step by step: old testament lesson 5: god and the patriarchs

Step By Step: Old TestamentLesson 5: God and The Patriarchs

Rev. Christopher J. RespassAntioch Bible Institute

Fall 2012

God and the Patriarchs: Isaac

I. The Birth of IsaacA. The Promise of Isaac’s birth (Gen. 17:15-21; Gen. 18:9-15).

B. The Birth of Isaac (Gen 21:1-7)

C. Blended Family Drama (Gen 21:8-14)


II. The Testing of Abraham: Offer Isaac (Gen. 22:1-14)A. Isaac is the “sacrificial lamb.”1. God made a promise to Abraham that his offspring will be numerous.2. God indicated that neither Eliezer nor Ishmael would be the line through whom God maintain the covenant.3. Isaac is the one… and God wants him sacrificed!


B. Abraham prepares for the sacrifice and travels 3 days to the place God shows him.

1. No hesitance in Abraham (v.3).

2. God dealt with Abraham in a familiar way (“walk and I’ll let you know when

to stop”).

Q: Does this sound familiar?


C. Abraham leaves his servants and climbs the mountain with Isaac.

1. Tells the servants “I and the boy will worship and come back to you” (v.5).

Q: Did Abraham expect God to resurrect Isaac? (Note: we know it’s a test (v.1), he didn’t).


2. Isaac is aware that the lamb is missing and Abraham says, the lord will provide.

3. Abraham said, “The Lord will Provide”

D. Abraham raises the knife, but God steps in (v.9-12).


III. A Wife For Isaac: Rebekah (Gen. 24)1. Beautiful Story2. Read it.

God and the Patriarchs: Jacob

IV. The Birthright and the BlessingA. The Birthright1. Esau and Jacob are twins (Gen. 25:21- 24).2. They were as different as night and daya) Esau: also known as “Edom” is the first-born. Red and hairy. A skillful hunter and a man of the field. Isaac loved him because he loved wild game.


b) Jacob: the second-born. Was born holding Esau’s heel. He was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. He was a trickster/cheat. Rebekah loved him.

Q: Could it be that Rebekah was fond of him because they were both sneaky?


3. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob. a) The birthright belonged to the

oldest. b) Entitled him to a double-portion of

the father’s possessions (Deut. 21:15-17).

c) Esau sold his birthright to Jacob, for a bowl of lentil soup.


Thus, Esau…..

Despised his Birthright!


B. Discussion: The (Stolen) Blessing (Gen. 27)

Q: Who is at fault: Rebekah or Jacob?Q: Was this Rebekah’s attempt to bring God’s word to pass? (see, Gen. 25:23; Remember Sarah?)Q: Was the broken heart of a son worth it? (v. 34-38).Q: Is Esau correct in saying that Jacob cheated him two times (see, v. 36)?

step by step: old testament lesson 5: god and the patriarchs

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