·
Gen. 24: There are so many wonderful things
about this chapter. Though it is long,
it is worth study.
o
The instructions of Abraham reveal his
understanding and submission to the plan of God (v7 shows this clearly).
o
The work
of his chief servant shows that Abraham’s faith had permeated the entire
household, not just Sarah and Isaac. Look
back at 22:5 and see how Abraham spoke to his servants when taking Isaac to
Mount Mariah.
o
Isaac’s joy in God’s provision demonstrates his
submission to God’s plan as well. Perhaps
this same trust in God is the reason for Rebekah’s willingness to leave her
family; she undoubtedly saw a deep faith in Abraham’s servant.
o
Some see a picture of the Father (Abraham), Son
(Isaac) and Holy Spirit (the servant). I
would say it reminds us of the work of the Godhead in finding a bride (the
Church) for the Messiah. We should
remember that marriage is a picture of the relationship of Christ and the
Church (Eph. 5); thus, if the marriage picture is a good one it should
illustrate what we have in Christ.
o
24:50: Laban is an interesting character. Here, he acknowledges that God is at
work. Yet, he still has some hesitation
the next morning (v55). He is the one
who later would have dealings with Jacob and you will see the same willingness
to recognize the word and will of God, even though he would rather do
differently (31:29,43). In the end, Rebekah
had the blessing of her family (24:60).
·
Gen. 25:1-6: The story of Abraham’s wife “Keturah”
is interesting, first in light of Abraham’s continuing age and his ability to
father more children; and second, because these children are the beginnings of
other nations, as will be seen throughout the OT. Abraham truly is, as his name means, the
father of a multitude (17:5).
· Gen. 25:12-18: The line of Ishmael is included, but not much more because he is not in the line of the Messiah. I want to share an excerpt from ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) about Ishmael’s descendants: “The character of Ishmael and his descendants (Arabian nomads or Bedouins) is very accurately and vividly depicted by the angel of Yahweh: ‘He shall be as a wild ass among men; his hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand against him’ (Gen. 16:12). These nomads are, indeed, roaming the wilds of the desert, jealous of their independence, quarrelsome and adventurous. We may well think of their progenitor as of a proud, undaunted and rugged son of the desert, the very counterpart of the poor boy lying half dead from fatigue and exposure under the shrub in the wilderness of Beersheba.” Today, in Israel, the Bedouins have been granted citizenship, providing them with education, health care and access to other social benefits. Israel has, from its beginnings in 1948, sought to “urbanize” these nomadic people. It is an interesting relationship, as Israeli Bedouins maintain connections with their brothers in Jordan, Syria and Egypt. For some, they are a security concern. For us, as we ride around Israel, they add a wonderful component to Israeli life. Their black-tarped “homes” are seen all over Israel as we drive around, and they are often seen shepherding flocks of sheep along the roadsides. Here are some pictures. The two pictures of the flocks are along Hwy. 90 between Jericho and the Galilee. The pictures of a single dwelling and an "urban" community were taken along Hwy. 1 between Jerusalem and Jericho.
· Gen. 25:11: Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi, so named by Hagar (Gen. 16:14), and meaning “the Well of the One who Lives and Sees Me.” It is another reminder of God’s love for Hagar and Ishmael. Perhaps it also says something about Isaac, that he lived in this place and was blessed by God in this place, that had connections to his “brother.”
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