Sermon Tone Analysis

A Bride for Isaac

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Approximately how old is Abraham?

(Scripture does not tell us for sure, but we can approximate.

Look at for Sarah’s age at her death and 25:20 for Isaac’s age at his marriage.

Remember that Abraham is 10 years younger than Abraham and 24:65 tells us that Isaac is still grieving the loss of his mother).

137 - 140 years approx.

What 3 things are most important to Abraham in this passage?

That Isaac not marry a Canaanite woman.

That Isaac take a wife from Abraham’s family

That Isaac not leave Canaan to go back to the region of Ur

Why do you think Abraham did not want a wife from the land of Canaan?

Is this different from today?

Why or why not?

The Canaanites were idol worshipers.

They also had very erotic ways of worshiping.

Sexual intercourse with prostitutes was normal.

Abraham wanted a woman who would worship the God of Abraham.

These were also foreigners.

Even though Abraham had lived among them a long time, he wanted his son to marry of of “his” people.

This is not so uncommon today.

Looking at your above answer, what does this tell you about Abraham’s family back home?

We often imagine that Abraham came from an ungodly place.

It is true that there was idol worship in the land of Ur, but there is evidence that Abraham’s family were God-fearing people, though there is evidence later that they do not worship God alone.

However, Abraham must have been the deeper committed which is why God called him out from his home.

Perhaps God wanted to develop Abraham’s faith away from their less faithful ways.

Look at Lot’s relaxed nature when it came to God.

He believed in God, but he was not following God as Abraham was.

However, Abraham seemed to realize they were the lesser of the two evils when it came to a marriage for Isaac and God seems to honor that.

Why is Abraham so adamant that Isaac remain in Canaan?

Because this is the land God had called them to and the land that God had promised would be theirs.

What does Abraham’s strong opinions on this subject tell you about Abraham?

It is evidence of Abraham’s strong faith.

He does not doubt that God will fulfill all he has promised.

What does Abraham say to show his confidence that God is in this?

In verse 7, Abraham shares with his servant the promise God made and he goes so far as to promise the servant that God will lead him.

Read handout regarding oath.

See #1

In what circumstance will the servant be released from his oath?

Why is this significant?

If the woman does not wish to return with the servant, he will be released from the oath.

This is significant and respectful for a culture where the marriage arrangements are made for the woman.

Read 24:10-14

Identify Mari on the map of Genesis and the Travels of the Patriarchs.

This is the approximate area of the City of Nahor.

Read attached “Evidence for Serug, Nahor, and Terah.

#2

What is the servants attitude toward Abraham and his God?

He seems to have respect for both.

He is intent on doing the right thing for his master and seems confident in Abraham’s God.

How does he decide he will recognize the right choice?

(verse 14.

With first glance this does not seem like much of a challenge.

In class we will see why this is more challenging than one would think).

Read attachment #3

Read

The servant has traveled some miles.

It would have taken 4-6 weeks to make the journey.

What time of day is it when the servant arrives?

What does he do?

Evening.

He has his camels kneel and wait.

What is he intent upon when he arrives?

How is this different from what you or I would do when first arriving in a town for business?

Why do you think he is so focused on his quest?

He is focused on accomplishing the task his master sent him to do.

After such a long trip, you would expect him to be focused on finding lodging, a meal and a good nights sleep before taking on the business required.

However, he seems unable to relax until he finds the reason for which he has come.

It is possible that he was really worried and concerned about making the right choice and succeeding in his mission.

Abraham was a very successful man and he may have been concerned of failure.

Do you ever feel that same concern?

Read verses 19-20.

Considering what you now know about camels, how significant was her task?

Share your thoughts.

What may be an equivalent challenge today?

Consider: one camel, approx 100 trips to well.

It says she watered all 10 of his camels util they were finished!

:-)

Consider Rebekah’s response and actions.

What do you learn about her in this?

She is compassionate, humble, generous, and a hard worker.

What else does the passage reveal about her?

Verse 16 tells us she was beautiful and a virgin who had no relationships with men before.

Essentially the request was a fleece that the servant asked for.

Did the servant rely on that answer alone?

No, he took it one step further.

See next question.

Look at verse 21.

Discuss what you think transpired in that silence.

How and what can we learn from this for today?

The fleece appeared answered and yet the servant did not stop there.

He waited and watched in silence giving time for God to reveal His answer.

After doing both of these, he seems confident that God is in this as we see him give the jewelry to Rebekah, but the final confirmation was when he asked who she was and found her to be the very family he was looking for.. Fleeces are not the best way to determine God’s will.

If they are used, they should be accompanied by prayer, waiting and watching for further evidence that God is in the answer.

Notice the servants response in verse 26.

Where did he learn to do this?

There are a couple possible reasons for his sudden response of worship.

First, Abraham was a good example of instant worship to God for all that He does.

Second, it could also show how worried and distressed the servant was about being successful.

However, now he sees an end to his worry.

It is evident that God is in the situation and he is extremely grateful.

Rebekah was the very first girl that the servant asked.