Untitled Sermon

Gen 18-22 Inductive

Obs1:

Is YHWH the three men or one of the three men?

“Far be it from you” - is this a description or a request/implore?

Lots two daughters are horribly objectified

God calls Abraham a prophet (20:7)

Laughter is a theme for Sarah

God kept promise of blessing through Isaac, showed respect and authority for Sarah’s wish, and was gracious and kept promise regarding Ishmael

Interesting that Abraham taught meaning of 7 ewe lamb covenant to Abimelech. Shows that it wasn’t a wide spread cultural norm, but specific to certain groups (maybe specific to Abraham’s people?)

The angel of the LORD as messenger to Abraham

Key terms and possible themes:

Abraham’s faith in God, obedience to his commands

Sarah’s laughter

Descendants, Isaac, Ishmael, Nahor, Lot’s daughters

Well of water at Beer-sheba, both in Hagar story and in Phicol story

Obs2 on just chapter 18:

Later chapters tell of 2 angels, so 3 men are probably YHWH and 2 angels

YHWH has physical body here, for foot washing and eating of bread

v.9-10: “They said...” “Then one said...” Abraham does not know which one is the Lord. When he greets them initially, he greets them as “My Lord”

v.11b: “It had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of a woman.” - What does this mean?

God gives Abraham authority and partnership when He decides to let him in on his plan for S&G, as a way of preparing him to have the responsibility of charging his descendants with the way of the LORD.

v.22: the two “men” (angels) separate from YHWH and head to S&G while YHWH stays with Abraham.

SQs:

How might Abraham be a resolution or mark of mercy to the Babel violations?

How does Abraham influence God in Gen 18? Can you apply this to your walk with God? Does God alter plans because of your prayers?

What is the significance of the births of Ammon and Moab? When you read the rest of the OT, watch for the appearances of the nations that come from these babies. Who do you know was a Moabite?

How do we gain a sense of the closeness of Abraham and Isaac in ch 22? Look for repetition. What is missing? What are you reactions to this difficult story?

See Hebrews 11:17-19 as an example of a NT author interpreting their Scriptures in the light of Jesus’ story. Comment on this explanation of Abraham's faith. Do you agree?

How does God provide for Hagar and Ishmael? What do you think of Sarah’s role?

RR on Hagar Commentary:

Hagar was a female slave acquired by Abram and Sarai in Egypt