Day 20: Genesis 25-26

Today’s reading begins with Abraham taking another wife named Keturah. They have 6 children together. Abraham gives all that he has to Issac, the promised child, and he gives gifts to the sons of his concubines and sends them eastward, away from Isaac. Being sent eastward often represents distance from God’s presence and blessing. We saw this with Cain and in the story of the tower of Babel.

Abraham died peacefully and contentedly at the age of 175—note, not by sickness or disease, which is common today. 

Ishmael had 12 sons and died at 137 years old. 

Isaac had 2 sons. Isaac and his family are part of the covenant. God’s chosen family. Remember, he married at 40 years old, which is a reminder of God’s design of sexual purity. Culturally, we can assume that he was a virgin until marriage, as Rebekah was. Thus, a reminder of the command in the New Testament, as we see in 1 Corinthians 6. This theme comes up again in Hebrews 12:16, which makes reference to Esau at the end of Genesis 25.

This is a nugget for my single sisters. It’s always best to do it God’s way. I can attest to this as my husband and I were virgins when we married. I was 28, and he was 34. It’s still possible, so be encouraged!

Isaac intercedes for his wife, who is barren and dealing with infertility for 20 years. God answers his prayer, and Rebekah conceives twins. She doesn’t know it at the time, and asks God questions about her pregnancy because she can feel the babies struggling together within her. This is when God tells her about her children. He tells her she has two babies in her womb and what their future will be like. I wonder if this contributed to Rebekah's favoring Jacob later down the line. 

This is also a great reminder that God, before and after conception, can and will speak to us about the babies in our womb if we ask Him. When I was pregnant with my daughter, the Lord told me she was a girl long before we could get an ultrasound. People wondered how I could be so sure of what we were having, but I knew I had heard from the Lord. He will tell you other things, too. So don’t be afraid to ask and talk to him about your pregnancies.

Rebekah has twins, Jacob and Esau. Jacob is the father of Israel, and Esau is the father of Edom. We see Edom as an enemy to Israel in the book of Obadiah and other books as well. There’s a bit of family dysfunction and parental favoritism in this family. A reminder that we are human with a sin nature in desperate need of our Savior, Jesus. It’s also a reminder that God can and will use us even though we are imperfect. He just wants our hearts and devotion. He wants us to trust Him and commit to obedience to Him. So when you make a mistake, get back up and stay on the straight and narrow path!

In chapter 26, we see Isaac making the same mistakes as his father Abraham did. He was fearful and faithless, which led him to lie to Ablimelech about his wife. Just as Abraham did, except Isaac told a full on 100% lie. But we see God’s promise to Abraham was unconditional, despite Isaac’s shortcomings. He still blessed Isaa,c and His hand was on him to the extent that he became very wealthy. This made the Philistines jealous,s and they tried to sabotage him by filling his wells with dirt. We see later that Ablimelech goes to Isaac and asks to make a treaty with him because it’s evident that God is with him. 

May people around us draw closer to God because of us and the relationship we have with Him!

This is a grace-filled space—come as you are. If you’d like, comment below to share what stood out to you; your words may bless another sister. You can also connect with us in our GroupMe Bible Study chat (link in your email).

Resources Used:

ESV Single Column Journaling Bible (Original, Black): Holy Bible, English Standard Version

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda

The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible

Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/

Crayola Silly Scents Twistables Colored Pencils, 12 count

BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count

Mr. Pen- Sticky Index Tabs, 480 Pcs, Colorful Sticky Tabs for Notebooks

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Note: I'm sharing my personal study notes, which means they may contain doctrinal or technical errors. Extend grace as we learn together, and be sure to study the Word for yourself.

By: LaRissa J

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