Introduction and Review

Proverbs 21:30 (NLT) (repeat from the previous lesson)
³⁰ No human wisdom or understanding or plan
can stand against the Lord.

 Galatians 5:19-21 (NLT)
¹⁹ When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. 

• Following the desires of your sinful nature results in destructive consequences.

 Deuteronomy 5:33 (NLT)
Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.

• Following the path that God has set before you results in blessings and prosperity. 

Proverbs 19:21 (NLT) (repeat from the previous lesson)
You can make many plans,
but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

• The Lord’s purpose will prevail. 

Luke 11:28 (NLT)
Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

New Lesson

 Isaac Getting Back on Track

Genesis 28:1-9 (NLT)
¹ So Isaac called for Jacob, blessed him, and said, “You must not marry any of these Canaanite women. ² Instead, go at once to Paddan-aram, to the house of your grandfather Bethuel, and marry one of your uncle Laban’s daughters. ³ May God Almighty bless you and give you many children. And may your descendants multiply and become many nations! ⁴ May God pass on to you and your descendants the blessings he promised to Abraham. May you own this land where you are now living as a foreigner, for God gave this land to Abraham.”
⁵ So Isaac sent Jacob away, and he went to Paddan-aram to stay with his uncle Laban, his mother’s brother, the son of Bethuel the Aramean.
⁶ Esau knew that his father, Isaac, had blessed Jacob and sent him to Paddan-aram to find a wife, and that he had warned Jacob, “You must not marry a Canaanite woman.” ⁷ He also knew that Jacob had obeyed his parents and gone to Paddan-aram. ⁸ It was now very clear to Esau that his father did not like the local Canaanite women. ⁹ So Esau visited his uncle Ishmael’s family and married one of Ishmael’s daughters, in addition to the wives he already had. His new wife’s name was Mahalath. She was the sister of Nebaioth and the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son.

Examine the Scriptures

Genesis 28:1-9 (NLT)

¹ So Isaac called for Jacob, blessed him,

Isaac called for Jacob.
Isaac initiated this blessing.

• Isaac chose to bless Jacob 

and said, “You must not marry any of these Canaanite women. 

Abraham’s instruction for Isaac.
Genesis 24:3 (NLT)
Swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women.
Now Isaac’s instruction for Jacob.

Later when the Israelites were moving into the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4 (NLT)
³ You must not intermarry with them. Do not let your daughters and sons marry their sons and daughters, ⁴ for they will lead your children away from me to worship other gods. Then the anger of the Lord will burn against you, and he will quickly destroy you. 

Isaac understood the consequences of marrying Canaanite women.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NLT)
¹⁴ Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? ¹⁵ What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
“I will live in them
and walk among them.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
¹⁷ Therefore, come out from among unbelievers,
and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord.
Don’t touch their filthy things,
and I will welcome you.
¹⁸ And I will be your Father,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.” 

• Come out from among unbelievers,
  and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord.

• Isaac was now looking out for Jacob’s welfare.

² Instead, go at once to Paddan-aram, to the house of your grandfather Bethuel, and marry one of your uncle Laban’s daughters. 

This is just like Abraham’s instructions for Isaac.
Genesis 24:4 (NLT)
Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.” 

³ May God Almighty bless you and give you many children. And may your descendants multiply and become many nations! ⁴ May God pass on to you and your descendants the blessings he promised to Abraham. May you own this land where you are now living as a foreigner, for God gave this land to Abraham.”

Isaac was passing on the blessing God had given to Abraham and Isaac.

Genesis 22:17 (NLT)
I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. 

Genesis 17:8 (NLT)
And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.”

• Isaac blessed Jacob with a blessing similar to the blessing he and his father had received from God.

⁵ So Isaac sent Jacob away, and he went to Paddan-aram to stay with his uncle Laban, his mother’s brother, the son of Bethuel the Aramean.

• Isaac was getting back on track God had set before him. 

⁶ Esau knew that his father, Isaac, had blessed Jacob and sent him to Paddan-aram to find a wife, and that he had warned Jacob, “You must not marry a Canaanite woman.” ⁷ He also knew that Jacob had obeyed his parents and gone to Paddan-aram. ⁸ It was now very clear to Esau that his father did not like the local Canaanite women. ⁹ So Esau visited his uncle Ishmael’s family and married one of Ishmael’s daughters,

Partial obedience.

Esau’s new wife was not a Canaanite.

Esau kept the marriage in the family, just not the right part of the family.
Ishmael was born to Abraham and Sarah’s handmaiden Hagar (Genesis 16:3).

• Partial obedience is disobedience.

 in addition to the wives he already had.

Genesis 26:34-35 (NLT)
³⁴ At the age of forty, Esau married two Hittite wives: Judith, the daughter of Beeri, and Basemath, the daughter of Elon. ³⁵ But Esau’s wives made life miserable for Isaac and Rebekah.

Who were the Hittites according to the Bible?

The Hittites play a prominent role at key places in the Hebrew Bible:
Ephron the Hittite sells Abraham the family burial ground (Genesis 23);
Esau married Hittite women, and Rebecca despised them (Genesis 26:34);
Frequently they are listed as one of the inhabitants of Canaan (e.g., Exodus 13:5; Numbers 13:29; Joshua 11:3);
King David had Uriah the Hittite killed in order to acquire Uriah’s wife (2 Samuel 11);
King Solomon had Hittites among his many wives (1 Kings 10:29–11:2; 2 Chronicles 1:17)
Descendants of Canaan, (Genesis 10: 1-6)
Adversaries of the Israelites

Joshua 9:1-2 (NLT)
¹ Now all the kings west of the Jordan River heard about what had happened. These were the kings of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who lived in the hill country, in the western foothills, and along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea as far north as the Lebanon mountains. ² These kings combined their armies to fight as one against Joshua and the Israelites.

 His new wife’s name was Mahalath. She was the sister of Nebaioth and the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son. 

• The Edomites were the descendants of Esau.

• The Israelites and Edomites became enemies.

Numbers 20:18-21 (NLT)
¹⁸ But the king of Edom said, “Stay out of my land, or I will meet you with an army!”
¹⁹ The Israelites answered, “We will stay on the main road. If our livestock drink your water, we will pay for it. Just let us pass through your country. That’s all we ask.”
²⁰ But the king of Edom replied, “Stay out! You may not pass through our land.” With that he mobilized his army and marched out against them with an imposing force. ²¹ Because Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their country, Israel was forced to turn around.

1 Samuel 14:47 (NLT)
Saul’s Military Successes
⁴⁷ Now when Saul had secured his grasp on Israel’s throne, he fought against his enemies in every direction—against Moab, Ammon, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. And wherever he turned, he was victorious.

1 Kings 11:15-16 (NLT)
¹⁵ Years before, David had defeated Edom. Joab, his army commander, had stayed to bury some of the Israelite soldiers who had died in battle. While there, they killed every male in Edom. ¹⁶ Joab and the army of Israel had stayed there for six months, killing them.

 Do you want to do it God’s way, or do you want to do it your way?

 

 

 

Do you want to do it God’s way or do you want to do it your way?

Reminders:

• God’s sovereignty supersedes manipulative or godless behaviors. 

• Sin has many consequences and sin is always destructive. 

God communicated His plan for Jacob to Rebekah before Esau and Jacob were born.

Genesis 25:23 (NLT)
And the Lord told her, “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.”

Sin is living outside of the will of God.

• Sin has many consequences and sin is always destructive. 

Did you ever hear the expression, “Do you want to do it the easy way or do you want to do it the hard way?”

Remember: You can plan, but what the Lord says is what will happen.

Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)
You can make many plans,
but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

 Proverbs 21:30 (NLT)
³⁰ No human wisdom or understanding or plan
can stand against the Lord.

 Isaiah 14:24 (NLT)
²⁴ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sworn this oath:
“It will all happen as I have planned.
It will be as I have decided.

Job 23:13 (NLT)
¹³ But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind?
Whatever he wants to do, he does.

 Isaiah 46:9-10 (NLT)
⁹ Remember the things I have done in the past.
For I alone am God!
I am God, and there is none like me.
¹⁰ Only I can tell you the future
before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass,
for I do whatever I wish. 

• You can plan, but what the Lord says is what will happen.

• Living outside of the will of God is sin.

“Do you want to do it God’s way or do you want to do it your way?”

Genesis 27:30-46 (NLT)
³⁰ As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and almost before Jacob had left his father, Esau returned from his hunt. ³¹ Esau prepared a delicious meal and brought it to his father. Then he said, “Sit up, my father, and eat my wild game so you can give me your blessing.”
³² But Isaac asked him, “Who are you?”
Esau replied, “It’s your son, your firstborn son, Esau.”
³³ Isaac began to tremble uncontrollably and said, “Then who just served me wild game? I have already eaten it, and I blessed him just before you came. And yes, that blessing must stand!”
³⁴ When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry. “Oh my father, what about me? Bless me, too!” he begged.
³⁵ But Isaac said, “Your brother was here, and he tricked me. He has taken away your blessing.”
³⁶ Esau exclaimed, “No wonder his name is Jacob, for now he has cheated me twice. First he took my rights as the firstborn, and now he has stolen my blessing. Oh, haven’t you saved even one blessing for me?”
³⁷ Isaac said to Esau, “I have made Jacob your master and have declared that all his brothers will be his servants. I have guaranteed him an abundance of grain and wine—what is left for me to give you, my son?”
³⁸ Esau pleaded, “But do you have only one blessing? Oh my father, bless me, too!” Then Esau broke down and wept.
³⁹ Finally, his father, Isaac, said to him,
“You will live away from the richness of the earth,
and away from the dew of the heaven above.
⁴⁰ You will live by your sword,
and you will serve your brother.
But when you decide to break free,
you will shake his yoke from your neck.”

Jacob Flees to Paddan-Aram

⁴¹ From that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing. And Esau began to scheme: “I will soon be mourning my father’s death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob.”
⁴² But Rebekah heard about Esau’s plans. So she sent for Jacob and told him, “Listen, Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. ⁴³ So listen carefully, my son. Get ready and flee to my brother, Laban, in Haran. ⁴⁴ Stay there with him until your brother cools off. ⁴⁵ When he calms down and forgets what you have done to him, I will send for you to come back. Why should I lose both of you in one day?”

⁴⁶ Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I’m sick and tired of these local Hittite women! I would rather die than see Jacob marry one of them.”

Examine the Scriptures

Genesis 27:30-46 (NLT)

³⁰ As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and almost before Jacob had left his father, Esau returned from his hunt. ³¹ Esau prepared a delicious meal and brought it to his father. Then he said, “Sit up, my father, and eat my wild game so you can give me your blessing.”

This was not God’s will for Esau.

³² But Isaac asked him, “Who are you?”
Esau replied, “It’s your son, your firstborn son, Esau.”
³³ Isaac began to tremble uncontrollably

Isaac was sensing the reality of his actions.  Isaac was remembering what God had said.

A phrase I like to say is “busted’.

and said, “Then who just served me wild game? I have already eaten it, and I blessed him just before you came.

 And yes, that blessing must stand!”

That blessing must stand.

• Isaac’s blessing to Jacob must stand.

Isaac knew what had happened.

Isaac had to know that he had been tampering with God’s plan.

Isaac knew that he was wrong in wanting Esau to receive the blessing.
Isaac knew that the blessing was really from God and not from him.

• It was God’s will for Jacob to receive the blessing.

God’s blessing to Jacob.

• Jacob’s blessing came from God. (not from Isaac)

Genesis 28:13-15 (NLT)
At the top of the stairway stood the Lord, and he said, “I am the Lord, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you (Jacob) are lying on belongs to you. I (God) am giving it to you and your descendants.
¹⁴ Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. ¹⁵ What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” 

• Our blessings come from God

Ephesians 1:3 (NLT)
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

James 1:17 (NLT)
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

2 Corinthians 9:8-10 (NLT)
⁸ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. ⁹ As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
¹⁰ For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

 Psalm 23:1-4 (NLT)
¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
² He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
³     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
⁴ Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

 John 15:5 (NLT)
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

 ³⁴ When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry. “Oh my father, what about me? Bless me, too!” he begged.
³⁵ But Isaac said, “Your brother was here, and he tricked me. He has taken away your blessing.”

Jacob did not take away Esau’s blessing.  God took it away.

³⁶ Esau exclaimed, “No wonder his name is Jacob,
for now he has cheated me twice. First he took my rights as the firstborn, and now he has stolen my blessing. Oh, haven’t you saved even one blessing for me?”

 Sounding selfish

 ³⁷ Isaac said to Esau, “I have made Jacob your master and have declared that all his brothers will be his servants. I have guaranteed him an abundance of grain and wine—what is left for me to give you, my son?”

Note:

• • Jacob’s blessing came from God.
  • Isaac’s blessings came from God.

Genesis 25:11  (NLT)
After Abraham’s death, God blessed his son Isaac, who settled near Beer-lahai-roi in the Negev.

 Genesis 26:2-4 (NLT)
² The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt, but do as I tell you. ³ Live here as a foreigner in this land, and I will be with you and bless you. I hereby confirm that I will give all these lands to you and your descendants, just as I solemnly promised Abraham, your father. ⁴ I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars of the sky, and I will give them all these lands. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed.

 ³⁸ Esau pleaded, “But do you have only one blessing? Oh my father, bless me, too!” Then Esau broke down and wept.

 ³⁹ Finally, his father, Isaac, said to him,

Words he did not want to hear.  Words that sound more like a curse than a blessing.

“You will live away from the richness of the earth,
and away from the dew of the heaven above.

Esau would not enjoy the earth’s riches or heaven’s dew.

You will not live on good land.
You will not have much rain.

Jacob’s blessing
²⁸ “From the dew of heaven
and the richness of the earth,
may God always give you abundant harvests of grain
and bountiful new wine.

⁴⁰ You will live by your sword,

You will have to fight to survive.
The Edomites fought time and again with Israel.

Jacob’s blessing
²⁹ May many nations become your servants,
and may they bow down to you.

    and you will serve your brother.

Jacob’s blessing
May you be the master over your brothers,
and may your mother’s sons bow down to you.

But when you decide to break free,
you will shake his yoke from your neck.”

 But when you fight to be free,
you will break away from his control.

Unclear when or if this has happened.

Jacob Flees to Paddan-Aram

⁴¹ From that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing.

Esau hated Jacob.

And Esau began to scheme: “I will soon be mourning my father’s death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob.”

Esau plans to kill Jacob.

⁴² But Rebekah heard about Esau’s plans. So she sent for Jacob and told him, “Listen, Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. ⁴³ So listen carefully, my son. Get ready and flee to my brother, Laban, in Haran. ⁴⁴ Stay there with him until your brother cools off. ⁴⁵ When he calms down and forgets what you have done to him, I will send for you to come back. Why should I lose both of you in one day?”
⁴⁶ Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I’m sick and tired of these local Hittite women! I would rather die than see Jacob marry one of them.”

“Do you want to do it God’s way or do you want to do it your way?”

Jacob Steals Esau’s Blessing

There are multiple places in the Bible where God is referred to as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Exodus 3:15 (NLT)
God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.

Matthew 22:32 (NLT)
 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ So he is the God of the living, not the dead.”

Acts 7:32 (NLT)
‘I am the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’

This name of God is special because it emphasizes God’s covenant with Israel and showcases the special role Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the Israelites fill as God’s chosen people.

Being chosen by God does not guarantee protection from Satan’s temptations.

Being chosen by God does not guarantee making right choices.

Being chosen by God does not eliminate sin from a person’s life.

Today’s lesson includes:

Theft
Haughty eyes
Deception
Trickery
Scheming
Plotting evil
Lying
Wrongdoing
Sowing family discord

God hates the behaviors taking place in this lesson.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (NLT)
¹⁶ There are six things the Lord hates—
no, seven things he detests:
¹⁷ haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that kill the innocent,
¹⁸ a heart that plots evil,
feet that race to do wrong,
¹⁹ a false witness who pours out lies,
a person who sows discord in a family.

 Genesis 25:28 (NLT)
Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating the wild game Esau brought home, but Rebekah loved Jacob. (discord in the family)

 Reminders:

• God’s sovereignty supersedes manipulative or godless behaviors.
•  Sin has many consequences and sin is always destructive.

Genesis 27:1-29 (NLT)
Jacob Steals Esau’s Blessing
27 One day when Isaac was old and turning blind, he called for Esau, his older son, and said, “My son.”
“Yes, Father?” Esau replied.
² “I am an old man now,” Isaac said, “and I don’t know when I may die. ³ Take your bow and a quiver full of arrows, and go out into the open country to hunt some wild game for me. ⁴ Prepare my favorite dish, and bring it here for me to eat. Then I will pronounce the blessing that belongs to you, my firstborn son, before I die.”
⁵ But Rebekah overheard what Isaac had said to his son Esau. So when Esau left to hunt for the wild game, ⁶ she said to her son Jacob, “Listen. I overheard your father say to Esau, ⁷ ‘Bring me some wild game and prepare me a delicious meal. Then I will bless you in the Lord’s presence before I die.’ ⁸ Now, my son, listen to me. Do exactly as I tell you. ⁹ Go out to the flocks, and bring me two fine young goats. I’ll use them to prepare your father’s favorite dish. ¹⁰ Then take the food to your father so he can eat it and bless you before he dies.”
¹¹ “But look,” Jacob replied to Rebekah, “my brother, Esau, is a hairy man, and my skin is smooth. ¹² What if my father touches me? He’ll see that I’m trying to trick him, and then he’ll curse me instead of blessing me.”
¹³ But his mother replied, “Then let the curse fall on me, my son! Just do what I tell you. Go out and get the goats for me!”
¹⁴ So Jacob went out and got the young goats for his mother. Rebekah took them and prepared a delicious meal, just the way Isaac liked it. ¹⁵ Then she took Esau’s favorite clothes, which were there in the house, and gave them to her younger son, Jacob. ¹⁶ She covered his arms and the smooth part of his neck with the skin of the young goats. ¹⁷ Then she gave Jacob the delicious meal, including freshly baked bread.
¹⁸ So Jacob took the food to his father. “My father?” he said.
“Yes, my son,” Isaac answered. “Who are you—Esau or Jacob?”
¹⁹ Jacob replied, “It’s Esau, your firstborn son. I’ve done as you told me. Here is the wild game. Now sit up and eat it so you can give me your blessing.”
²⁰ Isaac asked, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?”
“The Lord your God put it in my path!” Jacob replied.
²¹ Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come closer so I can touch you and make sure that you really are Esau.” ²² So Jacob went closer to his father, and Isaac touched him. “The voice is Jacob’s, but the hands are Esau’s,” Isaac said. ²³ But he did not recognize Jacob, because Jacob’s hands felt hairy just like Esau’s. So Isaac prepared to bless Jacob. ²⁴ “But are you really my son Esau?” he asked.
“Yes, I am,” Jacob replied.
²⁵ Then Isaac said, “Now, my son, bring me the wild game. Let me eat it, and then I will give you my blessing.” So Jacob took the food to his father, and Isaac ate it. He also drank the wine that Jacob served him. ²⁶ Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come a little closer and kiss me, my son.”
²⁷ So Jacob went over and kissed him. And when Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he was finally convinced, and he blessed his son. He said, “Ah! The smell of my son is like the smell of the outdoors, which the Lord has blessed!
²⁸ “From the dew of heaven
and the richness of the earth,
may God always give you abundant harvests of grain
and bountiful new wine.
²⁹ May many nations become your servants,
and may they bow down to you.
May you be the master over your brothers,
and may your mother’s sons bow down to you.
All who curse you will be cursed,
and all who bless you will be blessed.”

Examine the Scriptures

Genesis 27:1-29 (NLT)
Jacob Steals Esau’s Blessing
27 One day when Isaac was old and turning blind, he called for Esau, his older son, and said, “My son.”
“Yes, Father?” Esau replied.
² “I am an old man now,” Isaac said, “and I don’t know when I may die. 

 At this time Isaac was between the ages of 130-137.  He died at the age of 180.

Genesis 35:28-29 (NLT)
²⁸ Isaac lived for 180 years. ²⁹ Then he breathed his last and died at a ripe old age, joining his ancestors in death. And his sons, Esau and Jacob, buried him.

³ Take your bow and a quiver full of arrows, and go out into the open country to hunt some wild game for me. ⁴ Prepare my favorite dish, and bring it here for me to eat.
Then I will pronounce the blessing that belongs to you, my firstborn son, before I die.”

The blessing that belongs to the firstborn son.

Isaac intended to bless Esau even though this was contrary to God’s plan.

• Isaac was willing to bless Esau, even though this blessing was not a part of God’s plan for Esau.

Genesis 25:23 (NLT)
And the Lord told her (Rebekah), “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.”

 Isaac’s blessing for Esau in verse 29 clearly contradicted God’s plan.

• Esau knew that he had given up all of his rights as the firstborn.

Genesis 25:31-33 (NLT)
³¹ “All right,” Jacob replied, “but trade me your rights as the firstborn son.”
³² “Look, I’m dying of starvation!” said Esau. “What good is my birthright to me now?”
³³ But Jacob said, “First you must swear that your birthright is mine.” So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob.

 All his rights would include the birthright as well as the blessing.

⁵ But Rebekah overheard what Isaac had said to his son Esau. So when Esau left to hunt for the wild game, ⁶ she said to her son Jacob, “Listen. I overheard your father say to Esau, ⁷ ‘Bring me some wild game and prepare me a delicious meal. Then I will bless you in the Lord’s presence before I die.’ ⁸ Now, my son, listen to me. Do exactly as I tell you. 

 Listen to me. Do exactly as I tell you.

Rebekah is responsible for her behaviors.

Jacob is responsible for his behaviors.

• Rebekah was willing to resort to deception and trickery to secure the patriarchal blessing for Jacob.

Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT)
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,
and desperately wicked.
Who really knows how bad it is?

 Galatians 6:7 (NLT)
Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.

 1 Peter 2:1 (NLT)
So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.

 This behavior is never acceptable.

⁹ Go out to the flocks, and bring me two fine young goats. I’ll use them to prepare your father’s favorite dish. ¹⁰ Then take the food to your father so he can eat it and bless you before he dies.”

¹¹ “But look,” Jacob replied to Rebekah, “my brother, Esau, is a hairy man, and my skin is smooth. ¹² What if my father touches me? He’ll see that I’m trying to trick him, 

• Jacob knew that he was trying to deceive his father.

 Jacob is responsible for his behaviors.

 and then he’ll curse me instead of blessing me.”

¹³ But his mother replied, “Then let the curse fall on me, my son! Just do what I tell you.

 Let the curse fall on me, my son! Just do what I tell you.

Go out and get the goats for me!” 

• Rebekah intentionally schemed against her husband. 

¹⁴ So Jacob went out and got the young goats for his mother. Rebekah took them and prepared a delicious meal, just the way Isaac liked it. ¹⁵ Then she took Esau’s favorite clothes, which were there in the house, and gave them to her younger son, Jacob. ¹⁶ She covered his arms and the smooth part of his neck with the skin of the young goats. ¹⁷ Then she gave Jacob the delicious meal, including freshly baked bread.
¹⁸ So Jacob took the food to his father. “My father?” he said.
“Yes, my son,” Isaac answered. “Who are you—Esau or Jacob?”
¹⁹ Jacob replied, “It’s Esau, your firstborn son.

 Jacob replied, “It’s Esau, your firstborn son. (lying)

 I’ve done as you told me. Here is the wild game. Now sit up and eat it so you can give me your blessing.”
²⁰ Isaac asked, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?”
“The Lord your God put it in my path!” Jacob replied.

 “The Lord your God put it in my path!” Jacob replied. (lying)

 ²¹ Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come closer so I can touch you and make sure that you really are Esau.” ²² So Jacob went closer to his father, and Isaac touched him. “The voice is Jacob’s, but the hands are Esau’s,” Isaac said. ²³ But he did not recognize Jacob, because Jacob’s hands felt hairy just like Esau’s. So Isaac prepared to bless Jacob. ²⁴ “But are you really my son Esau?” he asked.
“Yes, I am,” Jacob replied.

“Yes, I am,” Jacob replied. 

• Jacob lied repeatedly to his father.

 ²⁵ Then Isaac said, “Now, my son, bring me the wild game. Let me eat it, and then I will give you my blessing.” So Jacob took the food to his father, and Isaac ate it. He also drank the wine that Jacob served him. ²⁶ Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come a little closer and kiss me, my son.”
²⁷ So Jacob went over and kissed him. And when Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he was finally convinced, and he blessed his son. He said, “Ah! The smell of my son is like the smell of the outdoors, which the Lord has blessed! 

²⁸ “From the dew of heaven
and the richness of the earth,
may God always give you abundant harvests of grain
and bountiful new wine.
²⁹ May many nations become your servants,
and may they bow down to you.
May you be the master over your brothers,
and may your mother’s sons bow down to you.
All who curse you will be cursed,
and all who bless you will be blessed.”

 Consequences Jacob suffered:

Jacob never saw his mother again after this event

Esau wanted him dead

Laban his uncle deceived him.

His family life was full of conflict

He was exiled for years from his family.

• Sin has many consequences and sin is always destructive.

Reflect on the following verses.

 Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
⁶ Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.

 Proverbs 14:12 (NLT)
There is a path before each person that seems right,
but it ends in death.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

 Romans 6:23 (NLT)
For the wages of sin is death, (separation from God)

Psalm 19:13-14 (NLT)
¹³ Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.
¹⁴ May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

 

Learning Life Lessons From Someone Who Never Stopped Digging Wells.

God has a plan.

God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him.

Romans 8:28 (NLT)
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

 Digging wells. A part of God’s plan for Isaac.

Genesis 26:17-35(NLT)
¹⁷ So Isaac moved away to the Gerar Valley, where he set up their tents and settled down. ¹⁸ He reopened the wells his father had dug, which the Philistines had filled in after Abraham’s death. Isaac also restored the names Abraham had given them.
¹⁹ Isaac’s servants also dug in the Gerar Valley and discovered a well of fresh water. ²⁰ But then the shepherds from Gerar came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well Esek (which means “argument”). ²¹ Isaac’s men then dug another well, but again there was a dispute over it. So Isaac named it Sitnah (which means “hostility”).²² Abandoning that one, Isaac moved on and dug another well. This time there was no dispute over it, so Isaac named the place Rehoboth (which means “open space”), for he said, “At last the Lord has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.”
²³ From there Isaac moved to Beersheba, ²⁴ where the Lord appeared to him on the night of his arrival. “I am the God of your father, Abraham,” he said. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you. I will multiply your descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will do this because of my promise to Abraham, my servant.” ²⁵ Then Isaac built an altar there and worshiped the Lord. He set up his camp at that place, and his servants dug another well.
Isaac’s Covenant with Abimelech
²⁶ One day King Abimelech came from Gerar with his adviser, Ahuzzath, and also Phicol, his army commander. ²⁷ “Why have you come here?” Isaac asked. “You obviously hate me, since you kicked me off your land.”
²⁸ They replied, “We can plainly see that the Lord is with you. So we want to enter into a sworn treaty with you. Let’s make a covenant.²⁹ Swear that you will not harm us, just as we have never troubled you. We have always treated you well, and we sent you away from us in peace. And now look how the Lord has blessed you!”
³⁰ So Isaac prepared a covenant feast to celebrate the treaty, and they ate and drank together. ³¹ Early the next morning, they each took a solemn oath not to interfere with each other. Then Isaac sent them home again, and they left him in peace.
³² That very day Isaac’s servants came and told him about a new well they had dug. “We’ve found water!” they exclaimed. ³³ So Isaac named the well Shibah (which means “oath”). And to this day the town that grew up there is called Beersheba (which means “well of the oath”).
³⁴ At the age of forty, Esau married two Hittite wives: Judith, the daughter of Beeri, and Basemath, the daughter of Elon. ³⁵ But Esau’s wives made life miserable for Isaac and Rebekah.

Examine the Scriptures

Genesis 26:17-35(NLT)
¹⁷ So Isaac moved away to the Gerar Valley,

Different than the town of Gerar

where he set up their tents and settled down. ¹⁸ He reopened the wells his father had dug, which the Philistines had filled in after Abraham’s death.

Isaac needed life-giving water to survive in the land. But the Philistines had stopped the flow of water from the wells by filling them in. To get to the vitally needed water supply, Isaac had to work hard to re-dig the wells and overcome what the Philistines had done.

Isaac also restored the names Abraham had given them.

Wells:

Ancient wells were dug by hand, a laborious and dangerous task.

From the Well, the community drew water, the basic sustenance for life.

Wells were a sign of independence.

Those who owned wells could maintain larger flocks of sheep.

Wells are a sign of life.

A human can go without food for about three weeks but would typically only last three to four days without water.

At least 60% of the adult body is made of it and every living cell in the body needs it to keep functioning.

¹⁹ Isaac’s servants also dug in the Gerar Valley and discovered a well of fresh water. 

 ²⁰ But then the shepherds from Gerar came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well Esek (which means “argument”). Contention or dispute

 ²¹ Isaac’s men then dug another well, but again there was a dispute over it. So Isaac named it Sitnah (which means “hostility”). Hatred or opposition

 ²² Abandoning that one, Isaac moved on and dug another well. This time there was no dispute over it, so Isaac named the place Rehoboth (which means “open space” or “room enough”),

Isaac refused to fight back.

Romans 12:18 (NLT)
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 

• Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)

 for he said, “At last the Lord has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.”

The Lord has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.

Luke 12:22-26 (NLT)
²² Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. ²³ For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. ²⁴ Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! ²⁵ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? ²⁶ And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

 Philippians 4:19 (NLT)
And this same God who takes care of me (Paul) will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

• Don’t worry about everyday life, God will supply all your needs. (Luke 12:22-26 & Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

It may still require a lot of hard work on your part.

 ²³ From there Isaac moved to Beersheba, ²⁴ where the Lord appeared to him on the night of his arrival. “I am the God of your father, Abraham,” he said. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you. I will multiply your descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will do this because of my promise to Abraham, my servant.” 

I (God) will do this.

A reminder:

God’s promise to his people.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT) to Joshua
⁶ So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Hebrews 13:5 (NLT)
⁵ Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,
“I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you.”

Isaiah 41:10-13 (NLT)
¹⁰ Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
¹¹ “See, all your angry enemies lie there,
confused and humiliated.
Anyone who opposes you will die
and come to nothing.
¹² You will look in vain
for those who tried to conquer you.
Those who attack you
will come to nothing.
¹³ For I hold you by your right hand—
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.

• Don’t be afraid or discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5, Isaiah 41:10-13)

 ²⁵ Then Isaac built an altar there and worshiped the Lord.

 Worshiped

Luke 4:8 (NLT)
Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say,
‘You must worship the Lord your God
and serve only him.’”

• Worship the Lord.

Psalm 100 (NLT)
¹ Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
²     Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
³ Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵ For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

 He set up his camp at that place, and his servants dug another well.

 Galatians 6:9-10 (NLT)
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. 

• Don’t get tired of doing good.

Isaac’s Covenant with Abimelech

²⁶ One day King Abimelech came from Gerar with his adviser, Ahuzzath, and also Phicol, his army commander. ²⁷ “Why have you come here?” Isaac asked. “You obviously hate me, since you kicked me off your land.”

 ²⁸ They replied, “We can plainly see that the Lord is with you.

We can plainly see that the Lord is with you.

Look for God working in your life.

Psalm 46:10 (NLT)
¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”

Ephesians 1:18-20 (NLT)
¹⁸ I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
¹⁹ I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power ²⁰ that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 

• Understand the incredible greatness of God’s power.

 So we want to enter into a sworn treaty with you. Let’s make a covenant.²⁹ Swear that you will not harm us, just as we have never troubled you.

• Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18 repeated)

We have always treated you well, and we sent you away from us in peace. And now look how the Lord has blessed you!”

God’s plans work out for the best.

Romans 8:28 (NLT)
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

• Know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

³⁰ So Isaac prepared a covenant feast to celebrate the treaty, and they ate and drank together. ³¹ Early the next morning, they each took a solemn oath not to interfere with each other. Then Isaac sent them home again, and they left him in peace.

 ³² That very day Isaac’s servants came and told him about a new well they had dug. “We’ve found water!” they exclaimed. ³³ So Isaac named the well Shibah (which means “oath”). And to this day the town that grew up there is called Beersheba (which means “well of the oath”). 

• Don’t stop digging wells.

³⁴ At the age of forty, Esau married two Hittite wives: Judith, the daughter of Beeri, and Basemath, the daughter of Elon. ³⁵ But Esau’s wives made life miserable for Isaac and Rebekah.

Digging wells – hard work

Family life – a hard life

How foolish was it for Isaac to want to bless Esau?

Like Father, Like Son

Difficult to date this passage.
After the death of Abraham.
While Esau and Jacob were young.

 Some things we do know about Isaac:

God asked his father Abraham to offer him as a burnt offering.

He had only one wife Rebecca

He had two sons, Esau and Jacob.

He was like a foreigner, living in tents.

His name was never changed.

He had many descendants.
           “Descendants as numerous as the stars of the sky”

“Through your descendants, all the nations of the earth will be blessed.” 

He died at the age of (Genesis 35:28) 180 years old.

He dug wells.

Isaac’s claim to fame.

His name was listed in the scriptures 144 times.
Abraham 269 (174 & 95)
Isaac        144 (121 & 23)
Jacob          362 (336 & 26)

Mostly in phrases like:

“Your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”

“For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of all our ancestors”

He was an ancestor of Jesus the Messiah.

Matthew 1:1-2 (NLT)
The Ancestors of Jesus the Messiah
¹ This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham:
² Abraham was the father of Isaac.
Isaac was the father of Jacob.
Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers.

Examine the Scriptures

Genesis 26:1-16 (NLT)
¹ A severe famine now struck the land, as had happened before in Abraham’s time. So Isaac moved to Gerar, where Abimelech, king of the Philistines, lived.
² The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt, but do as I tell you. ³ Live here as a foreigner in this land, and I will be with you and bless you. I hereby confirm that I will give all these lands to you and your descendants, just as I solemnly promised Abraham, your father. ⁴ I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars of the sky, and I will give them all these lands. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed. ⁵ I will do this because Abraham listened to me and obeyed all my requirements, commands, decrees, and instructions.” ⁶ So Isaac stayed in Gerar.
⁷ When the men who lived there asked Isaac about his wife, Rebekah, he said, “She is my sister.” He was afraid to say, “She is my wife.” He thought, “They will kill me to get her, because she is so beautiful.” ⁸ But some time later, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, looked out his window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah.
⁹ Immediately, Abimelech called for Isaac and exclaimed, “She is obviously your wife! Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?”
“Because I was afraid someone would kill me to get her from me,” Isaac replied.¹⁰ “How could you do this to us?” Abimelech exclaimed. “One of my people might easily have taken your wife and slept with her, and you would have made us guilty of great sin.”
¹¹ Then Abimelech issued a public proclamation: “Anyone who touches this man or his wife will be put to death!”
Conflict over Water Rights
¹² When Isaac planted his crops that year, he harvested a hundred times more grain than he planted, for the Lord blessed him. ¹³ He became a very rich man, and his wealth continued to grow. ¹⁴ He acquired so many flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and servants that the Philistines became jealous of him. ¹⁵ So the Philistines filled up all of Isaac’s wells with dirt. These were the wells that had been dug by the servants of his father, Abraham.
¹⁶ Finally, Abimelech ordered Isaac to leave the country. “Go somewhere else,” he said, “for you have become too powerful for us.”

Examine the Scriptures

Like Father, Like Son.
(A son’s character or behavior can be expected to resemble that of his father.)

Genesis 26:1-16 (NLT)
Isaac Deceives Abimelech
¹ A severe famine now struck the land, as had happened before in Abraham’s time.

90 years before:

Genesis 12:10 (NLT)
Abram and Sarai in Egypt
At that time a severe famine struck the land of Canaan, forcing Abram to go down to Egypt, where he lived as a foreigner. 

• Both Abraham and Isaac experienced living in a land struck by a famine.

So Isaac moved to Gerar, where Abimelech (most likely a title), king of the Philistines, lived.

 Isaac moved from Beer-lahai-roi to Gerar.  (Refer to map)

Genesis 25:11 (NLT)
After Abraham’s death, God blessed his son Isaac, who settled near Beer-lahai-roi in the Negev.

 90 years before:

Genesis 20:1 (NLT)
Abraham Deceives Abimelech
Abraham moved south to the Negev and lived for a while between Kadesh and Shur, and then he moved on to Gerar. While living there as a foreigner, 

• Abraham and Isaac lived in Gerar.

 ² The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt, but do as I tell you. 

Unlike Abraham.

³ Live here as a foreigner in this land, and I will be with you and bless you. 

• Both Abraham and Isaac lived as a foreigner in a foreign land.

• God promised to be with Abraham and Isaac.

 I hereby confirm that I will give all these lands to you and your descendants, just as I solemnly promised Abraham, your father. ⁴ I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars of the sky, and I will give them all these lands. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed. 

Review God’s promises to Abraham.

Genesis 17:19 (NLT)
¹⁹ But God replied, “No—Sarah, your wife, will give birth to a son for you. You will name him Isaac, and I will confirm my covenant with him and his descendants as an everlasting covenant.

 Genesis 12:1-3 (NLT)
The Call of Abram
¹ The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. ² I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. ³ I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 15:4-5 (NLT)
⁴ Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” ⁵ Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”

Genesis 22:16-18 (NLT)
¹⁶ “This is what the Lord says: Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own name that ¹⁷ I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. ¹⁸ And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.”

 All a part of “God’s plan for the world.

Acts 3
²⁴ “Starting with Samuel, every prophet spoke about what is happening today. ²⁵ You are the children of those prophets, and you are included in the covenant God promised to your ancestors. For God said to Abraham, ‘Through your descendants all the families on earth will be blessed.’²⁶ When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways.”

• God’s promise to Abraham was confirmed with Isaac.

• Abraham and Isaac died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth.

Hebrews 11:
⁹ And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. ^…
13 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 

⁵ I will do this because Abraham listened to me and obeyed all my requirements, commands, decrees, and instructions.” 

• Our sovereign God wants our obedience.

 John 14:15  (NLT)
“If you love me, obey my commandments.

James 1:25 (NLT)
But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

Luke 11:28 (NLT)
Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

1 Samuel 15:22
… Obedience is better than sacrifice …

 ⁶ So Isaac stayed in Gerar.

 Obedience

⁷ When the men who lived there asked Isaac about his wife, Rebekah, he said, “She is my sister.” He was afraid to say, “She is my wife.” He thought, “They will kill me to get her, because she is so beautiful.” 

Deceit
Abraham (two times):

Genesis 12:11-13 (NLT)
¹¹ As he was approaching the border of Egypt, Abram said to his wife, Sarai, “Look, you are a very beautiful woman.
¹² When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife. Let’s kill him; then we can have her!’ ¹³ So please tell them you are my sister. Then they will spare my life and treat me well because of their interest in you.”

Genesis 20:2 (NLT)
² Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, “She is my sister.” So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace.

 Genesis 20:11 (NLT)
¹¹ Abraham replied, “I thought, ‘This is a godless place. They will want my wife and will kill me to get her.’

• Both Abraham and Isaac lied about the identity of their wives.

⁸ But some time later, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, looked out his window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah.

Not the behavior of a brother and sister.

⁹ Immediately, Abimelech called for Isaac and exclaimed, “She is obviously your wife! Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?”
“Because I was afraid someone would kill me to get her from me,” Isaac replied.

Fear mocks faith
Fear endangers God’s blessings

¹⁰ “How could you do this to us?” Abimelech exclaimed. “One of my people might easily have taken your wife and slept with her, and you would have made us guilty of great sin.”

Genesis 20:4-7 (NLT)
⁴ But Abimelech had not slept with her yet, so he said, “Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? ⁵ Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘Yes, he is my brother.’ I acted in complete innocence! My hands are clean.”
⁶ In the dream God responded, “Yes, I know you are innocent. That’s why I kept you from sinning against me, and why I did not let you touch her. ⁷ Now return the woman to her husband, and he will pray for you, for he is a prophet. Then you will live. But if you don’t return her to him, you can be sure that you and all your people will die.”

Genesis 20:9-10 (NLT)
⁹ Then Abimelech called for Abraham. “What have you done to us?” he demanded. “What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done! ¹⁰ Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?”

¹¹ Then Abimelech issued a public proclamation: “Anyone who touches this man or his wife will be put to death!”

Death penalty

• God used a pagan king to preserve His chosen seed.

Psalm 105
⁷ He is the Lord our God.
    His justice is seen throughout the land.
⁸ He always stands by his covenant—
    the commitment he made to a thousand generations.
⁹ This is the covenant he made with Abraham
    and the oath he swore to Isaac.
¹⁰ He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree,
    and to the people of Israel as a never-ending covenant:
¹¹ “I will give you the land of Canaan
    as your special possession.”
¹² He said this when they were few in number,
    a tiny group of strangers in Canaan.
¹³ They wandered from nation to nation,
    from one kingdom to another.
¹⁴ Yet he did not let anyone oppress them.
    He warned kings on their behalf:
¹⁵ “Do not touch my chosen people,
    and do not hurt my prophets.”

 Conflict over Water Rights

¹² When Isaac planted his crops that year, he harvested a hundred times more grain than he planted, for the Lord blessed him. 

• God blessed Abraham and Isaac.

 ¹³ He became a very rich man, and his wealth continued to grow. ¹⁴ He acquired so many flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and servants that the Philistines became jealous of him. 

 ¹⁵ So the Philistines filled up all of Isaac’s wells with dirt. These were the wells that had been dug by the servants of his father, Abraham.

Genesis 21:25 (NLT)
²⁵ Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had taken by force from Abraham’s servants.

Genesis 21:30 (NLT)
³⁰ Abraham replied, “Please accept these seven lambs to show your agreement that I dug this well.”

¹⁶ Finally, Abimelech ordered Isaac to leave the country. “Go somewhere else,” he said, “for you have become too powerful for us.”

Conclusion:

• You should be an example for others in every way by the good things you do.

Titus 2:7 (NLT)
And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.

1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
¹⁴ “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Proverbs 22:1 (NLT)
Choose a good reputation over great riches;    being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

• Imitate what is good.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT)
And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

Esau Sells His Birthright

• God’s sovereignty supersedes manipulative or godless behaviors.

Genesis 25:27-34 (NLT)

Esau Sells His Birthright
²⁷ As the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter. He was an outdoorsman, but Jacob had a quiet temperament, preferring to stay at home. ²⁸ Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating the wild game Esau brought home, but Rebekah loved Jacob.
²⁹ One day when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau arrived home from the wilderness exhausted and hungry. ³⁰ Esau said to Jacob, “I’m starved! Give me some of that red stew!” (This is how Esau got his other name, Edom, which means “red.”)
³¹ “All right,” Jacob replied, “but trade me your rights as the firstborn son.”
³² “Look, I’m dying of starvation!” said Esau. “What good is my birthright to me now?”
³³ But Jacob said, “First you must swear that your birthright is mine.” So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob.
³⁴ Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau ate the meal, then got up and left. He showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn.

Examine the Scriptures

Genesis 25:27-34 (NLT)
Esau Sells His Birthright
²⁷ As the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter. He was an outdoorsman,

 but Jacob had a quiet temperament, preferring to stay at home. 

 Distinctive personalities.

Skillful hunter and outdoorsman vs. a quiet temperament who preferred the comforts of home.

 Esau saw little or no value in the birthright.  Jacob sought after the birthright.

• Esau and Jacob had very different personalities. 

²⁸ Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating the wild game Esau brought home,

 but Rebekah loved Jacob.

 Ingredients for conflict and heartache. 

Romans 2:11 (NLT)
For God does not show favoritism.

Ephesians 5:1 (NLT)
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

James 2:1 (NLT)
A Warning against Prejudice
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?

James 2:9 (NLT)
But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. 

• If you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin.

• Playing favorites is one of the most damaging problems in any group of people.

 Genesis 37:3-4 (NLT)
³ Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. ⁴ But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him.

 ²⁹ One day when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau arrived home from the wilderness exhausted and hungry. ³⁰ Esau said to Jacob, “I’m starved! Give me some of that red stew!” (This is how Esau got his other name, Edom, which means “red.”)

 Esau was driven by his physical appetite for red stew.

 ³¹ “All right,” Jacob replied, “but trade me your rights as the firstborn son.”

 Birthright: The right of the first born.
(Different from the prophetic blessing in chapter 27.)

A double portion of the estate.

Was the head of the whole family.

Carried with it the covenant blessing (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob)

• Birthright: A man’s firstborn son receives privileges related to position and inheritance above those of his younger sons.

Before the time of Moses, the father could transfer this right to another son.

Rights of the Firstborn clarified by Moses

Deuteronomy 21:15-17 (NLT)
Rights of the Firstborn clarified by Moses
¹⁵ “Suppose a man has two wives, but he loves one and not the other, and both have given him sons. And suppose the firstborn son is the son of the wife he does not love. ¹⁶ When the man divides his inheritance, he may not give the larger inheritance to his younger son, the son of the wife he loves, as if he were the firstborn son. ¹⁷ He must recognize the rights of his oldest son, the son of the wife he does not love, by giving him a double portion. He is the first son of his father’s virility, and the rights of the firstborn belong to him.

After the exodus from Egypt, the birthright designated the oldest son priest of the family. (This was later changed.)

Exceptions:

Ruben

Genesis 49:3-4 (NLT)
³ “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength,
the child of my vigorous youth.
You are first in rank and first in power.
⁴ But you are as unruly as a flood,
and you will be first no longer.
For you went to bed with my wife;
you defiled my marriage couch.

1 Chronicles 5:1 (NLT)
Descendants of Reuben
The oldest son of Israel was Reuben. But since he dishonored his father by sleeping with one of his father’s concubines, his birthright was given to the sons of his brother Joseph. For this reason, Reuben is not listed in the genealogical records as the firstborn son. 

• Exceptions were made, transferring the birthrights from the oldest son to a younger son.

Genesis 48:20-22 (NLT)
²⁰ So Jacob blessed the boys that day with this blessing: “The people of Israel will use your names when they give a blessing. They will say, ‘May God make you as prosperous as Ephraim and Manasseh.’” In this way, Jacob put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.
²¹ Then Jacob said to Joseph, “Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will take you back to Canaan, the land of your ancestors.²² And beyond what I have given your brothers, I am giving you an extra portion of the land that I took from the Amorites with my sword and bow.”

• Jacob was open and obvious in his pursuit of the birthright.

 ³² “Look, I’m dying of starvation!” said Esau. “What good is my birthright to me now?”

• Esau allowed his physical appetite to control is decisions.

 ³³ But Jacob said, “First you must swear that your birthright is mine.” 

Jacob, the heel grabber, knew what was of value, knew what he wanted and did not hesitate going after it.

 So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob.

 Esau did not value the birthright.

• Esau traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal.

 ³⁴ Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau ate the meal, then got up and left.

 He showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn.

• Esau showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn.

Hebrews 12:16 (NLT)
 Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal.

 It is wrong to sacrifice spiritual provisions to satisfy one’s physical appetites.

• Keep your priorities in order.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

• God’s sovereignty supersedes manipulative or godless behaviors.

The Births of Esau and Jacob

A clear display of God’s sovereignty.

Genesis 25:19-26 (NLT)
The Births of Esau and Jacob
¹⁹ This is the account of the family of Isaac, the son of Abraham. ²⁰ When Isaac was forty years old, he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram and the sister of Laban the Aramean.
²¹ Isaac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children. The Lord answered Isaac’s prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins. ²² But the two children struggled with each other in her womb. So she went to ask the Lord about it. “Why is this happening to me?” she asked.
²³ And the Lord told her, “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.”
²⁴ And when the time came to give birth, Rebekah discovered that she did indeed have twins! ²⁵ The first one was very red at birth and covered with thick hair like a fur coat. So they named him Esau. ²⁶ Then the other twin was born with his hand grasping Esau’s heel. So they named him Jacob.  Isaac was sixty years old when the twins were born.

Examine the Scriptures

Genesis 25:19-34 (NLT)
The Births of Esau and Jacob
¹⁹ This is the account of the family of Isaac, the son of Abraham. ²⁰ When Isaac was forty years old, he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram and the sister of Laban the Aramean.

• Part of God’s sovereign plan was for Isaac to marry Rebekah. (Romans 9:7-12 clearly supports this bullet point.)

Refer to Family Tree

Genesis 24:15 (NLT)
Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor and his wife, Milcah.

 Near Haran

Terah, Abraham’s father died in Haran.

 ²¹ Isaac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children.

Rebekah was barren for 20 years.

Genesis 25:20 (NLT)
When Isaac was forty years old, he married Rebekah …

Genesis 25:26 (NLT)
…. Isaac was sixty years old when the twins were born.

• Isaac’s wife, Rebecca, was barren for twenty years.

• Unlike Abraham, Isaac pleaded with the Lordon behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children.

Remember the Promise:

Genesis 12:1-2 (NLT)
¹ The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. ² I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.

Genesis 15:3-5 (NLT)
³ You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.”⁴ Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” ⁵ Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”

Genesis 22:17 (NLT)
I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore.

The Pattern:

Genesis 16:1 (NLT)
Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not been able to bear children for him. 

Genesis 25:21 (NLT)
Isaac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife (Rebekah), because she was unable to have children.

Genesis 29:31 (NLT)
Jacob’s Many Children
³¹ When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, he enabled her to have children, but Rachel could not conceive.

• Sarai, Abram’s wife, Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, and Rachel, Jacob’s wife, were all unable to have children.

• God’s sovereignty supersedes physical limitations.

The Lord answered Isaac’s prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins. 

 Compare Isaac and Rebekah’s behavior to Abraham and Sarah’s behavior.  Abraham and Sarah tried to work out God’s plan on their own.  Isaac and Rebekah took their concerns to the Lord.

• The Lord answered Isaac’s prayer and Rebekah became pregnant.

²² But the two children struggled with each other in her womb. So she went to ask the Lord about it.

 Like Isaac, Rebekah took her concerns to the Lord.

 “Why is this happening to me?” she asked.

Hosea 12:3 (NLT)
Even in the womb,
Jacob struggled with his brother;
when he became a man,
he even fought with God.

 Why is this happening? 

• God chooses people according to his own purposes;he calls people, but not according to their good or bad works.

 Romans 9:7-13 (NLT)
⁷ Being descendants of Abraham doesn’t make them truly Abraham’s children. For the Scriptures say, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted,” though Abraham had other children, too.⁸ This means that Abraham’s physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham’s children. ⁹ For God had promised, “I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
¹⁰ This son was our ancestor Isaac. When he married Rebekah, she gave birth to twins. ¹¹ But before they were born, before they had done anything good or bad, she received a message from God. (This message shows that God chooses people according to his own purposes; ¹² he calls people, but not according to their good or bad works.) She was told, “Your older son will serve your younger son.” ¹³ In the words of the Scriptures, “I loved Jacob, but I rejected Esau.” 

• God sets individuals apart and appoints them to specific callings.

Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NLT)
⁴ The Lord gave me (Jeremiah) this message:
⁵ “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

 Galatians 1:15-16 (NLT)
¹⁵ But even before I (Paul) was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him ¹⁶ to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.

Ephesians 1:4 (NLT)
⁴ Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

Psalm 139:16 (NLT)
¹⁶ You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed. 

• God’s plans began in eternity past and will be accomplished and completed in eternity future. (Human understanding cannot accurately capture this thought.)

²³ And the Lord told her, “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals.

 Israelites vs. Edomites

 One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.”

The older serving the younger was not the natural order.

God decides when nations rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.

Acts 17:26 (NLT)
From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.

Psalm 22:27-28 (NLT)
²⁷ The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him.
All the families of the nations will bow down before him.
²⁸ For royal power belongs to the Lord.
He rules all the nations.

Job 12:23 (NLT)
He builds up nations, and he destroys them.
He expands nations, and he abandons them.

Psalm 66:7 (NLT)
For by his great power he rules forever.
He watches every movement of the nations;
let no rebel rise in defiance. 

• Power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations.

• God’s sovereignty supersedes tradition and culture. 

²⁴ And when the time came to give birth, Rebekah discovered that she did indeed have twins! ²⁵ The first one was very red at birth and covered with thick hair like a fur coat. So they named him Esau. 

Hairy
(red-see verse 30)
The red man

²⁶ Then the other twin was born with his hand grasping Esau’s heel. So they named him Jacob. 

To watch from behind
One who grabs the heel
One who trips up
He whom God protect

 Isaac was sixty years old when the twins were born.

The Death of Abraham

Genesis 25:1-18 (NLT)
¹ Abraham married another wife, whose name was Keturah. ² She gave birth to Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.³ Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. Dedan’s descendants were the Asshurites, Letushites, and Leummites. ⁴ Midian’s sons were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. These were all descendants of Abraham through Keturah.
⁵ Abraham gave everything he owned to his son Isaac. ⁶ But before he died, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them off to a land in the east, away from Isaac.
⁷ Abraham lived for 175 years, ⁸ and he died at a ripe old age, having lived a long and satisfying life. He breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death. ⁹ His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. ¹⁰ This was the field Abraham had purchased from the Hittites and where he had buried his wife Sarah. ¹¹ After Abraham’s death, God blessed his son Isaac, who settled near Beer-lahai-roi in the Negev.
Ishmael’s Descendants
¹² This is the account of the family of Ishmael, the son of Abraham through Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian servant. ¹³ Here is a list, by their names and clans, of Ishmael’s descendants: The oldest was Nebaioth, followed by Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, ¹⁴ Mishma, Dumah, Massa, ¹⁵ Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. ¹⁶ These twelve sons of Ishmael became the founders of twelve tribes named after them, listed according to the places they settled and camped. ¹⁷ Ishmael lived for 137 years. Then he breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death. ¹⁸ Ishmael’s descendants occupied the region from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt in the direction of Asshur. There they lived in open hostility toward all their relatives.

Examine the Scriptures

Genesis 25:1-18 (NLT)
The Death of Abraham
¹ Abraham (approximately 140 years old) married another wife, whose name was Keturah. 

 1 Chronicles 1:32-33 (NLT)
³² The sons of Keturah, Abraham’s concubine, were Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.
The sons of Jokshan were Sheba and Dedan.
³³ The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah.
All these were descendants of Abraham through his concubine Keturah.

 ² She gave birth to Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.³ Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. Dedan’s descendants were the Asshurites, Letushites, and Leummites. ⁴ Midian’s sons were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. These were all descendants of Abraham through Keturah.

 Refer to genealogy chart.

When Moses fled the wrath of Pharaoh, he traveled to Midian (Exodus 2:15). There, Moses met and married his wife, Zipporah, and served his father-in-law, Jethro, as a shepherd for forty years.

The Midianites were the descendants of Midian and therefore children of Abraham. They settled in “the land of the east” (Genesis 25:6). Most scholars believe the land of Midian was officially on both sides of the Gulf of Aqaba, although the Midianites showed nomadic tendencies later in their history. 

• Abraham’s genealogy includes six sons through his wife (concubine) Keturah.

A concubine has a lower status than a wife.

⁵ Abraham gave everything he owned to his son Isaac. 

• Isaac was the rightful heir of Abraham’s estate.

More importantly:

The promise (God’s covenant) was first made to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21), then confirmed to his son Isaac (Genesis 26:3), and then to Isaac’s son Jacob (Genesis 28:13), Abraham’s grandson.

Genesis 17: 21 (NLT)
²¹ … my covenant will be confirmed with Isaac, who will be born to you and Sarah about this time next year.”

 Genesis 26:2-4  (NLT)
² The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt, but do as I tell you. ³ Live here as a foreigner in this land, and I will be with you and bless you. I hereby confirm that I will give all these lands to you and your descendants, just as I solemnly promised Abraham, your father. ⁴ I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars of the sky, and I will give them all these lands. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed. 

• God’s covenant with Abraham was confirmed with Isaac. 

Deuteronomy 7:6 (NLT)
⁶ For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.

More about Isaac to follow in future lessons.

 ⁶ But before he died, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them off to a land in the east, away from Isaac.

 The earliest ancestors of the Arabs??

Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines, but these sons were never considered to be Israelites, or God’s chosen people.

• The sons of Abraham’s concubines were not considered a part of the Jewish nation.

⁷ Abraham lived for 175 years, ⁸ and he died at a ripe old age, having lived a long and satisfying life. He breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death. 

 Rabbit trail:

No one is indispensable. God’s plan is bigger than individuals.

James 4:14 (NLT)
How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT)
Living by the Spirit’s Power
¹⁵ So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. ¹⁶ Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. ¹⁷ Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

⁹ His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. ¹⁰ This was the field Abraham had purchased from the Hittites and where he had buried his wife Sarah. 

• Isaac and Ishmael reunited to bury their father.

 ¹¹ After Abraham’s death, God blessed his son Isaac, who settled near Beer-lahai-roi in the Negev.

 The torch (God’s blessing) was passed on to Isaac.

Ishmael’s Descendants

Genesis 17:20-21 (NLT)
²⁰ As for Ishmael, I will bless him also, just as you have asked. I will make him extremely fruitful and multiply his descendants. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.²¹ But my covenant will be confirmed with Isaac, who will be born to you and Sarah about this time next year.”

¹² This is the account of the family of Ishmael, the son of Abraham through Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian servant. ¹³ Here is a list, by their names and clans, of Ishmael’s descendants: The oldest was Nebaioth, followed by Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, ¹⁴ Mishma, Dumah, Massa, ¹⁵ Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. ¹⁶ These twelve sons of Ishmael became the founders of twelve tribes named after them, listed according to the places they settled and camped.  

• God also blessed Ishmael with numerous descendants. 

¹⁷ Ishmael lived for 137 years. Then he breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death. ¹⁸ Ishmael’s descendants occupied the region from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt in the direction of Asshur.

 There they lived in open hostility toward all their relatives.

 Israel’s neighbors

Ishmael’s descendants lived in open hostility toward all their relatives.

 

In Biblical times, there were certain nations who were specifically identified as the descendants of Keturah, such as the nation of Midian. Today, however, the children of Keturah have more or less assimilated in with the children of Ishmael.

Mission Accomplished!

Genesis 24:50-67 (NLT)
⁵⁰ Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The Lord has obviously brought you here, so there is nothing we can say. ⁵¹ Here is Rebekah; take her and go. Yes, let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has directed.”
⁵² When Abraham’s servant heard their answer, he bowed down to the ground and worshiped the Lord. ⁵³ Then he brought out silver and gold jewelry and clothing and presented them to Rebekah. He also gave expensive presents to her brother and mother. ⁵⁴ Then they ate their meal, and the servant and the men with him stayed there overnight.
But early the next morning, Abraham’s servant said, “Send me back to my master.”
⁵⁵ “But we want Rebekah to stay with us at least ten days,” her brother and mother said. “Then she can go.”
⁵⁶ But he said, “Don’t delay me. The Lord has made my mission successful; now send me back so I can return to my master.”
⁵⁷ “Well,” they said, “we’ll call Rebekah and ask her what she thinks.”⁵⁸ So they called Rebekah. “Are you willing to go with this man?” they asked her
.And she replied, “Yes, I will go.”
⁵⁹ So they said good-bye to Rebekah and sent her away with Abraham’s servant and his men. The woman who had been Rebekah’s childhood nurse went along with her. ⁶⁰ They gave her this blessing as she parted:
“Our sister, may you become
the mother of many millions!
May your descendants be strong
and conquer the cities of their enemies.”
⁶¹ Then Rebekah and her servant girls mounted the camels and followed the man. So Abraham’s servant took Rebekah and went on his way.
⁶² Meanwhile, Isaac, whose home was in the Negev, had returned from Beer-lahai-roi. ⁶³ One evening as he was walking and meditating in the fields, he looked up and saw the camels coming. ⁶⁴ When Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac, she quickly dismounted from her camel.⁶⁵ “Who is that man walking through the fields to meet us?” she asked the servant.
And he replied, “It is my master.” So Rebekah covered her face with her veil. ⁶⁶ Then the servant told Isaac everything he had done.
⁶⁷ And Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent, and she became his wife. He loved her deeply, and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother.

Examine the Scriptures

Review:

Genesis 24:12 (NLT) (The servant’s prayer)
¹² “O Lord, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham.

Genesis 24:50-67 (NLT)
⁵⁰ Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The Lord has obviously brought you here, so there is nothing we can say. 

“The Lord has obviously brought you here.”

• Laban and Bethuel recognized that God was actively working through Abraham’s servant.

¹ Here is Rebekah; take her and go. Yes, let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has directed.”

 “… as the Lord has directed.”

God was directing these events and Laban and Bethuel, along with others, were responding appropriately.

 ⁵² When Abraham’s servant heard their answer, he bowed down to the ground and worshiped the Lord. 

“… he bowed down to the ground and worshiped the Lord.”

Genesis 24:26-27 (NLT)
²⁶ The man bowed low and worshiped the Lord. ²⁷ “Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The Lord has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.”

 Genesis 24:48 (NLT) (repeating Genesis 24:26-27)
⁴⁸ “Then I bowed low and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham, because he had led me straight to my master’s niece to be his son’s wife. 

• Abraham’s servant continued to recognize God’s sovereignty and continued to worship and praise the Lord.

 ⁵³ Then he brought out silver and gold jewelry and clothing and presented them to Rebekah. He also gave expensive presents to her brother and mother. 

 “… expensive presents …” “Bride price” not dowry

• Presenting expensive presents to Laban and Bethuel finalized these arrangements.

 ⁵⁴ Then they ate their meal, and the servant and the men with him stayed there overnight.

 But early the next morning, Abraham’s servant said, “Send me back to my master.”

 As before, Abraham’s servant wanted to get right down to business.

His mission was successful. (As a servant he had to be “dismissed”.)

 ³³ Then food was served. But Abraham’s servant said, “I don’t want to eat until I have told you why I have come.”

⁵⁵ “But we want Rebekah to stay with us at least ten days,” her brother and mother said. “Then she can go.”

Time to prepare for the departure. (a reasonable request.)

 ⁵⁶ But he said, “Don’t delay me. The Lord has made my mission successful;

 “The Lord has made my mission successful.”

Genesis 24:26-27 (NLT)
²⁶ The man bowed low and worshiped the Lord. ²⁷ “Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The Lord has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.”

Genesis 24:48 (NLT)
⁴⁸ “Then I bowed low and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham, because he had led me straight to my master’s niece to be his son’s wife. 

• God made Abraham’s servant mission successful. 

now send me back so I can return to my master.”
⁵⁷ “Well,” they said, “we’ll call Rebekah and ask her what she thinks.”⁵⁸ So they called Rebekah. “Are you willing to go with this man?” they asked her.

 And she replied, “Yes, I will go.” 

• When asked, Rebekah was willing to return immediately with Abraham’s servant.

 ⁵⁹ So they said good-bye to Rebekah and sent her away with Abraham’s servant and his men. The woman who had been Rebekah’s childhood nurse went along with her. ⁶⁰ They gave her this blessing as she parted:

 “Our sister, may you become
the mother of many millions!
May your descendants be strong
and conquer the cities of their enemies.”

 This blessing echoed the promises God made to Abraham.

• The blessing given to Rebekah echoed the promises God had previously made to Abraham.

 Genesis 13:14-16 (NLT)
¹⁴ After Lot had gone, the Lord said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction—north and south, east and west. ¹⁵ I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. ¹⁶ And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted!

Genesis 15:5-7 (NLT)
⁵ Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”
⁶ And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.
⁷ Then the Lord told him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession.”

Genesis 17:6-8 (NLT)
⁶ I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them!
⁷ “I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you. ⁸ And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.” 

⁶¹ Then Rebekah and her servant girls mounted the camels and followed the man. So Abraham’s servant took Rebekah and went on his way.
⁶² Meanwhile, Isaac, whose home was in the Negev, had returned from Beer-lahai-roi.
 ⁶³ One evening as he was walking and meditating in the fields, he looked up and saw the camels coming. ⁶⁴ When Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac, she quickly dismounted from her camel.⁶⁵ “Who is that man walking through the fields to meet us?” she asked the servant.
And he replied, “It is my master.” So Rebekah covered her face with her veil. ⁶⁶ Then the servant told Isaac everything he had done.
⁶⁷ And Isaac (age 40) brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent, and she became his wife. He loved her deeply, and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother.

• Rebekah became Isaac’s wife.

Review

Four participants:

Abraham in preparing for the future.

Genesis 24:1-4 (NLT)
A Wife for Isaac
¹ Abraham was now a very old man, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. ² One day Abraham said to his oldest servant, the man in charge of his household, “Take an oath by putting your hand under my thigh. ³ Swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women. ⁴ Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.”

The servant in carrying it out.

Genesis 24:9-10 (NLT)
⁹ So the servant took an oath by putting his hand under the thigh of his master, Abraham. He swore to follow Abraham’s instructions. ¹⁰ Then he loaded ten of Abraham’s camels with all kinds of expensive gifts from his master, and he traveled to distant Aram-naharaim. There he went to the town where Abraham’s brother Nahor had settled.

Rebekah in responding to it.

Genesis 24:57-58 (NLT)
⁵⁷ “Well,” they said, “we’ll call Rebekah and ask her what she thinks.”⁵⁸ So they called Rebekah. “Are you willing to go with this man?” they asked her.
And she replied, “Yes, I will go.”

Human responsibility was evident

God in performing it.  27, 48, 50-51 God was not visibly active.  No word from God, no miracle, no prophetic oracle.

Genesis 12:2-3 (NLT)
² I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. ³ I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

 Genesis 15:18-21 (NLT)
¹⁸ So the Lord made a covenant with Abram that day and said, “I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt to the great Euphrates River— ¹⁹ the land now occupied by the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, ²⁰ Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites,²¹ Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.”

Genesis 17:3-8 (NLT)
³ At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him,⁴ “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! ⁵ What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations. ⁶ I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them!
⁷ “I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you. ⁸ And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.”

Genesis 24:6-7 (NLT)
⁶ “No!” Abraham responded. “Be careful never to take my son there. ⁷ For the Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and my native land, solemnly promised to give this land to my descendants. He will send his angel ahead of you, and he will see to it that you find a wife there for my son.

Genesis 24:48 (NLT)
⁴⁸ “Then I bowed low and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham, because he had led me straight to my master’s niece to be his son’s wife.

Genesis 24:50-51 (NLT)
⁵⁰ Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The Lord has obviously brought you here, so there is nothing we can say. ⁵¹ Here is Rebekah; take her and go. Yes, let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has directed.”

God was behind the scenes directing the actions.

 

What role has God given to you?

Will your response be similar to that of Abraham’s servant?

            The mission continues.

Abraham’s servant:

Obedient
Respectful
A man of prayer
Patient
Dependable

Abraham’s servant introduced to Laban

Genesis 24:28-49 (NLT)
²⁸ The young woman ran home to tell her family everything that had happened. ²⁹ Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, who ran out to meet the man at the spring. ³⁰ He had seen the nose-ring and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and had heard Rebekah tell what the man had said. So he rushed out to the spring, where the man was still standing beside his camels. ³¹ Laban said to him, “Come and stay with us, you who are blessed by the Lord! Why are you standing here outside the town when I have a room all ready for you and a place prepared for the camels?”
³² So the man went home with Laban, and Laban unloaded the camels, gave him straw for their bedding, fed them, and provided water for the man and the camel drivers to wash their feet. ³³ Then food was served. But Abraham’s servant said, “I don’t want to eat until I have told you why I have come.”“All right,” Laban said, “tell us.”
³⁴ “I am Abraham’s servant,” he explained. ³⁵ “And the Lord has greatly blessed my master; he has become a wealthy man. The Lord has given him flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, a fortune in silver and gold, and many male and female servants and camels and donkeys.
³⁶ “When Sarah, my master’s wife, was very old, she gave birth to my master’s son, and my master has given him everything he owns. ³⁷ And my master made me take an oath. He said, ‘Do not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women. ³⁸ Go instead to my father’s house, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son.’
³⁹ “But I said to my master, ‘What if I can’t find a young woman who is willing to go back with me?’ ⁴⁰ He responded, ‘The Lord, in whose presence I have lived, will send his angel with you and will make your mission successful. Yes, you must find a wife for my son from among my relatives, from my father’s family. ⁴¹ Then you will have fulfilled your obligation. But if you go to my relatives and they refuse to let her go with you, you will be free from my oath.’
⁴² “So today when I came to the spring, I prayed this prayer: ‘O Lord, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success on this mission.⁴³ See, I am standing here beside this spring. This is my request. When a young woman comes to draw water, I will say to her, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.” ⁴⁴ If she says, “Yes, have a drink, and I will draw water for your camels, too,” let her be the one you have selected to be the wife of my master’s son.’
⁴⁵ “Before I had finished praying in my heart, I saw Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water. So I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’ ⁴⁶ She quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and said, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ So I drank, and then she watered the camels.
⁴⁷ “Then I asked, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She replied, ‘I am the daughter of Bethuel, and my grandparents are Nahor and Milcah.’ So I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her wrists.
⁴⁸ “Then I bowed low and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham, because he had led me straight to my master’s niece to be his son’s wife. ⁴⁹ So tell me—will you or won’t you show unfailing love and faithfulness to my master? Please tell me yes or no, and then I’ll know what to do next.”

Examine the Scriptures

Genesis 24:28-49 (NLT)
²⁸ The young woman ran home to tell her family everything that had happened. 

 Why do you think the young woman ran?

 ²⁹ Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, who ran out to meet the man at the spring. 

“the man” again no name

Laban served as the grown spokesman for his father Bethuel’s house.

Laban played a key part in arranging the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah.

Genesis 24:50-55  (NLT)
⁵⁰ Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The Lord has obviously brought you here, so there is nothing we can say. ⁵¹ Here is Rebekah; take her and go. Yes, let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has directed.”

 ⁵² When Abraham’s servant heard their answer, he bowed down to the ground and worshiped the Lord. ⁵³ Then he brought out silver and gold jewelry and clothing and presented them to Rebekah. He also gave expensive presents to her brother and mother. 

 ⁵⁴ Then they ate their meal, and the servant and the men with him stayed there overnight.
But early the next morning, Abraham’s servant said, “Send me back to my master.”
⁵⁵ “But we want Rebekah to stay with us at least ten days,” her brother and mother said. “Then she can go.”

• Laban served as the spokesman for his father Bethuel’s house.

What do you know about Laban from other passages in scripture?

Abraham’s servant was described as obedient, respectful, a man of prayer, patient, and dependable

Laban proved to be crooked, deceptive, dishonest, double-dealing, fraudulent, shady, shifty, and underhanded.

Laban repeatedly mistreated Jacob throughout his and Jacob’s twenty-year relationship.

Genesis 31:38-42 (NLT)
³⁸ “For twenty years I have been with you, caring for your flocks. In all that time your sheep and goats never miscarried. In all those years I never used a single ram of yours for food. ³⁹ If any were attacked and killed by wild animals, I never showed you the carcass and asked you to reduce the count of your flock. No, I took the loss myself! You made me pay for every stolen animal, whether it was taken in broad daylight or in the dark of night.
⁴⁰ “I worked for you through the scorching heat of the day and through cold and sleepless nights. ⁴¹ Yes, for twenty years I slaved in your house! I worked for fourteen years earning your two daughters, and then six more years for your flock. And you changed my wages ten times! ⁴² In fact, if the God of my father had not been on my side—the God of Abraham and the fearsome God of Isaac—you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen your abuse and my hard work. 

• God can use anyone to carry out His plans.

 ³⁰ He had seen the nose-ring and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists,

Laban was impressed by the gold jewelry given to his sister on behalf of Isaac.

and had heard Rebekah tell what the man had said. So he rushed out to the spring, where the man was still standing beside his camels. 

 Why do you think Laban rushed out to meet Abraham’s servant?

 ³¹ Laban said to him, “Come and stay with us, 

• The sight of all of the gifts on the ten camels may have generated the warm welcome from Laban. (This is only an opinion.)

 you who are blessed by the Lord!

 This comment was made shortly after meeting Abraham’s servant.

Why did Laban make this comment?

More importantly, why would you make this comment about someone?

Proverbs 16:3  (NLT)
³ Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed.

Behavior matters

Proverbs 20:11 (NLT)
¹¹ Even children are known by the way they act,
whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right. 

• We are known by the way we act, whether our conduct is pure, and whether it is right.

Christians are called to be salt and light

Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT)
Teaching about Salt and Light
¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
¹⁴ “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Ephesians 4 (NLT)
¹ Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 

 ² Always be humble and gentle.

 Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 

 ³ Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

 ¹⁵ … speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

 ²³ … let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. ²⁴ Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

 ²⁵ … stop telling lies.

 ²⁹ Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

 ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 

 ³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
⁹ So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
¹² Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

1 Peter 2:12 (NLT)
¹² Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors.

Proverbs 22:1 (NLT)
Choose a good reputation over great riches;
being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

Matthew 7:16-17 (NLT)
¹⁶ You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. 

• Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. 

• We are known by the way we act, whether our conduct is pure, and whether it is right. (repeated) 

Why are you standing here outside the town when I have a room all ready for you and a place prepared for the camels?”

 ³² So the man went home with Laban,

and Laban unloaded the camels,

gave him straw for their bedding, fed them, and provided water for the man and the camel drivers to wash their feet. ³³ Then food was served. But Abraham’s servant said, “I don’t want to eat until I have told you why I have come.”

Abraham’s servant wanted to get right down to business.

“All right,” Laban said, “tell us.”

³⁴ “I am Abraham’s servant,” he explained. ³⁵ “And the Lord has greatly blessed my master; he has become a wealthy man. The Lord has given him flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, a fortune in silver and gold, and many male and female servants and camels and donkeys.
³⁶ “When Sarah, my master’s wife, was very old, she gave birth to my master’s son,

 and my master has given him everything he owns. 

Told how God had blessed Abraham.

Verses 37-48 are a retelling of Genesis 24:9-26

Details matter!

³⁷ And my master made me take an oath. He said, ‘Do not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women. ³⁸ Go instead to my father’s house, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son.’
³⁹ “But I said to my master, ‘What if I can’t find a young woman who is willing to go back with me?’ ⁴⁰ He responded, ‘The Lord, in whose presence I have lived, will send his angel with you and will make your mission successful. Yes, you must find a wife for my son from among my relatives, from my father’s family. ⁴¹ Then you will have fulfilled your obligation. But if you go to my relatives and they refuse to let her go with you, you will be free from my oath.’
⁴² “So today when I came to the spring, I prayed this prayer: ‘O Lord, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success on this mission.⁴³ See, I am standing here beside this spring. This is my request. When a young woman comes to draw water, I will say to her, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.” ⁴⁴ If she says, “Yes, have a drink, and I will draw water for your camels, too,” let her be the one you have selected to be the wife of my master’s son.’
⁴⁵ “Before I had finished praying in my heart, I saw Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water. So I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’ ⁴⁶ She quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and said, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ So I drank, and then she watered the camels.
⁴⁷ “Then I asked, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She replied, ‘I am the daughter of Bethuel, and my grandparents are Nahor and Milcah.’ So I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her wrists.
⁴⁸ “Then I bowed low and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham, because he had led me straight to my master’s niece to be his son’s wife. 

 Told how God had blessed his mission.

A committed, faithful, and selfless servant.

• Details matter!

⁴⁹ So tell me—will you or won’t you show unfailing love and faithfulness to my master?

Did the servant recognize Laban’s character?

Please tell me yes or no, and then I’ll know what to do next.”

 Abraham’s servant stayed focused.

• Get on with the business at hand.

Matthew 5:37 (NLT)
³⁷ Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

• Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.