I love these guys, I love what they do, and these videos are great for adults and kids. Learn about the first half of the book of Genesis Chapters 1-11 and what we’ve studied in 5 minutes here.
Friday Digest: BSF’s Study of Genesis Lesson 11
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN GENESIS CHAPTER 17-18:15:
- God never gives up on us; we give up on Him.
- God wants circumcision of the heart, a separation of Him from others.
- God meets us right where we need Him.
Take Away: Nothing is impossible for God.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 5: Genesis 18:1-15
Summary of Genesis 18:1-15:
The Lord appeared to Abraham among three visitors one day while Abraham was resting in the heat of the day. When Abraham saw these men, he hurried to greet them and bowed low, knowing one was God for he says, “my lord” while addressing them. Abraham entreats them to stay, and he washes their feet and brings food and drink for their comfort. They agree to stay.
Abraham bustles about, hurrying the preparations of bread, meat, and milk (it is God). The men ask Abraham where is Sarah. God Himself tells Abraham (again) that Sarah will have a child this time next year.
Sarah who was eavesdropping laughs, believing she is worn out. God, of course, hears Sarah and asks Abraham directly, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Then God says He will return this time next year and Sarah will have a son.
Then Sarah denies she laughed out of fear.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 5: Genesis 18:1-15
14a) They may not have invited the men to stay, nor feed them a meal. He selected the best calf to slaughter and brought curds and milk and baked bread. They both did the work themselves instead of servants, and we sense urgency in Abraham’s doings, indicating he knew his guests were special.
b) Personal Question. My answer: Attitude and joy, mainly. I either begrudge every moment and have a miserable time, or I have a good time and feel joy.
15) The first thing they ask is where is Sarah, so their visit was to confirm to Sarah that she would have a son. God says that when He returns, Sarah will have a son.
16) Because God heard Sarah laugh and knew she had.
17) Sarah had to believe God. We must believe God. God blesses (Luke 1:45) and rewards those who have faith (Hebrews 11:6; 11) Without faith you can’t please God.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 5: Genesis 18:1-15
I love how God includes Sarah and makes sure she understands and has faith in this culture where women did not matter. This shows God loves all equally.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 5: Genesis 18:1-15
It is possible that Sarah never conceived earlier because she never had faith in God’s promise.
Bible scholars believe this was only 3 months since the last time God appeared because Sarah is not pregnant yet.
Here we literally see the Triune God, appearing as 3 men. So cool!
We’ve seen Mamre a lot so far in the Bible
- Abraham moved here after he left Egypt and built an altar here (Genesis 13:18)
- He stayed there (Genesis 14:13).
- Sarah will be buried near here (Genesis 23:17-19), starting the family burial plot.
- Abraham will be buried here (Genesis 25:9)
- Isaac was also buried here (Genesis 49:30, 50:13).
Abraham knew it was God. At what point, we are unsure. Did God appear the same? No one knows. He could have changed his appearance at will.
Note God called Sarah by her new name. (Genesis 17:15-16).
God says His promise over and over again because dumb humans need to hear it over and over again, albeit this appearance was for Sarah, not Abraham. Genesis 17:17-22
Romans 10:17: “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ”
Both knew they’d have a son only be God’s miraculous hand, which may have been why they had to wait so long because God wanted to make it clear it was a miracle.
Doubt Versus Faith
As time passes and things don’t happen in our lives as we believe they should, we doubt as we see here with Sarah and Abraham. During their childbearing years, they believed. Now, it’s hard for them to do so.
Great commentary on the tree and this passage HERE
Some scholars think Abraham and Sarah were not having sex for whatever reason so God needed to reinforce His will personally, which is why He appears here. In other words, they did not believe God (they were doubting His word) and were doing nothing to fulfill God’s will for their lives.
God heard Sarah’s laugh. We should remember God hears everything. God does not punish them for their unbelief. God is faithful to His promises despite our doubt (2 Timothy 2:13). He never abandons us like we do Him.
Hard is the same Hebrew word for wonderful in Isaiah 9:6 referring to Christ.
God talks to Abraham about Sarah’s doubt since he is the head of the household. He is responsible for her faith, or, in this case, her unbelief.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 4: Genesis 17:15-22
Summary of Genesis 17:15-22:
God tells Abraham that he will have a son by this time next year whom the covenant will be established with and who will be the father of many nations and kings. He renames Sarai, Sarah. Abraham laughed at the prospect of being a father at age 100 and Sarah a mother at age 90. God will bless Ismael and make him the father of 12 rulers and a great nation. Then God left.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 4: Genesis 17:15-22
10) God renames both, He tells them the will be a father/mother of nations and kings, and God blesses them.
11a) He is specific. God says He will give Abraham a son by her (Sarah, so not someone else). By blessing Sarah this time as well as Abraham, it’s clear they are the parents who will have the child together.
b) Abraham does not believe God here (funny, since he immediately gets every circumcised) and suggests Ishmael be the one. Instead, God tells Abraham that Sarah will bear the son and his name will be Isaac. He elaborates, saying he will be the one whom he establishes his covenant with, not Ishmael.
12) Personal Question. My answer. I wait for clarity in some way when it is unclear. I pray for clarity. I don’t act in haste.
13) It’s the first time God has given them a time frame. Before it was “some day” you’ll have a child. Now, it’s definitive. This is probably comforting for them, after they get done laughing at God.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 4: Genesis 17:15-22
I want God to give me a new name. It’s funny how one second, Abraham is totally in with circumcision, but the child thing, Abraham is doubtful. I’d hope if God/Jesus ever appeared to me, I would take them seriously.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 4: Genesis 17:15-22
Sarah is a minor change, and it just gives her a higher status.
Abraham doubted as shown by his laughter. Some Bible scholars think this was a rejoicing laugh; others think not. You can decide. Sarah for sure did not believe God (she even lies about it in Genesis 18:15). I think Abraham doubhted.
God does not forget Ishael, but He makes it clear Isaac is the one. Isaac, meaning laughter, would forever be a reminder of their doubt and their joy.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 3: Genesis 17:9-14; 23-27
Summary of Genesis 17:9-14:
God tells Abraham that he and his descendants must keep His covenant. Every male must be circumcised, which is the sign of the covenant. This is to take place at 8 days old, and this applies to all male, whether adopted or not. If any male has not been circumcised, they are to be cut off from God’s people, as this will be a sign that the covenant has been broken.
Genesis 17:23-27:
Every male on that day was circumcised, including Abraham, his son, Ismael, and all in his household.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 3: Genesis 17:9-14; 23-27
7) “It will be the sign of the covenant between you and me.”
8 ) That he/they are faithful.
9) Having faith is more important than works.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 3: Genesis 17:9-14; 23-27
I love that Abraham obeyed immediately without delay. So, too, are we called to obey immediately as well.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 3: Genesis 17:9-14; 23-27
The cutting of the foreskin represents how God is setting His people apart (cutting them off). It is a physical sign that they are His people. Since males were born into it, it was fitting to be associated with reproduction. This is a sign of faith. Circumcision also helped with cleanliness, which was important in a society where no one bathed. Also, it was a sign of cleansing as well.
With Jesus, we are spiritually circumcised.
Why the 8th day? Childbirth is traumatic on a baby. After all, it goes from a water world to a world of air and newness. After 8 days, the baby’s body will recover faster, and some experts think that because the immune system is in place by now, that the baby will be less likely to get an infection. Doctors believe that a baby’s body can also blood-clot better on day 8 of life.
It’s important to note that the people were part of the covenant through faith. When they rejected circumcision, they were rejecting the covenant that God had granted through grace. Circumcision is not something you do that gets you to heaven, although the early Christians tried to make this so. (Galatians 5:1-15). Now, with the new covenant, you are free to circumcise or not.
Abraham’s immediacy speaks to his faith and his obedience to God’s commands. What does your response say when God tells you to move?
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 2: Genesis 17:1-8
Summary of Genesis 17:1-8:
When Abram was 99 years old, God appears to Abram again to confirm His covenant with him, saying again how he will increase his numbers and how he will be the father of many nations. He changes Abram’s name to Abraham (means father of many). God will make nations of him, and kings will come from him. The covenant will be an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants, and the whole land of Canaan will be an everlasting possession to him and his descendants as well.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 2: Genesis 17:1-8
3) God doesn’t just appear to anyone. He appears to Abraham who responds appropriately by falling facedown, showing submission. They had a very close relationship, one full of reverence and awe.
4a) To be blameless is to not be able to be accused of wrongdoing before God ( Psalm 15:2 ; 18:23 ). Through the death of Jesus and by God’s infinite grace and power, He declares that all believers in Christ are blameless in His sight. Col 1:22 1 Cor 1:8 ; Jude 24 Blameless also means whole, so God wants our entire being committed to Him.
b) Simply by believing in the saving power of Christ. Matthew 5:43-48 says to love your enemies. Philippians 2:13 says it’s God who works in us according to His good purpose. Colossians 1:26-29 says it’s Christ in us.
5) God promises that Abraham will be the father of many nations. God will make nations of him, and kings will come from him. The covenant will be an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants, and the whole land of Canaan will be an everlasting possession to him and his descendants as well.
6) Personal Question. My answer: All of the promises in the Bible apply to me, and yes, I trust God to keep them. Even this covenant applies to me; it’s just renewed with Christ’s New Covenant. I trust God because He has always been faithful. He does what He says He will do.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 2: Genesis 17:1-8
I love when God appears to people in the Bible, mainly because I picture God appearing to me. I love this repetition. I love how God cares enough to appear so many times for reassurance.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 2: Genesis 17:1-8
It has now been 13 years since God last appeared to Abram (Genesis 16:15-16)., at least that is recorded in the Bible. Ninety-nine is still old, even for ancient times, so God is reassuring Abraham that soon he will have a son. Just for reference, if you remember Abram was 75 when he was called out of Haran, which we saw in Genesis 12:4. and 86 when Ismael was born, which we saw in (Genesis 16:15-16)
Bible scholars believe that this was God in the form of Jesus.
The Hebrew for “I am God Almighty” is El Shaddai, which the exact meaning is still debated. Some say it means “I am God sufficient,” or “One who has His hand in everything.” It could have the connotation of poured out as well or rich and abundant.
Next we are to be blameless. Once we know who God is, this is possible.
Fun Fact: This is the first name change recorded in the Bible. We will see Jacob changed to Israel here soon (Genesis 32:28) and, of course, there’s Simon Peter Mark 3:16.
We are promised a new name too! (Revelation 2:17).
Names are significant in the Bible, so we should dive deep into them when we can.
Note: Every time God makes a promise to Abraham, it’s better than the last. Now, many nations will come and so will kings. We can apply this by thinking every time we are faced with a situation, God will make it/us greater. The land and the covenant is for everyone. And if you doubt God’s word, the nation of Israel is living proof that God keeps His promises.
Supporting Faith
In today’s world, it is more important now than ever to support faith, believers, and organizations that profess faith. From your local church to a struggling friend, it’s up to us to protect fellow Christians and spread the Gospel as well. With so many faith-based organizations under attack, it’s up to us to come together and offer strength through our numbers.
There is so many worthy organizations, from sponsoring children across the world to BSF. While it’s impossible to give to all or to support all, you can choose the ones closest to your heart to support.
That being said, it’s my annual post about supporting my blog and my writings. One day, I hope to be published. It’s been a dream of mine for 10 years now. While there are times I’ve had to put this dream on hold, it’s something I’m trying to resurrect this coming New Year. My husband has started his own business, so we are praying for God’s blessing in these uncertain times.
If you would like to support my blog, I’d appreciate it. While there is no pressure to give as I know you all have other causes to support, I’d just like to throw it out there as an option.
Click HERE or I have a donation button on my sidebar that uses PayPal. It’s secure, and you don’t need a PayPal account.
Whether you donate to me or another cause, please do so. Every little bit helps. Thanks in advance, and I’m looking forward to Abraham and Isaac!
God bless you and hugs to all!!
Friday Digest: BSF’s Study of Genesis Lesson 10
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN GENESIS CHAPTER 15-16:
- God judges sin but with grace
- God’s timing is not our own
- Nothing is impossible with God
- God is our shield
- God is our light
- God seeks us even when we flee from Him
Take Away: God’s graciousness is unfathomable.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 5: Genesis 16:7-16
Summary of Genesis 16:7-16:
Hagar ran away and the angel of the Lord found her near a spring in the desert. The angel asked Hagar what she was doing. She replied she was running away. The angel told her to go back to Sarai and submit to her and that he would increase her descendants infinitely. He told her she would have a son and she was to call him Ishmael (God hears) for God has heard of her misery. Your son will live in hostility against his brothers.
Hagar tells the angel that he is the God who sees her and she has now seen Him. Hagar returned and had Ishmael. Abram was 86 years old at the time.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 5: Genesis 16:7-16
14) She would continue to be mistreated, maybe even killed if she remained. She probably fled to her family in Egypt, who would take care of her.
15a) The angel told Hagar to go back to Sarai and submit to her and that he would increase her descendants infinitely. He told her she would have a son and she was to call him Ishmael (God hears) for God has heard of her misery. Your son will live in hostility against his brothers. Hagar tells the angel that he is the God who sees her and she has now seen Him.
b) God cares for everyone. Ishmael was the victim, never asking to be.
16) Personal Question. My answer: I’ve found if you stay the course, God will pivot you when needed.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 5: Genesis 16:7-16
God’s love is infinite, and He brings good in every situation. Ishmael’s daughter marries Abraham’s grandson, Esau. Esau is blessed as well while on earth.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 5: Genesis 16:7-16
When God “appears” in the Bible, it’s always as Jesus. No one has ever seen God. (1 Timothy 6:16)
Fun Fact: This is the first appearance of the Angel of the Lord in the Bible, and it’s fitting that it’s to Hagar, a slave who had been prostituted to her master and is now pregnant. God is good.
The Angel of the Lord (or Jesus) appears many times in the Bible: (Genesis 22). (Exodus 3). (Numbers 22). Judges 2). Judges 6). (Judges 13). (2 Samuel 24). (1 Kings 19). From Abraham to Elijah, God appears when we need Him. He still appears in our lives today.
“Where are you going?” is an important question we need to be asking ourselves constantly.
The Angel of the Lord promises Hagar protection and blesses her. Ismael would become the father of the Arabic people. His half-brother, Isaac, would be come the father of the Jews. And yet still there is bitter animosity and hatred towards each other.
Fun Fact: Ismael is the first person recorded in the Bible to have been given a name before he was born.
God loves all people. He could have allowed Hagar to die in the desert and Ismael later on as well. He doesn’t. He keeps them alive. God has a plan and a love for all.
The name Ismael means “God will hear.” God hears all peoples. Life would not be easy for Hagar or Ismael, but God hears them.
El Roi (You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees). God is with Hagar. Knowing that, she returns with a changed heart.
Jesus is with us always and the Holy Spirit. God sees all of our troubles, heartaches, and pain. And He is there, holding you up when you can’t anymore.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 4: Genesis 16:1-6
Summary Genesis 16:1-6:
Sarai told Abram to sleep with her servant in order to have a child. Once Hagar got pregnant, she got an attitude (probably thought herself better than Sarai) and despised her mistress. Then Sarai blamed Abram for this. Abram gave Sarai permission to do what she wanted with Hagar. She mistreated her, and Hagar fled.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 4: Genesis 16:1-6
11a) They knew God would give them a child, so they decided to help God out by using Hagar (which was acceptable back then). They believed God, but didn’t have any patience and thought they knew the method better.
b) Personal Question. My answer: We can believe one thing, but do another. Our fears and our doubts can make us do irrational actions even though we know they aren’t the best decision.
12a) Abram slept with Hagar (not his wife as God ordained). Sarai willingly gave Hagar to Abram (not ordained either). Both in a sense committed adultery.
b) There is nothing good that comes from sin. Ishmael was born, whom the Islamic faith comes from. They are non-Christians. Short-term, Sarai was angry at Abram when it was her fault, so their marriage was not doing well.
13) Everything is a wait game. You can’t push God’s timing.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 4: Genesis 16:1-6
You think Abram and Sarai would have learned after Sarai was prostituted out to Pharaoh, but nope. Only thing that came out of this was pain from everyone involved.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 4: Genesis 16:1-6
Hagar was a slave they got when they went to Egypt the first time against God’s orders.(Genesis 12:16). As you can see, sin compounds sin.
Sarai was tired of waiting for a baby. She was probably feeling hurt and sadness for not having a child yet. She could have thought God did not want her as the mother of the nations, only Abram as the father. She may have been angry at God, too. All of her feelings culminated in the sin of adultery.
- Sarai didn’t believe God’s promise anymore.
- She responded in sin against a covenant marriage.
Abram goes along with it. Ten years probably seemed like a long time to them. We must remember we can’t rush God. God is testing our patience and our obedience.
Note they did not pray about this decision. They just did it.
Some Bible scholars think that Hagar would sit on Sarai as Abram inseminated her. They point to Genesis 30:3 of Rachel giving Bilhah to support this. We don’t know. All we know is that having a surrogate mother was common in ancient times.
Having a baby with Abram gave Hagar clout, which she wielded against Sarai.
Sarai blames Abram, which is true. He was the head of the household and should have said no. Abram could have handled the problem, instead he defers to Sarai. This is what it is. Abram probably wanted to stay out of their squabbles. Hagar flees, probably back to her home in Egypt.