Walk 10 – Read Genesis Chapters 25 and 26. The Theme is: The death of Abraham; the account of Ishmael; the account of Isaac; a snapshot of Isaac’s walk of faith.
Full of Years
Abraham lived to be 175, “died at a good old age, an old man and full of years.” Is not our heart cry to walk a life of faith before God all our lives? Ishmael and Isaac buried Abraham with Sarah in the cave of Machpelah that Abraham had acquired from Ephron the Hittite.
12 Tribes Established
A generation before Jacob, Ishmael was blessed as God had said and established 12 tribes in the land bordering Egypt. The scripture says they lived in hostility toward their brothers. We shall see the Ishmaelites play a role in the life of Joseph.
Isaac is Established
There are a few things to note in this account that are important to our personal walk of faith. Rebecca waited 20 years for Esau and Jacob to be born. Sometimes it is necessary to be patient for God to fulfill His promises. Remember, sometimes we are unaware of all the events. God was waiting for Leah and Rachel to develop the 12 tribes of the future Israel.
When Rebecca inquired of God, He revealed to her his plan and purpose. God will show you His plan and purpose for your life.
The Birthright
Rebecca had been told by God, “the older will serve the younger.” This word began to come true as Jacob (the one who grasps the heel, or he who deceives) insisted that Esau give him his birthright in exchange for some red lintel stew. Thus Esau despised his birthright. We will watch the development of Jacob, the deceiver, into the man, Israel, he who contends with man and God and prevails.
Isaac is Blessed
Isaac was afraid when the Philistines asked about his wife rather than his general welfare; so he declared her to be his sister, as his father had done. God protected her and blessed Isaac with good crops and increased flocks and herds. He was sent away from Gerar by Abimelech, the king of the Philistines, but God continued to prosper him.
Contention over Wells
Remember that Isaac was 60 years old when Esau and Jacob were born. The events accounted here of going down to Gerar and living among the Philistines occurred over the next 40 years. God specifically instructed Isaac not to go into Egypt. It was not time for that part of the drama to unfold. During these years Isaac’s servants re-dub the wells that had been established by Abraham. As each well was unstopped; the Philistines insisted that the wells belonged to them; even though they had been the ones to fill them with earth. Finally, Abimelech visited Isaac with his personal counselor and the commander of his army. They made a treaty of peace with Isaac because his wealth and authority had made them afraid. After the feast celebrating the treaty was finished; Isaac’s servants reported that they had discovered yet another well; now it was not contested.