INTRODUCTION

In our last study we started to examine some notable patriarchs and fathers of our faith in the book of Genesis. Having considered Noah and Abraham, we will today consider the theme of the Abrahamic covenant and the child and grandchild of Abraham – Isaac and Jacob respectively. May the Holy Spirit guide us as we study in Jesus name.

1.      GOD’S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM

Gen. 15: 4-18; Gen. 17: 4-19; Gal. 3:18; 22:18; Ps. 105:42; 2 Kings 13:23; Heb. 6:15.

2.      Isaac

Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah. His name means laughter. His birth was seen as the fulfilment of the promise made to Abraham, according to which Abraham would be the father of a great nation. Isaac can thus be seen as a confirmation of God’s faith fullness. Although Isaac was especially dear to Abrahamic being the child of promise born at his very old age, Abraham was prepared to offer his son to God as a sacrifice if this was required of him. This act of obedience and trust can be seen as anticipating and expressing God’s willingness to offer His own dearly loved Son in order to bring about the redemption of sinful humanity. Isaac like his father Abraham was a prayerful worshipper and a man of faith. He was submissive, meditative, affectionate and peaceable. Through his marriage to Rebecca, Isaac had two sons, Esau and Jacob. Isaac like Abraham is a model of Christian faith and trust in God. He however also imitated his father’s sin.

Gen. 17: 19-21; Gen. 21:12; Gen. 26:24; Rom. 9: 7-8; Gal. 4:28; Gen. 22: 6-9; Gen. 24: 63-67; Gen. 26:7; Gen. 26: 20-22; Gen. 26:25; Heb. 11:20.

3.      Jacob

Jacob was the grandson of Abraham and one of the two twin sons of Isaac. His name means “he grasps the heel” an allusion to the circumstances of his birth. As the first born son of Isaac, Esau was entitled to inherit all of Isaac’s property. However, he sold this to his brother Jacob to satisfy his immediate physical hunger. Through subsequent deception, Jacob was able to gain Isaac’s blessing, and inherit all that was rightly Esau’s. Despite such major faults, scripture regards Jacob as further confirmation of God’s promises to Abraham, and a model of faith and obedience. It is interesting to note that he was chosen by God despite his personal faults and shortcomings to be the recipient of the promises made to Abraham.While fleeing to Haran, he encountered God at Bethel. He later suffered deceit in the household of his uncle, Laban which led him to marry two wives. He was however blessed with twelve sons and accumulated wealth in Laban’s household. Like every man he had many low moments in life including the rape o his daughter, separation with his favourite son, Joseph and the defilement of his bed by his first son, Reuben. His high moment includes his encounter with God while returning to Canaan that led to his change of name.

Gen. 25: 21-34; Gen. 27:36; Gen. 28: 10-15; Gen. 27: 41-45; Gen. 28: 10-22; Gen. 29: 16-30; 32: 24-30; 34: 5-31; 37: 3-35; 46: 29-30