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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 4: 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31

Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign in Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. He purifed the temple, celebrated Passover, and encouraged worship of the Lord.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 4: 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31

9a) He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. The first commandment is to love the Lord your God before all others. Therefore, idol worship could not be tolerated ever.

b) The Lord has to be first in everything we do, always. The hard part is trying to remember that.

10)

The role and activity of the priests: He purified the temple and the priests and rededicated them to the Lord. Hezekiah assigned the priests and Levites to divisions—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—to offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, to minister, to give thanks and to sing praises at the gates of the Lord’s dwelling. He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to give the portion due the priests and Levites so they could devote themselves to the Law of the Lord.

Calling the people back to God: He celebrated Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread, inviting everyone including Judah to come to Jerusalem and do so. More high places were smashed.

11a) You have to fix what is wrong before you can do what is right. Hezekiah understood this by smashing idol worship and restoring the priesthood and retraining them to serve God. He took action once the corrective measures were taken to restore the priesthood and put God at the center of people’s lives once again.

b) Good question. He’s definitely asking me to put him first more and get my priorities straight.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 4: 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31

Amongst all the bad kings, the good ones shine out — and boy do they shine brightly. Love reading about Hezekiah and his example of how it can only take a few things to turn the world around for many.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 4: 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31

In 2 Kings, we see Hezekiah’s reign was righteous, so he prospered. God preserved the royal line of King David (and thus Jesus) through Hezekiah.

In 2 Chronicles 29-31, we see Hezekiah cleanse the temples and restore worship and sacrifices. Passover is celebrated, and the regular work of the priests is restored.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 3: 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28

2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38

Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah began to reign. He reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The Lord afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, and he lived in a separate house.

Jotham his son succeeded him as king. He reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God

2 Kings 16

Ahaz son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign. He reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God. Ahaz asked for help from Assyria rather than God.

2 Chronicles 26-28

Uzziah succeeded his father Amaziah as king in Judah. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God. The Lord afflicted him with leprosy, and he lived in a separate house.

Jotham reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years.. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God.

Ahaz reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Therefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hands of the king of Aram.

King Ahaz sent to the kings of Assyria for help. Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came to him, but he gave him trouble instead of help. In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 3: 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28

6) Idol worship infiltrated Judah in several ways. First, the Israelites intermixed with the surrounding kingdoms, adopting their ways and gods. Next, Israel would partner with pagan nations for help, rather than with God. And, the kings would worship idols, so the people followed suit.

7a) He made idols for worshiping the Baals. He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his children in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. He asked for help from the king of Assyria. He constructed pagan altars and made offerings on them.

b) It’s easy to keep on sinning once you’ve entered sin. The best solution is to pray to resist sin or to turn away and repent as soon as you realize it. Don’t let the lies and sins compound.

8 ) God is in control, and we find hope in Him and His ways, not the ways of the world.

Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 13:1-2: Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 3: 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28

It’s easy to see how infectious sin can be and how it can completely destroy lives. We must always be on guard against this.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 3: 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28

Azariah (also called Uzziah in 2 Kings 15:13 and other places in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah) was good in the eyes of the Lord. He was a strong king and a builder. He built up the army, too. He left the foreign altars and was struck by God with leprosy for burning incense in the temple (2 Chronicles 26:16). Kings were to be separate from the priests.

Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father had who influenced him. He improved the towns with building projects.

God began to send countries against Judah as a test.

2 Chronicles 26-28 covers the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, and Ahaz. Ahaz did evil, rejected God, and chose idol worship. Many Judeans were captured by Syria and carried away. Many died. Ahaz turns to Assyria for help instead of turning to the Lord. Isaiah the prophet was preaching during the reign of Ahaz. God preserved a remnant and did not allow the Syrians to destroy all of Judah so the Messianic prophecy would be fulfilled.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 2: 2 Kings 15:8-31; 17

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 15:8-31; 17

2 Kings 15:8-31

Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned six months. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah. He attacked him in front of the people, assassinated him and succeeded him as king. So the word of the Lord spoken to Jehu was fulfilled: “Your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.

Menahem son of Gadi went from Tirzah up to Samaria. He attacked Shallum son of Jabesh in Samaria, assassinated him and succeeded him as king. He reigned in Samaria ten years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years. Pekahiah did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Pekah killed Pekahiah and succeeded him as king. He reigned twenty years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Hoshea son of Elah conspired against Pekah son of Remaliah. He attacked and assassinated him, and then succeeded him as king.

2 Kings 17

Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria.

All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 2: 2 Kings 15:8-31; 17

3a)

  • Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned six months.
  • Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah. He reigned one month.
  • Menahem son of Gadi. He reigned 10 years.
  • Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years
  • Pekah killed Pekahiah and succeeded him as king. He reigned twenty years.
  • Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years.

b) Probably chaotic. There were assassinations at every turn. There was no stability. Then Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked and took the Israelites captive and deported them.

4) Israel had been paying Shalmaneser king of Assyria tribute to avoid an invasion. Instead, Hoshea went to the king of Egypt instead and quit paying tribute, so the king of Assyria attacked and took the Israelites captive and deported them.

5a)  All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God. They worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced. The Israelites secretly did things against the Lord their God that were not right. They set up sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree. At every high place they burned incense. They did wicked things that made God angry. Thye forsook all the commands of God, so exile was their punishment.

b) Well, as we’ve seen, they get attacked and deported. God’s blessings turn to judgment, and anything can happen. Life becomes even harder without God.

c) Lots of ways. We can look to other people, material things, other items we own, have, or want. Ultimately, every path is empty.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 2: 2 Kings 15:8-31; 17

Lots of history here and a good insight into just how turbulent ancient times were.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 2: 2 Kings 15:8-31; 17

In 2 Kings 15, we see 5 kings that reigned over Israel in a short amount of time.

Note that all did evil in the eyes of the Lord except Shallum, whom the writer does not say whether he was good or bad. It’s probably safe to assume he was bad.

Assyria moved many conquered nations and peoples to their lands. The land of Israel is not reduced to a small piece of land.

2 Kings 17 tells about the complete fall of Israel into the hands of the Assyrians.

Hoshea and Israel were subjects under Assyria and paid them money. However, Hoshea hoped to find help with Egypt. When Assyria found out, they attacked Israel, showing no mercy. Hoshea needed to turn to the Lord for help, not Egypt.

It took Assyria three years to conquer Israel, but they did. They deported all but the poor to Assyria.

It had been a short 200 years and many kings (19 in total) since Solomon when Israel was united when the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell.

It has been reported that Assyrians would lead captives away naked and pierced. Truly humbling for God’s people — all because God was ignored.

When Israel was resettled by the Assyrians, God is angry because they did not fear Him. He sent lions to show His power. Priests were sent, but the people still forsook God.

It’s simple — obey God and be saved. Yet, this is the ulimate example of Israel’s failure to do so.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 5: Matthew 15:29-39

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 15:29-39

Jesus left Tyre and Sidon and returned to the Sea of Galilee. He went up a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came and he healed many. The people were amazed and they praised the God of Israel.

Jesus called his disciples to him. He tells them he has compassion on the people who have not eaten for three days and he doesn’t want to send them away hungry or they may collapse. His disciples wonder how they will get the food. Jesus asked for the loaves of bread they had and the fish. He gave thanks for the bread and fish and broke them. He gave them to his disciples who distributed it to the people.

Everyone ate and was satisfied. They had seven basketfulls of broken pieces left over. Four thousand ate plus women and children. Then he traveled to Magadan.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 5: Matthew 15:29-39

12a) Similar: Jesus was moved by compassion to feed the crowd. Both times, the disciples didn’t know what to do. Both times, everyone sat and Jesus gave thanks for the bread and fish. He distributed the food through the disciples’ hands. They all ate and were satisfied.

b) Different: In one account, Jesus feeds 5,000; here, he feeds 4,000. The miracles happened in different locations in Galilee. Here, Jesus takes the initiative to feed the people. In the feeding of the 5,000, the disciples wish to send the people away to buy their own food. In the feeding of the 5,000, they had 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Here, they have 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish. In the feeding of the 5,000, there were 12 basketfuls of broken pieces left over. Here, they had 7 basketfulls left over.

13a) To see that Jesus’s power is consistent and now a fluke. He is the Son of God.

b) He is showing others who he is, as well as setting the stage for the future when Gentiles will be welcomed into God’s kingdom.

14) Contentment in life

map of decapolis www.atozmomm.comConclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 5: Matthew 15:29-39

I love seeing how Jesus cares for his people’s physical needs and provides food and sustenance when they need it. I had forgotten about this miracle since the Feeding of the 5,000 overshadows it.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 5: Matthew 15:29-39

This is the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee in a region known as the Decapolis. It was mostly Gentiles or unbelievers. The fact they gathered and believed in the power of Jesus to heal shows his impact on the region.

Whether they had faith before, we are not told. We are told that after they were healed, they glorified the God of Israel, presumably turning to God.

Jesus came to relieve human suffering and show God on earth by opening spiritual eyes.

Again, God provides out of His abundance by having leftovers. Many see the feeding of the 5,000 and the the 4,000 as a precursor to the Messianic banquet and showed that Gentiles would be accepted there.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 4: Matthew 15:21-28

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 15:21-28

Jesus now traveled to Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman came to ask Jesus to help her daughter who was possessed by a demon. At first, Jesus did not answer. Apparently, the woman kept begging, prompting the disciples to ask Jesus to send her away. Jesus said he was sent to help only Israelites. The woman kept begging and showed great faith, so Jesus healed her daughter.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 4: Matthew 15:21-28

9a) Because they would be preaching to the Gentiles after he died.

b) “Lord, Son of David.” This shows she understands who Jesus really is — the son of God.

10a) A Canaanite woman came to ask Jesus to help her daughter who was possessed by a demon. At first, Jesus did not answer. Apparently, the woman kept begging, prompting the disciples to ask Jesus to send her away. Jesus said he was sent to help only Israelites. The woman kept begging and showed great faith, so Jesus healed her daughter.

b) He was testing her faith and that of the disciples

11a) She never gives up hope in Jesus to heal her daughter. She realizes who Jesus is and humbles herself. She never loses faith or hope in Jesus.

b) The same. To never give up. To keep praying. And to not lose faith or hope in Jesus.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 4: Matthew 15:21-28

I love when Jesus helps those who are persistent. I’m very persistent myself.

Great read for all!

map of type and sidon www.atozmomm.comEnd Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 4: Matthew 15:21-28

Tyre and Sidon were located on the Mediterranean Sea about 20 miles apart from each other. They were about 50 miles travel distance from where Jesus was in Galilee. These were Gentile cities, so why would Jesus go there? To help this woman.

She came as an intercessor for her daughter. This gives us hope when we pray for others, too.

Jesus healed other Gentiles  (Matthew 4:24-25; 8:5-13) but always before in Jewish territory. Here, he is in Gentile territory.

The woman irritated the disciples, so they asked Jesus to heal her so she’d leave.

Jesus clearly states he is here for the Jews.

The woman did not back down. She continued asking for healing for her daughter.

Jesus called the woman a “little dog,” which was a traditional slur towards Gentiles. Household dogs were entitled to a portion.

The woman did not argue; she knew she was low. Instead, she continued to ask for Jesus’s help and blessing.

All she asks for is the crumbs — which his all any of us are worthy of.

Fun Fact: This is the only time Jesus tells someone their faith is great.

This is the only story recorded of Jesus’s ministry in Tyre and Sidon. It appears Jesus traveled all this way just to meet her. How awesome is that!

This woman had a need, and she never gave up. She knew who Jesus was and she kept pursuing him.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 3: Matthew 15:10-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 15:10-20

Jesus teaches the crowds that food does not make him unclean, but words that come out do. The disciples ask Jesus if he knew that he offended the Pharisees. Jesus says the Pharisees are blind, and the blind leading the blind will fall into a pit. Peter asks Jesus to explain the parable, and Jesus asks them why they are so dull. He says that the things that come out of the mouth are from the heart, which determines if he is unclean. The heart harbors evil thoughts, and unwashed hands don’t make him unclean.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 3: Matthew 15:10-20

6) Words are what make a man unclean, not washing his hands, because it shows his heart.

7a) About offending the Pharisees

b)  Jesus says the Pharisees are blind, and the blind leading the blind will fall into a pit. He is unconcerned about them.

8a) He says that the things that come out of the mouth are from the heart, which determines if he is unclean. The heart harbors evil thoughts, and unwashed hands don’t make him unclean.

b) Showing up to church, participating in charity activities, doing Godly things for others, praying in public, etc.

c) Your words matter, and it shows your heart. God only cares about your heart, not what you look like or do on the outside.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 3: Matthew 15:10-20

Great lesson about how God wants your heart, not your rituals.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 3: Matthew 15:10-20

Jesus did have the advantage knowing that all food would be considered clean for eating in the New Covenant. The Jewish people have lived for centuries under the Old Testament that had strict laws about food being clean.

The disciples are concerned that Jesus offended the Pharisees; Jesus is not, and some Bible scholars say he intended to offend them. Jesus explains that since the commandments of the Pharisess are not God’s laws, they won’t stand the test of time and will be uprooted. God’s Word is to be our root.

Make sure your leaders are not blind. It is all possible that the Pharisees themselves did not understand the Scriptures.

Jesus explains what matters is if we are unclean on the inside, not the outside. Evil comes from our nature. Words can and do hurt others; what you eat and drink only hurts yourself.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 2: Matthew 15:1-9 With Mark’s Parallel Account in Mark 7:1-13

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 15:1-9

The Pharisees and teachers of the law come to Jesus and ask him why his disciples break the Old Testatment law of washing their hands before they eat. Jesus countered, asking them why they break the command of God for the sake of their traditions. He uses an example of honoring your mother and father. He calls them hypocrites and tells them Isaiah was right when he prophesied about them, saying their hearts are not God’s and they worship in vain as their rules are taught by men.

SUMMARY OF MARK 7:1-13

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law came from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They say the disciples were eating food with “unclean” or unwashed hands. Jewish people ceremonially wash their hands before they eat in the tradition of their elders. They asked Jesus why the disciples weren’t following the tradition of the elders.

Jesus replies that Isaiah was right in saying that they do not follow God, but instead follow the traditions of man. Jesus points out they make their own rules, setting aside God’s law, saying they teach that they don’t need to help their father and mother if they’ve received help elsewhere.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 2: Matthew 15:1-9 With Mark’s Parallel Account in Mark 7:1-13

3a) The Pharisees ask Jesus why his disciples break the Old Testatment law of washing their hands before they eat and eat with unclean hands.

b) Jesus answered their question by pointing out how they have given up following God’s law for the sake of following their traditions instead.

4) Exodus 20:12: Honor your father and mother.

Mark 7:11-13: The Pharisees apparently don’t honor their father and mother

Ephesians 6:1-3: Honor your father and mother and obey them.

He exposed how the Pharisees did not promote honoring your father and mother.

5a) Jesus’s primary message to the Pharisees and teachers was that they set aside God’s law for their own law, putting themselves above God.

b) Good question. I try not to be a hypocrite, but I know I am in some respects. I can be very selfish, but I admit when I am. I try to do what is right and good in all respects.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 2: Matthew 15:1-9 With Mark’s Parallel Account in Mark 7:1-13

I love how Jesus just doesn’t even bother to answer the Pharisees directly because their question is so trivial. In the grand scheme of things, who cares about washing your hands? Jesus came to wash hearts with God, not hands.

Great read if you are struggling!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 2: Matthew 15:1-9 With Mark’s Parallel Account in Mark 7:1-13

Matthew 15:1-9

We see the Pharisees travel all the way from Jerusalem (about 70 miles) to Galilee in order to check out Jesus.

The Pharisees admit this is a tradition, not a law. So why bother asking? It’s trivial when compared to Jesus’s work.

The teachers of the law were condemning people for not following tradition, not the law. Over the years, the religious leaders had extended God’s law to many rituals that were meant for show and that they used to leverage their power. However, these rituals only blocked people them from God essentially.

Honor your mother and father speaks to helping them when they are in need. Apparently, by declaring resources dedicated to God, you could withhold them from your parents.

Jesus quotes Isaiah who points out that you can outwardly be close to God, but inwardly be far away.

Mark 7:1-13

It is plain from the Pharisees that they are just out to get Jesus and trap him. They truly don’t care about the good he is doing for others. They used their traditions to try to trap Jesus instead of God’s word.

In Old Testament times, there was the written law and the oral law. The oral law was the interpretation of the written law, and many put the oral law above the written law.

The washing of hands before eating was taken very seriously by most Jews, and it was a very elaborate ceremony. They would pour water over their hands and cleanse the palm. They believed unclean food was like eating excrement. The Pharisees were concerned about losing power, and nothing else.

Note how many traditions seem good, but in the end, turn bad.

Uncleanliness is not the food itself, but the disobeying of God instead.

The Pharisees were too concerned with the trivial, which is why Jesus labels them hypocrites. This kept people from drawing near to God.

They were putting their word equal with God’s and promoting it as God’s.

If possessions were labeled as dedicated to God (Corban), they could not be used for any other matter, including helping your parents.

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Friday Digest: BSF’s Study of Genesis Lesson 16

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN GENESIS CHAPTER 25-26:

  • God’s ways are not our ways
  • We must accept what we don’t understand
  • We must believe that God knows what He’s doing
  • God grows our trust with trials
  • We avoid conflict as much as possible
  • We trust God in all His ways
  • Nothing can take away your salvation
  • Wait and wait and wait on God

Take Away: We are Christians with a promised eternity by God’s grace alone.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 16, Day 5: Genesis 26

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 26:

A famine came into the land, and Isaac went to Abimelech, king of the Philistines in Gerar (different guy than Abraham’s Abimelech.  Remember, Abimelech is the name they give to rulers).  The Lord appeared to Isaac and told him to not go to Egypt but to stay here. He will bless him and give all this land to his descendants. He repeats the oath He gave to Abraham. He will bless all nations because Abraham was faithful and his descendants will be as numerous as the stars.

Isaac, however, lied who Rebekah was, saying she was his sister just like Abraham had done in Egypt out of fear of being killed.  But Isaac got caught in his lie and was chastised by Abimelech who orders no one to touch or molest Isaac or Rebekah.

Isaac planted crops in the land of the Philistines, and the Lord blessed him. He became rich and had so many flocks that the Philistines became jealous so they filled all his wells with dirt. Finally, Abimelech told Isaac to move away because he had become too powerful.

So Isaac moved to the Valley of Gerar and re-opened the wells. Isaac’s servants dug two new wells, but the locals quarreled over them.  He dug another well that was undisputed, which showed Isaac the Lord would provide.

At Beersheba, the Lord appeared to Isaac and told him He would bless him and increase his descendants. Isaac built an altar there and called on the Lord.  He also dug a well there.

Abimelech saw how Isaac continued to prosper because the Lord was with him and became afraid.  So he along with his  adviser and commander approached Isaac to make a treaty not to harm them. This was done. Another well was dug.

Esau married Judith and Basemath, both of whom were Hittites, and they were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 16, Day 5: Genesis 26

12) The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and did everything I required of him, keeping my commands, my decrees and my instructions.” God was protecting Isaac and his family, as well as strengthening their faith.

13) Almost exactly the same. There was a famine in the land, and instead of praying for God’s guidance, they go to local kings for help instead of the One, True King. He told the men his wife was his sister like Abraham did. Yet God blesses Isaac as well with wealth despite his lie. He got into a water dispute with the locals after Abimelech kicked him out of Philistine. He built an altar for God there. Abimelech makes a treaty with Abraham, afraid of God’s power.

14) Personal Questions. My answer: Tell them to seek God instead. That’s all you can do. Some people have to learn by experience.

15) He made a treaty with them, and he left when he was told to leave. He tried not to quarrel over wells and left them until he dug one that had no quarrel over it. Always try to compromise and avoid conflict with your neighbors.

16) To teach them lessons, to grow their faith in Him, to appreciate the good times, to grow them as humans.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 16, Day 5: Genesis 26

I had not seen the close parallels of this story before. So eerily similar. It just goes to show that no matter how good of a parent you are or try to be, your kids wil do what they want to do.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 16, Day 5: Genesis 26

We see here Isaac facing almost the exact same challenges that Abraham faced, and we see that Isaac responds in almost the exact same way. We’ve saw Gerar in Genesis 20:1-18). where Abraham met a different Abimelech. Isaac begins to travel to Egypt to escape the famine, but this time God stops him before he gets there. God does not want Isaac to leave the Promised Land. He promised Isaac the same things he promised Abraham:

  • The Promised Land
  • A nation to come forth
  • Blessings

Isaac stops in Gerar but tells the same lie his father did, saying Rebekah was his sister. Isaac is caught in this lie, and chastized, just like his father was for his behavior (Genesis 12:18-19) (Genesis 20:10)

map of gerar and beersheba www.atozmomm.com

God protects Isaac and Rebekah anyways.

Isaac prospered, worrying his neighbors who then stopped up all the wells and told Isaac to leave.

Isaac digs new wells, confident God will bless him. Water is life in the desert, as Jesus is our living waters

Remember names in the Bible have meaning. Esek means dispute. Sitnah means opposition. Rehoboth means room. Now Isaac has room to not have disputes.

Isaac returns to Beersheba, right where God wants him.

Fun fact: This is the first time God appears to Isaac in the Bible.

We see another past play when Isaac’s neighbors approach him for peace out of the fear of God, who is with Isaac, just like we saw with Abraham. Isaac forgives Abimelech for being kicked out of his lands and makes a treaty.

Shibah means oath of seven and Beersheba means well of the oath or well of seven.

Here, Esau is briefly mentioned as he marries two women who are Canaanites which is against God’s wishes and commands. (Genesis 24:3-4).