Day 6 · Part 2: Abraham’s Family

Isaac · On the Mountain

Gen 20–23 · 96 verses

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In the Story

In context

Abraham moves south to Gerar and again says Sarah is his sister; this time God warns King Abimelech in a dream before he touches her (Genesis 20:1–7). Sarah, he explains, is his half-sister (Genesis 20:12). Then, “at the set time” God had spoken of, Sarah has a son at last, when Abraham is 100 (Genesis 21:2–5). Hagar and her son are sent away; when their water runs out in the wilderness, God shows her a well (Genesis 21:14–19). Abraham settles at Beersheba, which the WEB’s note says can mean “well of the oath” or “well of seven” (Genesis 21:31).

Genesis 22 is hard to read: God tests Abraham by telling him to offer Isaac as a burnt offering, and the angel of the Lord stops him at the last moment. The only other place the Bible names Moriah is where Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, “on Mount Moriah” (2 Chronicles 3:1). Hebrews says Abraham concluded “that God is able to raise up even from the dead” (Hebrews 11:17–19).

Sarah dies at 127, and Abraham, “a stranger and a foreigner” in the land, buys the cave of Machpelah near Hebron for 400 shekels of silver, about 8.8 pounds (Genesis 23:4, 15–20). It becomes the family’s grave: Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah and Jacob are buried there too (Genesis 25:9; 49:31; 50:13).

A word of hope

My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 · Abraham names the place “Yahweh Will Provide”; Paul tells the Philippians, “My God will supply every need of yours.”

For families

On the way up the mountain Isaac carried the wood, and Abraham the fire and the knife, and “they both went together.” Isaac said, “My father?” and Abraham answered, “Here I am, my son.” When Isaac asked where the lamb was, his father said, “God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:6–8).

Isaac and his father talked as they walked together. What do you like to talk about when you walk with someone in your family?

In the Bible

World English Bible, as published by eBible.org (public domain).

A hymn for today

Standing on the Promises · words by R. Kelso Carter

Organ and orchestra: an introduction, then each of the 5 verses. Tap a verse’s number to start there.

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,Through eternal ages let His praises ring;Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,Standing on the promises of God.
RefrainStanding, standing,Standing on the promises of God my Savior;Standing, standing,I'm standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,By the living Word of God I shall prevail,Standing on the promises of God.
RefrainStanding, standing,Standing on the promises of God my Savior;Standing, standing,I'm standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises I now can seePerfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,Standing on the promises of God.
RefrainStanding, standing,Standing on the promises of God my Savior;Standing, standing,I'm standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,Bound to Him eternally by love's strong cord,Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,Standing on the promises of God.
RefrainStanding, standing,Standing on the promises of God my Savior;Standing, standing,I'm standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,List'ning every moment to the Spirit's call,Resting in my Savior as my all in all,Standing on the promises of God.
RefrainStanding, standing,Standing on the promises of God my Savior;Standing, standing,I'm standing on the promises of God.