November 11, Genesis 25
These are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: - Genesis 25:19
In this chapter, the lives of the three great patriarchs of Israel overlap. Abraham lives to age 175 and dies. Isaac was 40 when he married Rebekah, and is sixty when Esau and Jacob are born. The twins were about 15 years old when their grandfather died.
Without any doubt, Isaac is the one of this triumvirate about whom we know the least. It's not really because his life gets less mention in the Genesis record. Abraham is the focal point from Genesis 12-25. Isaac was born in chapter 21 and dies in chapter 36. Jacob is alive in more chapters than his father or grandfather, appearing here in chapter 25 and living until chapter 49 of the 50 chapters in Genesis. Isaac's name appears about 56 times after his death throughout Scripture, usually in the context of God being “the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” He is also named several times as the promised son of Abraham.
Isaac was not Abraham's only son. We already read about Ishmael. It's a touching scene when these two brothers come together to bury their father in the family tomb at Machpelah. In this chapter we also learn that Abraham had several other sons by his concubine Keturah. But none of those were the son God promised him and through whom the covenant with Israel would be realized.
Still, Isaac seems less significant or smaller standing between his father and his son. He played an important role. God blessed him after his father died. He became the father of Jacob, whom God would name Israel. Still, we seem to know less about him, with only a few stories to tell in Sunday School. Few sermons are preached about Isaac beyond his birth and when Abraham offered him up to God. But he represents the second generation of God's plan to make Abraham a great nation.
The generations of both Ishmael and Isaac are recounted here, but it is the Isaac side of the family through which the Bible narrative will continue. After twenty years without children, God answered Isaac's prayers and Rebekah conceived and bore twins. Esau got his name from being hairy. Jacob got his name from grabbing his brother's heel as they were being born.
The boys were womb-mates, but they were very different when they grew up. Esau was a hunter, an outdoorsman. Jacob was quiet, and stayed close to home. The difference went deeper than their temperaments and occupations. Esau was a "profane man" as Hebrews 12:16 describes him. His lack of regard for God and spiritual matters is illustrated in Genesis 25 by what might have been the most expensive lunch in history. Jacob prepared a red stew and sold it to his hungry brother for the price of his birthright as the firstborn.
None of these men were perfect. The Bible record is candid about their weaknesses, failures and sins. But God used them and worked in their lives to advance the promises and the plan to bring a Savior into the world. We can learn from each of them. Abraham is a pattern for trusting faith throughout Scripture. Jacob, with all his scheming and dishonesty, was still blessed to become the father of the twelve sons. Their descendants would become a nation and bear the name God gave their grandfather, Israel.
As we will see in days to come, we can also learn life lessons from the quiet, smaller figure of Isaac. Sandwiched between his famous father and son, he seems less significant. But his life and name attest to God’s faithfulness.
The baby named "Laughter" grew up and played his role in the developing plan of God. We should learn from his example to be faithful and humble servants of God's great purpose, even if we are never famous or headliners as we play our part. Maybe you feel like you stand in the shadow of someone who has more skill, is better known or gets more credit for work that is done. If we do, let's remember Isaac and learn from him.
Copyright © 2021 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—November 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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