Genesis 26 contains a couple of key elements about Isaac's life. Gen 26:1 describes a famine that was oppressive inthe land. God appeared to Isaac and told him not to go to Egypt, but to dwell where God had placed him (Gen 26:2). Gen 26:3-6, is an affirmation of the covenant promise God had made to Abraham.
Isaac learned a lot from his father...even how best to introduce his wife (Gen 26:7-11). It is interesting to see just how much a child learns from example.
God blessed Isaac with great wealth and prosperity. So much so, that Abimelech, king of the Philistines asked Isaac to "move on", since his size and wealth had made him a threat (Gen 26:12-17). In Gen 26:23-25 we see another affirmation of the covenant. Some time had passed (Gen 26:8), so it seems reasonable that God reaffirm for Isaac what was in store.
To all who knew him, it was obvious that God's blessings were on Isaac. Abimelech even came to him to form a covenant of peace (Gen 26:28-31). All seems to be going well, except Esau decides to marry two wives from the Hittites and it caused Isaac and Rebekah great trouble (Gen 26:34-35).
In God's first affirmation of covenant with Isaac, He noted that the reason He would bring the covenant about was because of Abraham's faithfulness to Him (Gen 26:5). All of the promises of God are available to us, but God expects us to choose to be faithful to Him and His calling for our lives.
Proverbs 17:24 is the takeaway. A man of understanding can see the solutions that are right before him, but a fool looks into the distance. Sometimes it amazes me that people have such deep questions about things like relationships, finances, parenting, and the will of God. They seem to be searching for a new revelation and cast their eyes to the "ends of the earth." I usually just point them back to the Bible since Wisdom is in their midst. God is not far off. He is not laying out new and improved approaches. His instruction is just as relevant today as it was when given, because God is just as relevant as He was long ago.
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2 comments:
God is faithful....
Question: I know you may not know but what are your thoughts on how God spoke to Isaac?
I also thought it was interesting what and how children learn from those in authority positions. I wonder what Abimelech thought of both Abraham and Isaac lying about their wives being sisters. God blessed even though he lied... I wonder if this lying hurt the testimony of both Abraham and Isaac. Aimelech knew that Isaac and Abraham where blessed of God. It kind of reminds me of when I might lie to someone who my be watching my walk. Do ou think it effected Abimelech's relationship with God?
To get in the minds of the men of the bible, whoa!
Amanda, good questions. You are right, I don't know. The best we can do is speculate...and your speculation is as good as mine. Check the final comments I made on today's blog (27th) and see if that perspective gives any insight. Probably not...but maybe God will use it.
Thanks for the post.
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