Journal Through the Bible: Week 8 Wednesday

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Genesis 25:1-26:5

In this passage we learn more about Abraham's descendants, including the sons he had by his wife, Keturah, the woman he married after Sarah died.

One interesting note that I made in the margin of my Bible is that 25:18 tells us of the death of Ishmael. It says "and he died in the presence of all his brethren." I love that! Remember that the angel had told Hagar in 16:12 that her son "shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren" back during the time when she was carrying the aged Abraham's only child?

Does God make any promises in this passage?

• God promises Rebekah that she will have twins that will separate into two distinct nations.
• God renews the Abrahamic covenant with Isaac and tells him all the blessings that come with this covenant.

Are there any references to Jesus?

• The reason the elder son, Esau, will serve the younger, Jacob, is because the Messiah would come through the line of Jacob.
• God tells Isaac that through his seed shall all the nations be blessed. That seed is Jesus.

Are there any references to End Time or Eternal events?

• Isaac's descendants are still waiting to inherit all the land that God promised them.

Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• God commands Isaac not to take his family into Egypt during the time of a famine.