v.1-21
1. Overview: Almost 3 equal parts regarding Isaac, the incident of driving out, and Ishmael
v.1-7 the birth of Isaac
v.8-13 Sarah demanded to drive out Ishmael
v.14-21 God saved Ishmael and was with him as he grew
Summary: Although it was clear that Isaac was the promised son, and the plan did not include Ishmael, but God also taken care of Ishmael.
2. R.W.
v. 2 Sarah bore Abraham a son in his old age, v.5 Abraham was 100 years old when his son Isaac was born to him, v.7 Yet I have given birth to a son for him in his old age
v.6 God has made me laugh, Everyone who hears about this will laugh with me
v.3 Abraham named his son...Isaac; Abraham circumcised him just as God had commanded him to do
Summary: On one hand, it is obvious that Isaac's birth was a miracle. The impossible became possible only by the work of God. On the other hand, Abraham obeyed God in naming his son, Isaac and circumcised him according to God's covenant with Him. (NET-With the birth of the promised child, Abraham obeyed the LORD by both naming (Gen 17:19) and circumcising Isaac (17:12).)
3. Reflection: Obviously God is the One who see covenant as very important and He keeps His Words. Therefore, it is important for believers to obey. However, God is also a kind and gracious God. People do not have a covenant with Him was not just a "mistake" or a "tool" to him. How shall I treat other people who may not are not Christians, e.g. the medical staffs who helps me in treatment, a bystander, etc?
v.22-34
1. Repeat Word
Swear an oath/ Beer Sheba v.23, 24, 31, 32, 33; made a treaty v.27,32
Abimelech wanted Abraham to swear that he would not deceive them and show loyalty to them. Abraham would agree to swear but not before their dispute was resolved first v.24-25. According to Abraham, the well was dug by him v.30, but later on, Abimelech's servants seized it v.25. Now, Abraham paid Abimelech 7 ewe lambs as legal proof that the well was dug by him. Then they made a treaty at the place called well of an oath, Beer Sheba.
2. Why a well was so important?
NET It would be useless to make a treaty to live in this territory if he had no rights to the water. Abraham consented to the treaty, but added his rider to it.
3. Summary and reflection: The treaty idea was initial by Abimelech. He did not want Abraham to deceive him, but he was the one who seized the well from Abraham (although he might not know what his servant had done). When the 2 parties went into a covenant, Abraham did not chose to keep silent. Instead, he put out the dispute and resolved it by paying the legal fee to settle it. Perhaps, knowing that as a foreigner, that was unavoidable to accept some disadvantage. But when the opportunity rise, we need to put that right, especially if we go into a covenantal relationship with others.
In my covenant with God, we do have dispute between us. I was His enemy, but He resolved our issue by offering me His Son, Jesus Christ as the sacrifice to cover my sins. To go into this covenant, He paid all the price for me. How can I not love my God?!
Questions
1. Sarah bore a son when Abraham was 100 y.o.
2. I'm promised to be saved, to have eternal life, and will be rapture when Jesus comes again. The Bible tells me.
3. She probably felt rejected, even Abraham could not be trusted any more. God promised to make Ishmael a great nation.
4. ??
5. Maybe both??
6. Eternity
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