Primary Bible Passages: Genesis 24 and Genesis 26

Key Verse: Genesis 24:4

Memory Verse: Genesis 17:19

Preparatory Daily Bible Readings:

• Monday: Genesis 24; Genesis 26; Genesis 17:19
• Tuesday: Genesis 22:15-23:20; Genesis 49:29-33; Genesis 25:20; Exodus 3:6; I Kings 18:36; Matthew 22:32
• Wednesday: Romans 8:28; Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 37:23; John 10:10
• Thursday: Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7; Micah 5:2; Luke 1:70; Luke 1:27; Galatians 4:4; Matthew 1:21
• Friday: Romans 8:16-18; 30; 32; John 17:22; Ephesians 1:3-4; 23; John 14:1-3; Philippians 2:8-11; Revelation 19:8; I Thessalonians 4:13-17
• Saturday: John 16:7-15; I John 4:4; I Corinthians 6:14-18; John 15:4-7
• Sunday: Mark 16:15; I Peter 1:3-9; Psalm 84:5-7

I. THE LIFE OF ISAAC.

A. From his birth and weaning to his marriage at 40, (Genesis 25:20) the singular event of Isaac’s life addressed by scripture was his offering by Abraham in Genesis 22. During that time, several significant events impacting his life occurred. (Genesis 22:15-23:20)

1. Immediately after the offering on Mount Moriah, God renewed his promises and covenant to Abraham. (Genesis 22:15-18) Since these promises involved the offspring of Abraham for centuries to come, Isaac was the next person to be directly affected.

2. After the Moriah offering, Abraham returned to Beer-sheba in the Negev desert, which was the basic home area for Isaac for most of his life. (Genesis 22:19)

3. Of enormous significance to Isaac, Abraham heard from his brother, Nahor. Through one of his sons, Bethuel, Nahor had a grand daughter named Rebekah. (Genesis 22:20-23) Rebekah was to become Isaac’s beloved wife.

4. When Isaac was 37, his mother, Sarah, died. She had been 90 years old when Isaac was born. (Genesis 17:17) She died at the age of 127. (Genesis 23:1) Sarah is the only woman in scripture whose age at the time of her death is given. Isaac loved his mother dearly, and her death was a great source of loss and grief to him. (Genesis 24:67)

Though Abraham had long lived in the land of Canaan and had grown rich there, he owned no land there. Canaan was the land of promise to Abraham, and he had no intentions of leaving. This land had become his permanent home. Though Abraham moved about the land freely, perhaps paying rental for grazing rights and other uses, he needed permanent burial grounds, for his immediate use and to meet the future needs of his family, whom he knew would possess the land. He would not rent, nor presume upon, a grave. (It is noteworthy that the only purchase of real estate Abram ever made in Canaan was for a grave.) In a rather exacting and careful, legal procedure, Abraham purchased the field and cave of Machpelah near Mamre (Hebron). (Genesis 23) This became the family cemetery and has continued in use to the present. It is currently covered with a large and elaborate mosque and is regarded as a most sacred place by both the Jewish and Arabic worlds. Isaac was later buried there, as were Abraham, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah. (Genesis 49:29-33)

B. The event of Isaac’s life which is given the most elaborate coverage is his marriage to Rebekah. (Genesis 24)

1. Genesis 24 is the longest chapter in Genesis and one of the longest in the Bible. It is given wholly to the acquiring of a bride for Isaac and to their marriage.

2. It is interesting that this story begins with his father seeking a suitable bride for Isaac. Abraham called his steward and charged him, under a most solemn oath, to go back to Abraham’s homeland and people to take a wife for Isaac. (Genesis 24:1-4)

Isaac must have the right woman for a wife. They must be completely united in their faith in the one and only true God. Such should be the first concern of all who marry. (II Corinthians 6:14-18)

3. Abraham’s servant raised the possibility that the right woman would not be willing to come back with him from Mesopotamia to Canaan. (Genesis 24:5)

Abraham responded by pointing out the divine providence of God. (Genesis 24:6-7) God is still in control and is more than capable of arranging the way of those who submit themselves to His will. (Romans 8:28; Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 37:23)

The response of Abraham also points out another great truth. If the servant did as he was charged and the woman would not come, the servant would be clear of his responsibility. (Genesis 24:8) It is the servant’s business to obey, and his obedience discharges his responsibility.

4. The servant took the supplies necessary for his task and prayerfully went on his way. (Genesis 24:10-14) He was looking for many specific qualities in a bride for his master, qualities such as virtue, strength, industriousness, willingness, graciousness, a considerate attitude, sensitivity, and compassion. In general, he was searching for one with faith in God, good character, and initiative, the qualities all who search for a mate should consider. He asked God to bring her to him as he searched.

5. It is clear from the account of his arrival at the city of Nahor that the providence of God was in full control. Immediately Rebekah burst upon the scene and proved to be exactly the girl of his prayer. (Genesis 24:15-25) The servant bowed himself to God in praise and worship. (Genesis 24:26-27)

6. Rebekah ran to tell her family of this man who spoke of Abraham. Rebekah’s brother, Laban, went out to receive him with joy into the family home. (Genesis 24:29-32)

7. Normally, according to eastern custom, "strangers" such as this servant would eat and rest before discussing their mission. In this case, the excitement and expectations were so high that they bypassed the custom and went right to the purpose of the visit, which was a marriage proposal from Isaac to Rebekah. (Genesis 24:34-49)

8. In view of the circumstances surrounding this matter, everyone recognized and admitted the providence of God. The family agreed to the proposal pending Rebekah’s acceptance. She accepted. The servant fell on his face in thanksgiving and praise to God, and shortly they were on their way to Canaan. (Genesis 24:50-61)

9. Isaac was waiting when the camel caravan arrived. He and Rebekah met with great delight and were married, the beginning of much love and a strong marriage. (Genesis 24:62-67) This story is a great illustration of the fact that when people chose the right kind of mate, they can learn to love.

C. Isaac’s life is noted for the many wells which he dug. His name is associated with wells seven times.

1. When Rebekah arrived, Isaac was at the well Lahairoi which is in the Beer-sheba area. (Genesis 24:62) Genesis 24:63 indicates that it was Isaac’s custom to meditate there often, which says something of his habits and character. (Psalm 1:1-3)

Lahairoi means "well of a living (One) my Seer."

2. Isaac re-dug the wells which had been dug in the days of Abraham. The Philistines had stopped these wells. (Genesis 26:18)

3. As in the case of the good well called Esek, often the herdsmen of Gerar strove with him over the wells which he dug, (Genesis 26:19-21) yet he continued to dig wells, a clear demonstration that his eye was on the future.

4. Isaac continued to dig wells until finally, at Rehoboth, ("broad place") there was no strife.

5. It is noteworthy that a well differs from a cistern in that a well is running, or "living water." Isaac’s wells testify of the necessity of routine contact with God. Without Him, there is no life, nor abundance thereof. (John 10:10)

As God’s people travel through life, they should ever "dig wells" where fellow-travellers can access the help of God. As Isaac illustrates, often our best wells come amidst the greatest stresses and trials of life. Consider Psalm 84:5-7.

D. God considers Isaac to be one of His great servants.

1. In many places in the Bible, He refers to Himself as the God of Isaac. (Exodus 3:6; 15-16; I Kings 18:36; Matthew 22:32, etc.)

2. Isaac was faithful to God. (Genesis 26:3) In all of his life, he never went outside the land, and in this, he pictures the faithful believer abiding in the will of Christ. (John 15:4-7)

3. Isaac was very prosperous. (Genesis 26:12-14)

4. "The Lord appeared unto him" and renewed the covenant of Abraham to him. (Genesis 26:24-25)

II. THE MESSAGE OF ISAAC.

A. Few, if any, Bible passages equal the magnitude of symbolism and prophetic suggestions found in the life of Isaac. Some, not all, are listed here.

1. Isaac is a type of Christ.

a. He was promised long before his coming. (Genesis 15:4)

Throughout the scriptures, the coming of Christ was foretold. Consider Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:2, and Luke 1:70 to name just a few.

b. He appeared at the appointed time. (Genesis 21:2)

Christ came at exactly the right time. (Galatians 4:4)

c. He was miraculously born. (Romans 4:19)

The miracle of a virgin birth ushered in Christ. (Luke 1:27)

d. He was named by God. (Genesis 17:19)

God named His Messiah "Jesus." (Matthew 1:21)

e. Isaac was offered up in sacrifice by his father. (Genesis 22:1-14)

God "spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all." (Romans 8:32)

f.Isaac was willingly obedient unto death. (Genesis 22) Christ willingly offered Himself. (Philippians 2:8)

g. Isaac prepared a place while he awaited the arrival of his bride. (Genesis 24)

Christ has a place prepared as He awaits His bride. (John 14:1-3)

h. Though he was often on the lips of Abraham, Isaac was not seen after his sacrifice on Mount Moriah until His bride arrived.

After Christ’s work of redemption, he ascended back to heaven and will not be seen again until He comes for His bride. (I Thessalonians 4:13-17)

i. Isaac was the heir of "all things." (Genesis 25:5-6) Others received blessings and riches only as they related to Isaac.

Jesus is the exclusive heir of God and others receive blessings and riches from God only as they relate to Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2:9-11) All spiritual blessings are in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3). Riches with God are predicated upon relationship to Christ. (Romans 8:16-18)

2. Rebekah is a type of the believer in Christ, particularly those in His church.

a. She learned of the son through his messenger and her helper along the way.

Those who are saved learned of "the Son" through the work of the Holy Spirit, who revealed the Word. (John 16:7-15) The Holy Spirit is also the helper of believers. Jesus called Him "the Comforter." (John 16:7) In the Greek, the word is parakletos meaning "an intercessor, consoler, advocate, comforter." Consider I John 4:4.

b. Immediately upon her acceptance of the marriage proposal, the servant began to bestow upon her lavish jewelry and raiment. The bride of a prince must be provided with new clothing by the father of the prince.

Similarly, the one who is to be the bride of Christ can no longer be dressed in the "filthy rags" of his own "righteousness," (Isaiah 64:6) but must be "arrayed in fine linen, clean and white." (Revelation 19:8)

c. Rebekah immediately left all to go to Isaac, the son, and loved him before she ever saw him.

Believers have not yet seen Christ, yet they have left all for Him and love Him. (I Peter 1:8)

d. Rebekah was secured and guided through the wilderness to meet Isaac.

Believers are secured and kept by the power of God through His Holy Spirit. (I Peter 1:3-9)

e. Rebekah’s marriage to Isaac was planned long before she knew of it.

Believers and their glory in Christ Jesus was foreordained before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:3-4)

f. Rebekah was necessary to the completion of the purpose of the plan of God in Abraham (the father) and Isaac (his son).

Believers are necessary to the eternal purposes of God in Christ. (Ephesians 1:23)

g. Rebekah was to share in the glory of the son.

Believers will ultimately be glorified with Christ. (John 17:22; Romans 8:30)

h. Rebekah was loved by and destined to be united with the son.

Believers are the object of the love of Christ and will ultimately be eternally united with Him. (I Thessalonians 4:17)

3. In one sense, the servant is a type of the Holy Spirit. Throughout the story, his work is seen. He delivered the message, acted as the protector of Rebekah on her long journey, and finally delivered her as the bride adorned for her husband.

B. In another sense, the servant is a type of the soul winner.

1. Those who know the Son are to bring people to Him. Even as he delivered the message of his master to Rebekah, those who know Christ are to passionately deliver His gospel message to where they are sent by the Father, which is "into all the world" to "preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)

2. The account of the procuring of a bride for Isaac never gives the name of the servant. The attention of the story is centered on Isaac, Rebekah, and the father, Abraham. The servant made Isaac look as attractive as he possibly could to Rebekah and her family. He extolled his grandeur, fame, and riches. The message for soul winners is potent. As believers seek to win others to the Son, who is Christ, they should ever keep the focus on Him, not on themselves. The glories and riches of our Savior are without parallel. It is not difficult for anyone to praise and extol Him.

3. The prayer life, dedication, industry, and boldness of the servant speak much to soul winners. There is a work to be done, and it is the work of the Father. Soul winners should approach it with the same militancy, zeal, and passion with which the servant went about the procuring of a bride for Isaac.

4. It is striking that as the servant presented the truth of his master to Rebekah, she was forced to make a decision. "Wilt thou go with this man?" (Genesis 24:58) There was no "middle ground." It was either "Yes" or "No."

What a picture of the person who is presented with the gospel of Christ! Those who hear the gospel are presented with the greatest decision of their lives. Christ cannot be ignored. Hearers must decide to either accept Him or reject Him. It is either "Yes" or "No" and the difference in the decision is either eternal life or eternal damnation.

2. Entzminger, Louis, Studies in Genesis, Fort Worth: The Manny Co., 1946. pages 91-92.

3. Morris, Henry, The Genesis Record, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1976, page 400.

4. Strong, James, Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary, New York: Abingdon Press, 1958, reference 883.

5. Ibid., references 7344 and 7339.

6. Entzminger, page 100.

7. Strong, James, Dictionary of the Greek New Testament, New York: Abingdon Press, 1958, reference 3875.

8. Morris, page 403.

Genesis 24 is a very long chapter of the Bible and it is wholly given to the acquiring of a bride for Isaac. Few, if any, Old Testament stories are as full of prophetic symbolism as is this one.

This story begins with the father (Abraham) seeking a suitable bride for his son, Isaac. Christians immediately recognize the spiritual parallel of the heavenly Father seeking a bride for His Son, Jesus Christ. Isaac was to have the right wife, one with whom he could be fully united in faith in the true God. Every marriage should have this basis. Actually, this story of the search for a bride is a manual on courtship, adherence to which principles would keep many a person from marriage miseries.

Abraham called his servant and instructed him, under solemn oath, to go to Abraham’s kinsmen in Mesopotamia and find the right wife for Isaac. The servant raised the possibility that the girl would not come with him to Canaan. Abraham told the servant that it was his responsibility to obey and that obedience would discharge his duty. Believers should never forget that truth. We are to obey God; the result is His responsibility.

This story is a great study in and illustrative of the providence of God. Throughout the story it is clear that God is in control. Specific prayer requests by the servant were met, the meeting of Rebekah was perfectly arranged, she was obviously the right one, and the fact was obvious to everyone. Only God could have made everything work out as perfectly as it did. This story testifies to the mighty power of God to control all things. In every detail of life, He has the power to make things work for or against anyone at any or all times.

When the servant arrived at the city of Nahor, Rebekah was the first one he met. He quickly recognized her to be the right one and proceeded to meet her family. Such a sense of urgency prevailed at this meeting that eastern protocol was by-passed, and the marriage proposal from cousin Isaac was made and accepted. In a brief period of time, Rebekah was on her way with the servant to meet Isaac, who was meditating in a field when she arrived with the camel train. They were married and fell deeply in love for life. What a testimonial the marriage relationship of Isaac and Rebekah is! Those who select the right type of person to be a mate can learn to love. True love is more than passion and romance; it is true commitment, caring, and fidelity. It is a permanent bonding of two lives.

The main occupational distinction of Isaac as a shepherd and herdsman was his well digging. Wherever he went in the land where he spent his entire life, he dug wells, which stood as testimonials to his eye on the future. Wells, unlike cisterns, flow with fresh (living) waters and speak of Christ as the water of life. Many of Isaac’s wells were dug in great adversity. Every believer should make it his business to dig spiritual wells in life, make contributions which will help others who will pass that way.

God blessed Isaac and made him very prosperous. He renewed the Abrahamic covenant to him.

Isaac is a type of Christ. Like Christ, he was promised long before his coming, appeared at the appointed time, was miraculously born, was named by God, was willingly offered up as a sacrifice, prepared a place while he waited for his bride, and was the heir of all things.

Rebekah is a type of the believer in Christ, particularly those in His church. The servant is, in one sense, a type of the Holy Spirit. Rebekah learned of Isaac from the servant even as believers learn of the Son from the Holy Spirit, who produced the written Word of God. As the servant protected and comforted Rebekah, likewise the Holy Spirit is the protector and Comforter of believers. Rebekah left all to go to Isaac and in so doing foreshadows those who leave all for Christ, whom they have not yet seen. As Rebekah’s marriage was planned long before she knew it, the marriage of Christ to His bride was planned before the world began; and as Rebekah was necessary to complete the purpose of the father in Isaac, likewise believers are necessary to complete the eternal purposes of God. As Rebekah was destined to be united with the son and share his glory and riches, even so believers are predestined to spend eternity with the Son and share His glory and riches.

In another sense, the servant is a type of the soul winner. As the servant knew the son and brought people to him, likewise those who know Christ are to bring people to Him. Isaac, not the servant, was constantly on the lips of the servant. His role was to magnify Isaac, not himself. How true this should be of soul winners! It is ours to magnify the Son, not ourselves. Like the servant of Genesis 26, soul winners are to go with prayer, competence, and passion.

As the servant presented the truth of his master and his proposal to Rebekah, she was forced to make a decision. She could not be neutral. So it is with those who hear the message of Jesus Christ. They must decide what they will do with Jesus. The decision they make makes an eternal difference. Those who accept Him by faith will spend eternity with God in heaven. Those who reject His offer will spend eternity in the lake of fire.

2. How was Isaac directly affected by God’s promise to Abraham?

3. Discuss the fact that it was necessary for Isaac’s wife to come from Mesopotamia.

4. Discuss the connection of Isaac’s love for his mother and his wife.

5. Discuss Machpelah.

6. What is the subject matter of Genesis 24?

7. How important is finding the "right" marriage partner?

8. What are some of the things which make a marriage partner "right?"

9. Explain why "love" was not a problem in selecting a mate "sight unseen," providing she was the "right" person.

10. How do God’s servants discharge their responsibilities?

11. Discuss the providence of God in the selection of Rebekah and relate to today.

12. What was Isaac’s chief occupation and his distinction in vocation?

13. Did adversity stop Isaac from digging wells?

14. Explain the spiritual significance of Isaac’s well digging.

15. Explain ways in which Isaac was a type of Christ.

16. Discuss Rebekah as a type of the bride of Christ.

17. Name ways by which Rebekah is a type of believers.

18. How was the servant of Genesis 24 a type of the Holy Spirit?

19. How was the servant of Genesis 24 a type of the soul winner?