Genesis
Lesson 23Genesis Chapters 22 and 23
Following our study of the banishment of Hagar and Ishmael from Abraham’s camp, we now examine one of the most well known stories in the Bible. It is the story of God asking Abraham to sacrifice his only son, and Abraham’s response. We will also review the lineage of the daughter who will one day become Isaac’s wife, and we will note the death of Isaac’s mother, Sarah.
Through all of this, we will see God’s hand at work, as He patiently leads Abraham and his family, and as He faithfully carries out His promises.
Read Genesis Chapters 22 & 23, and consider the following:
- Why did God ask Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac, especially after He told Abraham to listen to his wife and drive his other son Ishmael out of the camp? (see Gen. 22:1-2)
- God was asking Abraham to do something so awful, so extreme, that it is hard for us today to imagine such a thing. How would we respond to God if he gave us the same test? What was Abraham’s response to this command, and how does it compare to Abraham’s reaction to the Angel of Lord telling him that He was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? (see Gen. 22:3, and Gen. 18:23-32)
- Isaac is an intelligent boy. We know this based on two primary reasons: (1) he has already learned what an altar is and that a sacrifice is burnt on it, and (2) he knows that while they may be at Mt. Moriah with the material to build an altar, his father hasn’t brought a sacrifice. What is Abraham’s response? (see Gen. 22:3-8)
- Can you imagine what was running through Abraham’s thoughts as he headed for Mt. Moriah? What would be going through your mind on that three day journey? Was his heart weighed down with anticipatory grief? Was he thinking anything at all, or was he numb and simply going through the motions of carrying out God’s command? The scriptures tell us. Read Hebrews 11: 17-19. What does this passage reveal to us about Abraham’s great faith?
- What rationale would indicate to Abraham that God could do all that Abraham was thinking?
- After the "test" was over, what did God tell Abraham that it was intended to reveal? (see Gen. 22:12, 16)
- What is special today about the spot on Mt Moriah where Abraham’s faith was tested and where God provided the sacrifice? (see Gen. 22:13-14 and 2 Chron. 3:1)
- From this point on, Abraham will receive his blessings through Isaac and Isaac’s descendants. We note that at the end of Genesis 22, specifically verses 20-24, that Abraham is told of his brother’s children. What is the significance of this passage, as it relates to the young son of Abraham, Isaac? (see Gen, 24:15, 67)
- Sarah was ninety years old when she gave birth to Isaac. How old was Isaac when his mother died, and was he married at that time? (see Gen. 23:1 and 24:66-67)
- Abrahams mourns for his wife and bargains for a cave to bury her in. Who else will eventually be buried in this cave with her? (see Gen. 23:2-1, 25:9, 49:29,31, and 50:13)
- What city still in existence today is the cave near?
God’s promise to Abraham will now be continued through his son Isaac, and eventually through Jacob and Joseph, and then through Jesus. That same promise holds for us today, as the Bible tells us that we are adopted into the family of Abraham and will be heirs to the promise as well. God, through His only son Jesus, is our redeemer just as He was for Abraham; and just as he saved Isaac from death, he will save us from an eternal separation from God
What faith Abraham had! And what mercy was displayed by God! May He grant us that same mercy today, and may we demonstrate the faith of Abraham in our own lives as God works out His will through us
Thanks for studying with us; have a great week.
In Christ,
Wes
[2010]