Bible Study Guide Day 019: Genesis 22–24
Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful.
Genesis 24:21
Previous Day 018: Genesis 19–21
Genesis 22
Abraham Tested
After the events of Genesis 21, where Isaac was born to Sarah and Hagar and Ishmael were sent away, we now see God testing Abraham’s faith. He calls out to him and asks him to take his son, whom he loves, and offer him as a burnt offering on a mountain that He will show him.
Abraham responds in complete obedience, waking up early the next morning and setting out with Isaac and two of his servants. On the third day of their journey, Abraham sees the mountain that God had shown him and instructs his servants to wait as he and Isaac continue on alone.
As they make their way up the mountain, Isaac questions where the lamb for the offering is. Abraham responds by saying that God will provide. This shows Abraham’s unwavering trust in God, even in the face of a seemingly impossible command.
Once they reach the designated spot, Abraham builds an altar and arranges wood on it. He then binds Isaac and places him on top of the wood. As he raises his knife to sacrifice his son, an angel of the LORD stops him and provides a ram for the offering instead. This was a test of Abraham’s faith and obedience, and he proved himself worthy in the eyes of God.
This story not only showcases Abraham’s unshakable faith, but it also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice that God would make for all of us through His son Jesus Christ. Just as God provided a ram for the offering, He would provide His own son as the ultimate sacrifice to save us from our sins.
Nahor’s Sons
After the events of Abraham’s test, we are given a brief mention of his brother Nahor and his descendants. We learn that he has twelve sons, including Bethuel who is the father of Rebekah.
Genesis 23
The Death of Sarah
In this chapter, we see the death of Sarah at the age of 127. Abraham mourns for her and goes to the Hittites to ask for a burial place. He insists on buying the cave of Machpelah, which belongs to Ephron the Hittite, as a burial site for Sarah.
Despite being offered the land as a gift, Abraham insists on paying full price in order to establish his claim to it. This shows his respect for the land and his desire to have a permanent presence in Canaan.
Genesis 24
Isaac and Rebekah
After securing a burial place for Sarah, Abraham focuses on finding a wife for his son Isaac. He sends his servant back to his homeland to find a suitable wife from among their relatives.
The servant’s prayer for guidance is answered when he meets Rebekah at a well. She not only offers him and his camels water, but she also fulfills all of the criteria that Abraham had set for a potential wife for Isaac.
Rebekah’s family agrees to her marriage to Isaac and they journey back to Canaan where they are married. This union is seen as a continuation of God’s promise to Abraham, ensuring the lineage of Isaac and the fulfillment of the covenant.
