> Introduction of Isaac (Gen 17)
> Abraham and the Three Men (Gen 18)
A new mystery is presented when three men suddenly show up in a grove not far from the entrance to Abraham's tent. Who they were exactly is unknown, as names are never mentioned, but many scholars agree that Abraham initially perceived them as being angels of the Lord. He offers to wash their feet and feed them, which these mysterious men gladly accepted; Abraham instructs Sarah to prepare the meal (18:6-7). After returning to his guests, the transcendental men asked about Sarah's whereabouts, to which Abraham replied, "Behold, in the tent." (18:9). When they informed the patriarch that Sarah would soon conceive a male child, Abraham was totally convinced the men were angels. This time Sarah overheard their conversation and laughed silently, and just like Abraham when the Creator told him the same news, the thought was amusing to Sarah [as she was now an old woman] (18:11-12). One of the spiritual men called her out and asked what was so funny (18:12-13). Sarah immediately denied laughing, for she was quite afraid, but the angel again adhered to her deception, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (18:14). It is not recorded how Sarah reacted to his comment, but it is duly noted she was reprimanded.
> Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 18-19)
A new tale begins with the same three mysterious men - who informed Sarah would conceive - walking towards the city of Sodom. Being a gracious host, Abraham joined the men and walked with them (18:16). When he discovered the Creator was unhappy with the wicked city and planned to destroy it, Abraham came to defense of those who were righteous (such as his nephew, Lot). After two of the 'angels' began their journey to the wicked city, Abraham found himself bargaining with the angel of the Lord that remained (18:23-32); it was finally agreed upon that if ten righteous people could be found in the city, the Lord would not destroy it (18:33). Satisfied, Abraham took his leave. The two mysterious men continued into the city and found Lot sitting at the gate, who also recognized them as angels of the Lord (19:1-2). He invited them into his home and was in the process of feeding them when a few of the inhabitants of city noticed the "strange men" who went into Lot's house. They demanded that Lot turn the quaint men over to them so they "would know them." (19:5). Lot instantly offered up his virgin daughters instead, but the rowdy and unholy men wanted the holy strangers. As soon as Lot was pulled inside by the angels, the sinful men tried to break the door down. The heavenly threesome held out their hands and blinded those who were trying to intrude (19:11). What happened next is unknown, but this episode of the story highlighted the wickedness of the city.
> Lot Fleeing From Sodom (Gen 19)
The saga of Lot and the angels continue and a new story develops. When Lot is told to gather his household and leave, he implored his future sons-in-laws to abide by his request. However, they refused, "his sons-in-law thought he was joking." (19:14). One of the angels then instructed Lot to take his wife and his virgin daughters and flee into the mountains. However, Lot requested instead to go to a small town that was much nearer to safety. The angel agreed, " I will not overthrow the town you speak of. But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.” (That is why the town was called Zoar.)" (19:21-22). Obeying their words, Lot gathered his wife and daughters and left; soon brimstone and fire began raining down upon the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (19:23-25). They were all instructed to exit the city quickly and not to look back, for God was going to destroy the city in their wake. Everyone obeyed the angel's demand except for Lot's wife, who did look back and was instantly "turned into a pillar of salt" (19:26). This bizarre twist to the tale has the theologians debating whether or not this occurrence actually happened even unto our present day. The story ends with Abraham looking down at the ruins that once was Sodom, "So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived." (19:29).
> Lot and His Two Daughters (Gen. 19)
Not long after the disastrous event of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot left the city of Zoar and fled to a cave with his daughters for fear of being seen by anyone who could have possibly survived the destruction of the cities. It's at this point in the story where it becomes quite taboo. It is recorded that the older daughter enticed her father with wine, got him drunk and lay with him in the most biblical sense (19:33). Upon waking the next day, the older sister told the younger sister what she had done and encouraged her sibling to do the same so that the seed of their father would be preserved for future generations. The younger daughter also made her father drunk and instigated sexual relations (19:35). Most biblical scholars contend that these two sisters feared the Creator had wiped out mankind again and wanted to make sure the human race survived. The elder conceived Moab (father of the Moabites) and the younger brought forth Benammi (father of the Ammonites). Unprecedentedly, further life events of Lot and his daughters fade from the scriptures. It is not recorded if Abraham and Lot ever crossed paths again.
> Abraham and Abimelech (Gen. 20)
This allegory is quite similar to the story of Abraham's deception in Egypt, where he told the pharaoh Sarah was his sister. Again, the patriarch portrays his wife as his sibling and Abimelech, king of Gerar, is smitten with her beauty and took her (20:2). But, before the king was able to consummate their union, God came to him in a dream and threatened to kill him if he touched Abraham's wife. Abimelech was fast to defend his ignorance of the situation that had been presented to him. The Creator found him to be a righteous king and gave him two options: 1) release Sarah back to Abraham; 2) or prepare to die. Of course, the king chose option one (1), and then questioned Abraham on his unfounded falsehood, to which the patriarch answered, "Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake." (20:11). The story takes a sudden, unexpected turn and we discover that Sarah is actually his half-sister (9:12) - they shared the same father (Terah) - and traveling through strange lands the prophet did not want to take a chance on being killed because he was her 'husband'. All ended well, albeit it turned out to be quite a future warning to the king of Grear. Abraham was gifted livestock, silver and servants and his choice of land, while Abimelech was rewarded with the opening of the women's wombs in his kingdom's household, allowing his wife and servants to bare children. (20:17-18). The holy book does not mention why the king's household was barren to begin with! A mystery within a mystery.
> Hagar and Ishmael (Gen 21)
Chapter 21 begins with the covenant between the Creator and Abraham being fulfilled with the birth of Isaac being announced. Other than the mention of Isaac being circumcised and weaned (which entailed a great feast) and Sarah inferring her joy, no other information is given on the birth of Isaac (21:1-7). On the same day of Isaac's weaning feast, Sarah noted that Abraham's son by Hagar mocked the proceedings, which incensed Sarah enough that she told Abraham, "Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac." (21:10). This turn of events was very distressing for Abraham, but God told him, "Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called." (21:12). So Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away. It's not recorded how long, but mother and child wandered in the wilderness (later to become known as Beersheba) for a time before their supply of water ran out. Hagar was beside herself, wondering how they would survive and she "cast the child under the shrubs" (21:15) and began crying, asking God how she could sit there and watch her son die. The Creator saw her dilemma and sent an angel to soothe her fears, reiterating that Ishmael was destined to become a great nation, as the Lord had promised Abraham. A well of water appeared next to her and Hagar filled her bottle, knowing the Creator would take care of them. This story ends by relating that Ishmael grew up to be a mighty archer who lived in the wilderness of Paran and obtained an Egyptian wife (21:20-21).
> Story of Abraham and Abimelech Continues (Gen 21)
This continuing saga begins a new chapter with Abimelech stating to Abraham, "Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned." (21:23) Apparently some kind of mishap occurred with a water well Abraham had dug, in which the king's men had destroyed. The king of Gerar pleaded his innocence, stating he had no idea this had happened (21:26). Abraham believed him and made a covenant with him that same day, giving him oxen, sheep and setting aside seven ewe lambs. When the king asked the patriarch why he set the lambs aside, Abraham proclaimed, "For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have dug this well." (21:30). Abraham called the place Beersheba, which was a part of Philistine land. Soon afterward, Abimelech - who dwelt among the Philistines - left satisfied with the covenant between him and God's prophet.
> Abraham and Isaac (Gen. 22)
The next tale that emerges leaves one a bit befuddled in the beginning when the Creator tempts Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, according to the specifications God delivered. How Abraham reacted to this request is not recorded, but the patriarch obeyed the command and began the journey to Mt. Moriah with his son and two young men from his tribe, as he had been instructed (22:3). Directing the two young men of his household to remain behind and watch after the donkey, Abraham and Isaac ventured further up the mountain. Abraham's young son did not question his father's motives until he realized there was no animal to present to their God for a sacrifice. When Isaac inquired about this, his father answered, "My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:" (22:8). Any child would find this accepting, but how Isaac felt when Abraham bound him, put him on the altar and raised a knife above him [intending to slay him] is not recorded either. Some scholars would say the lesson in fearing God was instilled in Isaac that day, too. Regardless, a happy ending occurred when the angel of the Lord stopped him, saying, "Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me." (22:12). Some theologians of religion believe this is indicative of the relationship between the Creator and Jesus. The end of the story provides "a ram caught in a thicket by his horns" (22:13) for Abraham to sacrifice before God, whom was well pleased with his faithful prophet. This suspenseful story ends when the angel once more reminded Abraham that his seed would be as numerous as "the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore." (22:17).
> Death of Sarah (Gen. 23)
In this chapter of the Abraham's saga we learn about the death of Sarah at the age of 127. The matriarch of the household was living at Kirjatharba - in the land of Canaan - at the time of her death. Abraham was a stranger in the land during this time, but came among the sons of Heth and asked for a burial spot to inter his wife (23:3-4). He must have been extremely well known throughout the land of Canaan by this time because Abraham was invited to choose any burial ground he so desired. The prophet chose "the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan." (23:9) which was owned by Ephron the Hittite, son of Zohar. He paid four hundred shekels of silver to secure "possession of a burying place by the sons of Heth." (23:20).
> Put and Rebekkah (Gen. 24)
Not long after Sarah's death, Abraham asked his trusted manservant, Put, to travel to the land of his father's kin and find a suitable wife for his son, Isaac (24:4). Abraham specifically requested that he not find a wife among the Canaanites. Feeling both honored and weary, Put questioned Abraham, "And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again." (24:8). Abraham basically agreed if he did not find the proper wife it would be God's will and he would not be required to return to the land of his master's kinfolk. Put left his master's house and traveled to the city of Nahor (so named for Abraham's brother) in the land of Mesopotamia. There he stopped near the well and asked the Creator for guidance on whom to choose. "And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master." (24:14). Rebekkah was the damsel that gave him and his camels water to drink (24:15-19). After making an audience with Rebekkah's father (Bethuel) and explaining he had come to find a suitable wife for his master Isaac, Bethuel eventually agreed to the union [much to the dismay of Bethuel's wife and son, Laban] and sent his daughter off to marry Abraham's son (24:54-58). It is recorded, "And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death." (24:67)
> Abraham, Keturah and the Patriarch's Death (Gen. 25)
This is a brief and somewhat odd story that crops up in scripture. The Bible mentions that Abraham married a woman named Keturah after the death of Sarah (25:1). The holy book lists the names of their five children: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. However, a brief genealogy is given that lists only the descendants of Jokshan and Midian. It was made known that Isaac was to be the receiver of all his father's household and wealth in this short story, not the sons of Keturah. "But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country." (25:6) Why Abraham sent his own children away remains a mystery, but it is stated that he soon after "gave up the ghost and died in a good old age..." (25:8).
> Ishmael and Isaac (Gen. 25)
The sudden announcement of Abraham's death strangely coincides with the sudden arrival of Isaac's older brother (Ishmael) being mentioned in scripture again. It is recorded, "And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre; The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife." (25:9-10) Nothing else is documented about Ishmael's sudden appearance other than the Bible listing the names of his twelve sons: Nebajoth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These sons of Ishmael became mighty nations and cities were named for them. The story ends with Ishmael dying at 137 years and being among his own brethren at the time. (25:17-18).
> Abraham and Abimelech (Gen. 20)
This allegory is quite similar to the story of Abraham's deception in Egypt, where he told the pharaoh Sarah was his sister. Again, the patriarch portrays his wife as his sibling and Abimelech, king of Gerar, is smitten with her beauty and took her (20:2). But, before the king was able to consummate their union, God came to him in a dream and threatened to kill him if he touched Abraham's wife. Abimelech was fast to defend his ignorance of the situation that had been presented to him. The Creator found him to be a righteous king and gave him two options: 1) release Sarah back to Abraham; 2) or prepare to die. Of course, the king chose option one (1), and then questioned Abraham on his unfounded falsehood, to which the patriarch answered, "Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake." (20:11). The story takes a sudden, unexpected turn and we discover that Sarah is actually his half-sister (9:12) - they shared the same father (Terah) - and traveling through strange lands the prophet did not want to take a chance on being killed because he was her 'husband'. All ended well, albeit it turned out to be quite a future warning to the king of Grear. Abraham was gifted livestock, silver and servants and his choice of land, while Abimelech was rewarded with the opening of the women's wombs in his kingdom's household, allowing his wife and servants to bare children. (20:17-18). The holy book does not mention why the king's household was barren to begin with! A mystery within a mystery.
> Hagar and Ishmael (Gen 21)
Chapter 21 begins with the covenant between the Creator and Abraham being fulfilled with the birth of Isaac being announced. Other than the mention of Isaac being circumcised and weaned (which entailed a great feast) and Sarah inferring her joy, no other information is given on the birth of Isaac (21:1-7). On the same day of Isaac's weaning feast, Sarah noted that Abraham's son by Hagar mocked the proceedings, which incensed Sarah enough that she told Abraham, "Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac." (21:10). This turn of events was very distressing for Abraham, but God told him, "Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called." (21:12). So Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away. It's not recorded how long, but mother and child wandered in the wilderness (later to become known as Beersheba) for a time before their supply of water ran out. Hagar was beside herself, wondering how they would survive and she "cast the child under the shrubs" (21:15) and began crying, asking God how she could sit there and watch her son die. The Creator saw her dilemma and sent an angel to soothe her fears, reiterating that Ishmael was destined to become a great nation, as the Lord had promised Abraham. A well of water appeared next to her and Hagar filled her bottle, knowing the Creator would take care of them. This story ends by relating that Ishmael grew up to be a mighty archer who lived in the wilderness of Paran and obtained an Egyptian wife (21:20-21).
> Story of Abraham and Abimelech Continues (Gen 21)
This continuing saga begins a new chapter with Abimelech stating to Abraham, "Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned." (21:23) Apparently some kind of mishap occurred with a water well Abraham had dug, in which the king's men had destroyed. The king of Gerar pleaded his innocence, stating he had no idea this had happened (21:26). Abraham believed him and made a covenant with him that same day, giving him oxen, sheep and setting aside seven ewe lambs. When the king asked the patriarch why he set the lambs aside, Abraham proclaimed, "For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have dug this well." (21:30). Abraham called the place Beersheba, which was a part of Philistine land. Soon afterward, Abimelech - who dwelt among the Philistines - left satisfied with the covenant between him and God's prophet.
> Abraham and Isaac (Gen. 22)
The next tale that emerges leaves one a bit befuddled in the beginning when the Creator tempts Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, according to the specifications God delivered. How Abraham reacted to this request is not recorded, but the patriarch obeyed the command and began the journey to Mt. Moriah with his son and two young men from his tribe, as he had been instructed (22:3). Directing the two young men of his household to remain behind and watch after the donkey, Abraham and Isaac ventured further up the mountain. Abraham's young son did not question his father's motives until he realized there was no animal to present to their God for a sacrifice. When Isaac inquired about this, his father answered, "My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:" (22:8). Any child would find this accepting, but how Isaac felt when Abraham bound him, put him on the altar and raised a knife above him [intending to slay him] is not recorded either. Some scholars would say the lesson in fearing God was instilled in Isaac that day, too. Regardless, a happy ending occurred when the angel of the Lord stopped him, saying, "Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me." (22:12). Some theologians of religion believe this is indicative of the relationship between the Creator and Jesus. The end of the story provides "a ram caught in a thicket by his horns" (22:13) for Abraham to sacrifice before God, whom was well pleased with his faithful prophet. This suspenseful story ends when the angel once more reminded Abraham that his seed would be as numerous as "the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore." (22:17).
> Death of Sarah (Gen. 23)
In this chapter of the Abraham's saga we learn about the death of Sarah at the age of 127. The matriarch of the household was living at Kirjatharba - in the land of Canaan - at the time of her death. Abraham was a stranger in the land during this time, but came among the sons of Heth and asked for a burial spot to inter his wife (23:3-4). He must have been extremely well known throughout the land of Canaan by this time because Abraham was invited to choose any burial ground he so desired. The prophet chose "the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan." (23:9) which was owned by Ephron the Hittite, son of Zohar. He paid four hundred shekels of silver to secure "possession of a burying place by the sons of Heth." (23:20).
> Put and Rebekkah (Gen. 24)
Not long after Sarah's death, Abraham asked his trusted manservant, Put, to travel to the land of his father's kin and find a suitable wife for his son, Isaac (24:4). Abraham specifically requested that he not find a wife among the Canaanites. Feeling both honored and weary, Put questioned Abraham, "And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again." (24:8). Abraham basically agreed if he did not find the proper wife it would be God's will and he would not be required to return to the land of his master's kinfolk. Put left his master's house and traveled to the city of Nahor (so named for Abraham's brother) in the land of Mesopotamia. There he stopped near the well and asked the Creator for guidance on whom to choose. "And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master." (24:14). Rebekkah was the damsel that gave him and his camels water to drink (24:15-19). After making an audience with Rebekkah's father (Bethuel) and explaining he had come to find a suitable wife for his master Isaac, Bethuel eventually agreed to the union [much to the dismay of Bethuel's wife and son, Laban] and sent his daughter off to marry Abraham's son (24:54-58). It is recorded, "And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death." (24:67)
> Abraham, Keturah and the Patriarch's Death (Gen. 25)
This is a brief and somewhat odd story that crops up in scripture. The Bible mentions that Abraham married a woman named Keturah after the death of Sarah (25:1). The holy book lists the names of their five children: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. However, a brief genealogy is given that lists only the descendants of Jokshan and Midian. It was made known that Isaac was to be the receiver of all his father's household and wealth in this short story, not the sons of Keturah. "But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country." (25:6) Why Abraham sent his own children away remains a mystery, but it is stated that he soon after "gave up the ghost and died in a good old age..." (25:8).
> Ishmael and Isaac (Gen. 25)
The sudden announcement of Abraham's death strangely coincides with the sudden arrival of Isaac's older brother (Ishmael) being mentioned in scripture again. It is recorded, "And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre; The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife." (25:9-10) Nothing else is documented about Ishmael's sudden appearance other than the Bible listing the names of his twelve sons: Nebajoth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These sons of Ishmael became mighty nations and cities were named for them. The story ends with Ishmael dying at 137 years and being among his own brethren at the time. (25:17-18).
> Jacob, Esau and the Birthright (Gen 25)
The Bible records that after the death of Ishmael, Isaac called upon the Lord on behalf of his barren wife, Rebekkah, to conceive a child. The Creator heard his plea and granted his wish by giving him twin sons - Esau and Jacob. Even from the womb these brothers struggled inside their mother (25:22). When Rebekkah questioned the Lord about doing something wrong to deserve such a punishment, God told her, "Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger." (25:23). "And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents." (25:27). The story jumps ahead and we suddenly find the elder son (Esau) coming into the younger son's (Jacob) tent; there he demanded to be fed because he was starving and needed nourishment. Jacob told his older brother he would feed him if Esau would agree to sell him his birthright (25:31). Traditionally, the Hebrew birthright is bestowed upon the oldest son of each household. On this particular day, Esau did not hesitate to do his younger brother's bidding and agreed, therefore selling his birthright for a mere bowl of venison (25:33).
> Isaac in the Land Of Gerar (Gen. 26)
This chapter of Genesis opens with the Creator informing Isaac where he must live and reinforced his covenant with Abraham's son, informing Isaac that his seed will multiply just as God had promised Abraham (26:2). The saga of Abraham's son abruptly diverts and Isaac is found duping the king of the Philistines (Abimelech) into believing that Rebekkah was his sister (just as Abraham had done with Sarah) and once again the king caught them in their lie (26:9). Regardless, Abimelech charged his people, "He that touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death." (26:11). It is recorded that after this episode, Isaac pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar and was spared from the king's wrath. This story shows that history repeated itself.
> Isaac and the Water Wells (Gen. 26)
Abraham's tribe had been digging water wells in the land during the patriarch's era and the Philistines stopped them by filling the dug holes with dirt (26:18). However, not long after Abimelech had sent Isaac away, the patriarch's son resumed digging the wells in the land of Gerar, just as the Creator had instructed him to do (26:19). In the beginning the tension between Isaac's herdsmen and Gerar's herdsmen increased with each well that was dug, but upon the completion of the third well, the tenseness abated and Isaac proclaimed, "For now the Lord hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land." (26:22). The king of Gerar was astounded at this strange tribe's persistence and the fear of their God overcame Abimelech. The king proclaimed, "We saw certainly that the Lord was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;" (26:28). An agreement was sealed between Isaac and Abimelech, a feast was held and the king would soon after leave on good terms.
Click here to continue reading stories 36-54.
(20-35)
This chapter of Genesis opens with the Creator informing Isaac where he must live and reinforced his covenant with Abraham's son, informing Isaac that his seed will multiply just as God had promised Abraham (26:2). The saga of Abraham's son abruptly diverts and Isaac is found duping the king of the Philistines (Abimelech) into believing that Rebekkah was his sister (just as Abraham had done with Sarah) and once again the king caught them in their lie (26:9). Regardless, Abimelech charged his people, "He that touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death." (26:11). It is recorded that after this episode, Isaac pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar and was spared from the king's wrath. This story shows that history repeated itself.
> Isaac and the Water Wells (Gen. 26)
Abraham's tribe had been digging water wells in the land during the patriarch's era and the Philistines stopped them by filling the dug holes with dirt (26:18). However, not long after Abimelech had sent Isaac away, the patriarch's son resumed digging the wells in the land of Gerar, just as the Creator had instructed him to do (26:19). In the beginning the tension between Isaac's herdsmen and Gerar's herdsmen increased with each well that was dug, but upon the completion of the third well, the tenseness abated and Isaac proclaimed, "For now the Lord hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land." (26:22). The king of Gerar was astounded at this strange tribe's persistence and the fear of their God overcame Abimelech. The king proclaimed, "We saw certainly that the Lord was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;" (26:28). An agreement was sealed between Isaac and Abimelech, a feast was held and the king would soon after leave on good terms.
Click here to continue reading stories 36-54.
(20-35)
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