seed (15-19). The family of Abraham’s brother Nahor, including Rebekah (20-24).
23. SARAH’S DEATH. Sarah, 127 years old, dies in Canaan (1, 2). Abraham negotiates with the sons of Heth to buy Machpelah for a burial place. There, Sarah is laid to rest (3-20).
24. A WIFE FOR ISAAC. A detailed story of amazing providence and romance. Abraham secures a promise from his servant to get the right wife for Isaac (1-9). The servant requests a sign of God’s favor in meeting the right woman (10-15). The Lord reveals Rebekah as Isaac’s bride to be (16-28). Rebekah’s brother Laban warmly welcomes Abraham’s servant (29-31). The servant explains everything (32-49). Rebekah’s father Bethuel and brother Laban consent to the proposal (50, 51). Gifts and farewell (52-60). Isaac and Rebekah wed (61-67).
25. ABRAHAM, ISAAC, AND JACOB. Abraham remarries, has more children (1-6). Abraham’s death, burial (7-11). Ishmael’s genealogy (12-18). The birth of Esau and Jacob to Isaac and Rebekah (19-26). Esau despises his birthright (27-34).
26. ISAAC AT GERAR. God confirms the covenant to Isaac (1-5). Like Abraham, Isaac lies about his wife to save his skin and is also caught (6-11). Isaac prospers, illustrated by his wells and covenant with Abimelech (12-33). Esau’s polygamy (34, 35).
MAJOR DOCTRINES
1. God’s Covenant Faithfulness. God repeatedly assures His elect of His promises, even to Abraham and Isaac in spite of their remaining unbelief and sinfulness. God preserves His beloved ones through faith to enjoy the blessings of His eternal, gracious plan. Therefore, they persevere in faith.
2. The Nature of Real Faith. Abraham’s willingness in the sacrifice of Isaac powerfully illustrates the radical commitment of true believers to obey God’s commands, no matter how apparently absurd or costly obedience seems. Faith liberates us to obey God heartily and habitually.
MAJOR PASSAGES
1. Genesis 21.10. While historically true, Paul cites this passage in Galatians 4.22-31 as proof and illustration, an “allegory,” of the doctrine of salvation by faith alone rather than by the works of the law. In general, the events and their telling in biblical redemptive history have deep spiritual significance.
2. Genesis 22.8. The King James rendering is a wonderful wordplay, “God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” God Himself provided the Lamb, God provided the Lamb for Himself, and God provided Himself as the Lamb in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. “John Baptist, the first preacher of Christ as come, preacheth and points him forth to be the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world, John 1.29; a Lamb for purity, a Lamb for sacrifice, and the Lamb of God, sent and provided by God, (as his type was, Gen 22.8.), and acceptable unto God” (Works of Robert Traill, 2.224). Abraham’s receiving Isaac alive from the altar was a type of Christ’s resurrection and of our deliverance from sin by the sacrifice of our Substitute (Heb 11.19). Ω
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