Today we will read chapters 21-24 of Genesis.Chapter 21-24 describes the birth and childhood of Issac. Issac was Abraham’s long anticipated son. His birth was a miracle, it’s the fulfillment of God’s promise to his father – his descendants will be like the stars in the sky and dust on the earth.
But before the marriage of Issac, God gave Abraham a difficult test: offer Issac as a burnt offering to God. It’s not a sudden test. Scripture says “Now it came about after these things (Gen 22:1)”. That is, after the many tests from Chapter 12 – 21, Abraham’s faith grew greatly. After many years of walking with God, Abraham’s faith reached its peak. He submitted completely to God, and learnt another lesson from God’s faithfulness, “Jehovahjireh”. That is, “The Lord Will Provide”. He prepared a ram caught in the thicket in place of Issac for the sacrifice.
The submission of the father influenced the son deeply. Issac was also a great example of submission. When his father bound him to prepare for the sacrifice, he obeyed his father. When his father said he couldn’t marry a Canaanite girl, he obeyed again. It’s sad that his mother didn’t see that day when he married his wife.
Chapter 21: birth of Issac
Chapter 22: offering of Issac to God
Chapter 23: Burial of Sarah
Chapter 24: A Bride for Issac