Genesis Chapters 20-25

Chapter 20: (Ask for Summaries)

Major Events:

Abraham journeys to Gerar in the territory of the Philistines:

Abraham deceives Abimelech, God prevents the king from laying hands on her

Abimelech confronts Abraham, who rationalizes his deceit.

Abraham intercedes, and Abimelech’s household becomes fruitful.

Major Themes:

The tests that we often encounter after a “major faith moment.”

Sometimes we may be confused and stunned by what God has done, and it may be reflected in our actions.

That there are times when the people of the world behave more righteously than the people of God.

Our ability to rationalize our bad choices and mistakes.

God’s ability to bring blessing out of curses.

Chapter 21: (Ask for Summaries)

Major Events:

Birth of Isaac; Circumcision on the 8th day.

Falling out between Hagar and Sarah because of Children:

Abraham told to send them away.

God takes care of Hagar and Ishmael

Abimelech and Abraham establish a covenant after they note the growth of Abraham’s forces.

Major Themes:

God’s fulfillment of His promises:

Not only concerning Isaac, but in taking care of Ishmael

The lesser nature of men making covenants with men (see chapter 26)

People seeing the blessings of God and wanting to take part.

Chapter 22: (Ask for Summaries)

Major Events:

God’s command to Abraham and Abraham’s obedience:

The journey to Moriah and conversation with Isaac

Abraham’s sacrifice stopped by the Angel, the Ram provided

Major Themes:

Abraham’s faith and obedience

Isaac’s willingness to follow, Abraham’s confidence in the Lord’s provision

The parallels to Jesus:

3 day journey

Replaced sacrifice

Received back from the dead

Obedient son, etc

Chapter 23: (Ask for Summaries)

Major Events:

Sarah dies, aged 127 Years:

Abraham bargains with the sons of Heth for the cave of Machpelah

Major themes:

I will not pay nothing for something:

Setting down an anchor point in the land, although he was a wanderer

Chapter 24: (Ask for Summaries)

Major Events:

Abraham sends his sworn servant to find a wife for Isaac

The servant requests and receives God’s help.

Rebekah is sent back to marry Isaac.

Major Themes:

The dedication and faithfulness of the servant

The faithfulness of Abraham in obeying God’s commands

Desire for a spouse that will help you to share your vision

Preview of Laban’s attitude in chapters to come

Chapter 25: (Ask for Summaries)

Major Events:

Abraham takes another wife, Keturah, by whom he has 6 more children.

Settles his affairs, treats them fairly

Ishmael’s generations

Isaac and Rebekah discover they are having twins

Birth of Jacob and Esau

Jacob and Esau, first conflict:

Major Themes:

Continued fruitfulness of Abraham: Nation machine

Set up for trouble in Isaac’s house