Eden to Eternity Vol. 1, Genesis 12-21
Genesis 1/66 | Author(s): Moses & anonymous contributors | Old Testament | Pentateuch/Torah | 4000-1800 B.C. (estimated)
Welcome back to Genesis!
Based on the assumed chronology, we are jumping from Job to meet Abram and his family.
In case you forgot what happened in Genesis before Job, we encountered:
The creation and the story of Adam and Eve (Chapters 1-3)
The story of Cain and Abel (Chapter 4)
Noah, his ark, and the flood (5-10)
The building of Babylon (11)
Genesis 12-21 Summary:
12. THE CALL OF ABRAM
The Lord calls Abram away from his family and hometown to Canaan. Verse 2 states the promise we have heard and awed at before: "I will make you into a great nation".
Why?
So "all the people on earth will find blessing through you" (1:3).
Notice the difference between the men who wanted to selfishly achieve this for themselves, without the involvement or blessing of God, versus God striving to achieve this through one man for an entire nation?
And off he went, without any hesitation. Just "as the Lord had told him" (12:4). Abram brought his wife, Sarai, and Lot, his nephew. Abram worshiped the Lord in this land until famine struck, directing him to Egypt.
Before entering Egypt, Abram pulled his wife aside and said that because she was so beautiful, they must pretend they were siblings so the men of Egypt would not kill him to take his wife. As he said, the men noticed Sarai's beauty and took her to the pharaoh. However, "the Lord struck Pharoah and his household with several plagues because of Abram's wife Sarai" (12:17). Realizing that this woman was Abram's wife, pharoah ordered the couple to be removed from the land.
Before moving on to the next chapter, can we address the glistening elephant in the room that is Sarai's beauty? Wow! And another point: killing a man to claim his widow was a likely and reasonable risk, but coveting a man's wife and committing adultery is where the line is drawn! I think we are misunderstanding the commandments!
13. ABRAM AND LOT SEPARATE
Moving through different regions, Abram finally called on God for guidance.
Abram and Lot agreed to separate due to arising conflicts. Lot went in the direction of the Jordan, and Abram moved to Hebron, where God again said that He would make Abram's generations numerous. Lot was near Sodom, regarded as an "evil and sinful" place (13:13).
14. ABRAM RESCUES LOT
The kings surrounding Lot became hostile to one another until Sodom was eventually raided and captured. Among the victims of this overtaking was Lot.
Word traveled to Abram about his nephew and a war broke out. Victorious, Abram and 300+ men rescued the prisoners and goods the kings took captive. A king regarded as a Priest, Melchizedek, was grateful and recognized that Abram was blessed by God. He offered all the goods to Abram, but remaining faithful, Abram refused and explained that it would not be a man that made him prosperous but God Most High, the Creator of heaven and earth (14:22-23).
15. THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT
Abram experienced the words of God through a vision;
"Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great" (15:1).
Abram ponders this and wonders how a childless man like himself could amount to greatness. Verse 5 again reiterates the plan God has for Abram, through Abram, and with Abram;
"'Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them. Your offspring will be that numerous'".
Just as Abram followed the initial instructions, he believed God's word to be as He said it would be.
That night, Abram had another visit from God through a dream. In this prophetic vision, God told Abram that his fruit would be bound and confined for 400 years, but they would be freed and their captors judged.
Part of the covenant was that this very land would be where Abram's offspring would return, claimed as theirs.
16. HAGAR AND ISHMAEL
Abram and Sarai's servant, Hagar, was suggested to extend Abram and Sarai's family since Sarai could not yet conceive on her own. Hagar became pregnant, which made Sarai resent her. This caused Hagar to flee, where she encountered an angel.
The angel of the Lord instructed Hagar to return to Sarai and her household. The angel said her children would be multiplied greatly and that "they will be too many to count" (16:10). This spiritual figure continued in verses 11–12:
"'You have conceived and will have a son. You will name him Ishmael ("God Hears"), for the Lord has heard your cry of affliction. This man will be like a wild donkey. His hand will be against everyone, and everyone's hand will will be against him; he will settle near all his relatives.'"
Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, Abram's son.
17. COVENANT CIRCUMCISION
Around the age of ninety-nine, Abram was visited by God. God defined the covenant to Abram in verses 2-8:
"'You will become the father of many nations. Your name will no longer be Abram ("The Father is Exalted"); your name will be Abraham ("Father of a Multitude"), for I will make you the father of many nations. I will make you extremely fruitful and will make nations and kings come from you. I will confirm my covenant that is between me and you and your future offspring throughout their generations. It is a permanent convenant to be your God and the God of your offspring after you. And to you and your future offspring I will give the land where you are residing - all the land of Canaan - as a permanent possession, and I will be their God'.'
God continued and said the circumcision of all males would mark this promise: "'You must circumcise the flesh of your foreskin to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and you'" (17:11). This practice occurred at eight days of age for any male in this lineage that was intended to be included in the covenant God created with Abraham.
God also renamed Sarai to Sarah, which may be translated as "Princess" or "Mother of Nations." The Lord addresses Sarah's burden and confirms that He will not only bless their line with eventual kings but that they will also have a son of their own. Abraham was confused, even expounding a laugh: how could a couple well beyond their years conceive a child?
"But God said, 'No. Your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will name him Isaac ("He Laughs"). I will confirm my convenant with him as a permanent covenant for his future offspring'" (17:19).
Regarding Ishmael, God says Ishmael will "father twelve tribal leaders, and make them into a great nation" (17:20).
After God's presence departed from Abraham, he ensured that he, along with his sons and the other males, were circumcised as the Lord instructed.
18. ABRAHAM'S THREE VISITORS, SARAH LAUGHS, & ABRAHAM'S PLEA FOR SODOM
Abraham saw three men outside of his dwelling one day. Aware that this was a visit from the Lord, he acts swiftly and asks for the guests to stay and says that he will provide water, food, and a place to rest. With the help of Sarah, they prepared a meal, and Abraham "served them as they ate under the tree" (18:8).
Sarah remains inside, tucked away from the guests. One guest even asks where she is before the conversation proceeds.
The Lord said that He would return in one year, around the same time Sarah would give birth to their son. Overhearing this, Sarah silently laughs "to herself" from inside (18:12).
God heard this.
"But the Lord asked Abraham, 'Why did Sarah laugh, saying 'Can I really have a baby when I'm old?' Is anything impossible for the Lord? At the appointed time I will come back to you, and and in about a year she will have a son'" (18:13-14).
Sarah would not claim the laughter or doubt, fearfully reassuring the Lord that she was not laughing at His plans for her.
"But He replied, 'No, you did laugh'' (18:15).
This encounter has always stood out to me. I laugh at the events, but I can feel the fear and embarrassment flood through Sarah as God calls her out Himself! It is in line with the fatherly tone of God; a stubborn kid doubts the credibility of their stoic father and doubles down when the energy shifts from being playful to serious. It was time to answer her Father. The scrambling about how to get out of this awkward situation was prevalent for Sarah!
The visitors prepare to leave. The Lord explains that there has been an "outcry" in reference to Sodom and Gomorrah's sinful nature, and He must act in pursuing justice (18:20–21). After hearing this, Abraham asks what will happen to the righteous that are among the wicked; will they be punished on the basis of their proximity?
"'You could not possibly do such a thing: to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. You could not possibly do that! Won't the Judge of the whole earth do what is just?'" (18:25).
The Lord responded and said that if there were indeed fifty righteous people, then this land would be spared.
The two went back and forth, considering the ultimate outcome of Sodom if there were only forty-five, forty, thirty, twenty, or ten righteous beings.
The Lord remained consistent and patient, agreeing to not destroy the city should ten righteous dwell among the many unrighteous. Hearing what he hoped for, a satisfied Abraham returned home.
There are many things to address from these chapters alone.
1. God has names for us, emphasizing our roles in His plan. We are inherently designed to impact the bigger, spiritual picture. There is no one whose life goes without meaning to God.
"'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine'' (Isaiah 43:1).
2. There is nothing God cannot do! Not that He has anything to prove, but He enjoys doing the impossible for us with eternity in mind! These miraculous moments and milestones build the greatest faith because only God can attain them.
"'Is anything impossible for the Lord?'" (Genesis 18:14).
3. God is very aware of our inner thoughts and emotions, as an omniscient being would be. He knew Sarah was laughing when it was apparent that she was not next to these men, nor were her doubts vocalized where anyone could hear.
"Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up; you understand my thoughts from far away. You observe my travels and rest; you are aware of all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you know all about it Lord. You have encircled me; you have placed your hand on me. This wondrous knowledge is beyond me" (Psalm 139:1-6).
4. God has proven to be patient, and we are only two books into the Bible! From what we have seen with Job to now being questioned by Abraham when deciphering what is morally just, God is extremely tolerant of us.
"But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth" (Psalm 86:15).
19. THE DESTRUCTION OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH
Previously, Abraham pondered the pending status of Sodom due to the consequences of their sinful behavior. At this point, the angels of the Lord were inspecting the place for themselves and were greeted by Lot, Abraham's nephew.
It is important to note that Lot convinced the angels to stay in his home, not in the public, open location they had planned, since this would make them vulnerable to the residents. He welcomed them by presenting food to replenish their energy.
Sure enough, by nightfall, the men of Sodom gathered outside of Lot's home and demanded the visitors exit the premises so they could fulfill their ill intentions. Lot begged that the men take his daughters instead. Fortunately for Lot's daughters, the men were not distracted and were determined to access the men in his house. The angels "struck the men who were at the entrance of the house, both young and old, with blindness (or "a blinding light") so that they were unable to find the entrance" (Genesis 19:11, CSB).
The angels instructed Lot to take his family and flee from the destruction they were about to incite. After some initial delay, the angels grabbed him and led his family out of the city gates (19:16). They told him to find refuge in Zoar, a nearby city that would not be touched, and advised them not to look back.
Then, in verses 24-26,
"Then out of the sky the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah burning sulfur. He demolsihed these cities, the entire plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and whatever grew on the ground. But Lot's wife looked back and became a pillar of salt."
Abraham viewed what little remained of this city. But because he pleaded with the Lord, God saved Lot and his family on his behalf.
THE ORIGIN OF MOAB AND AMMON
Lot's daughters thought it would be wise to have their father enter a drunken state, lay with him, and "preserve [their] father's line" (19:32). Thus came the sons that would bear the Moab and Ammonite tribes, two of the twelve descendants of Israel.
20. SARAH RESCUED FROM ABIMELECH
Abraham, again, lied to yet another king about Sarah being his sister rather than his wife. This time, however, God visited King Abimelech in a dream. He was warned to return the married woman to her husband. Abimelech and Abraham discussed the situation and Abraham's curious thinking, ultimately ending with Abimelech allowing Abraham and his wife to settle in his land. As God had said in Abimelech's dream, Abraham prayed for the king, and King Abimelech was blessed; "Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves so that they could bear children, for the Lord had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech's household on account of Sarah, Abraham's wife" (20:17–18).
21. THE BIRTH OF ISAAC
"The Lord came to Sarah as He said, and the Lord did for Sarah what He had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time God had told them" (21:1-2).
Sarah and Abraham did as they were instructed previously: their son was named Isaac and circumcised at eight days old to display the active covenant between them and God. In verse 6, Sarah says, "God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears will laugh with me," referencing the meaning of the name "Isaac."
HAGAR AND ISHMAEL SENT AWAY
As Isaac was developing from a baby to a growing boy, Sarah ordered Abraham to send their servant Hagar and her and Abraham's son away from them. Struggling with this request, God gave him advice to listen to Sarah in the moment since the Lord already had a considerable plan for his first son.
Abraham sent Hagar and their son away with supplies, but they soon depleted their resources. Reasonably upset, Hagar cried over the fear of watching her soon die from starvation and dehydration.
"And an angel of God called Hagar from heaven and said to her, 'What's wrong, Hagar? Don't be afraid, for God has heard the boy crying from this place. Get up, help the boy up, and grasp his hand, for I will make him a great nation.' Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well... God was with the boy, and he grew" (21:17-20).
ABRAHAM'S COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH
Abimelech saw that Abraham followed God closely and received His favor, and he asked that Abraham swear to never breach agreed-upon terms with Abimelech. Abraham agreed. At Beer-sheba, or the "Well of the Oath," Abraham acknowledged God as "the Everlasting God" and proceeded to live in the land of the Philistines (21:33–34).
Daily Grace's Reflection Questions (pg. 51, 53)
How does this covenant build from chapters 12 to 15? What additional details does God provide in His promise?
What other details do we know about the priestly king, Melchizedek, mentioned in chapter 14?
How have you seen God's faithfulness in your own life? How does He display His sovereignty?
Have you ever attempted to "help" God's plans as Sarai did? Why are God's plans always better than our own?
How have you seen God do the impossible in your own life?
As we read scripture, we will often read accounts of great hope and faith followed by accounts of sin and judgment. Why must we trust God in each case? Why is righteousness important to God?
In what ways have you experienced the consequences of sin in your life? Do you see God's discipline as beneficial? (Hebrews 12:11)
How does God's care for Hagar and Ishmael exhibit His love, kindness, and faithfulness to the world, even today?
The blessing of Isaac was worth the long wait for Abraham and Sarah. How is Christ worth the wait for all mankind? How can you remain faithful as you await His second coming?
These chapters unveil the Abrahamic covenant by highlighting God's involvement throughout the process. "It was not dependent on what Abram would do but who God is" (Eden to Eternity, p. 50, 2022). God provided direction and encouragement to Abram, who displayed an unwavering faith and a will to serve the Lord. What began as a word of reassurance for Abram about his incoming blessings evolved into a plan for his life that would impact the salvation of humanity.
"For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, met Abraham and blessed him as he returned from defeating the kings...First, his name means king of righteousness, then also, king of Salem, meaning king of peace. Without father, mother, or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever" (Hebrews 7:1-3).
Melchizedek is said to be recognized as an indefinite priest, which may also be seen in Psalm 110:4. I believe this is an important detail in Abram's story since this figure respected Abram's standing with God and expressed favor towards him because of it.
I see God's faithfulness in my own life every day. From the sunrise to the sunset. There are days when I go to God to vent, and by the end of our conversation, I am apologizing for being ungrateful and critical. It cannot be said enough; God is so good!
He continues to shape a life for me that I only dreamed of. He softens my heart so that I see the allure in all things. I am filled with joy, and when I find myself becoming weary, He renews my spirit. He is the one I count on because I have never been disappointed when He is involved! God is not a magic genie who intends to make life pretty, but a loving Father who prioritizes my character over temporary comfort. And a miracle worker He is!
I have said it before, and I will say it again, and again, and again; anything I surrender, He perfects. He renews and restores. God is supreme over everything in my life because it was His first. It is His now as He breathes air into my lungs. I also notice God's sovereignty when I experience prayers being answered or protection from things that are not meant for me. So, I will praise God since I tend to have no clue what we're doing, but I know He knows where we're headed, so I shall not want or worry. I am the Lord's passenger princess, cruising down the straight and narrow!
My husband and I's current season could be described as being tucked safely away, remaining lowly. We are aware of God's very obvious activity in our lives so much that we do everything to be obedient. This has been met with some harsh realities when deciphering what may no longer serve us as we exit one season to enter the next. Fortunately, we adapt and await as we are in what feels to be days that set the tone for our future. We can't mess this up, we regularly express since the Lord has been so graceful and nurturing. God must come first. Together, we notice God's sovereignty in His lessons that keep us grounded in His plan. Everything seems to have meaning or be a part of something bigger than us these days! There has been something incredible stirring spiritually, and the only thing we are eagerly certain of is that God is true and living.
"Jesus answered, 'What I am doing you don't realize now, but afterward you will understand'" (John 13:7).
Like Sarai, I have had my fair share of trying to step in when I convince myself that God is out of office. Sarai's crafting a plan for their servant to produce a child resulted in more emotional distress and overwhelming chaos, as does almost anything we try to achieve without God.
"Still, Sarai's scheme shows us that our plans will never bring joy the way that God's plans will" (Daniels et al., 2022, p. 52).
God's plans are superior to those of our own because God sees the entirety of our lives, where we are only fixated on the current millisecond. God also has a character that is rooted in truth, righteousness, and peace. Basically, God always has better intentions for us than we do for ourselves.
God has accomplished the impossible in my life many times! Perhaps I have mentioned it once or twice before, but God has generated a lot of valuable somethings with what I believed to be nothing. He has opened doors that I perceived to be far away, doors that I thought were blocked and locked. He has renewed and redeemed. On every mountain top and valley, there is always a lesson that shapes my character and dramatically alters my heart. He continues to restore. He is not called a waymaker for no reason!
When reading the third question, I heard Isaiah 61:10 sound off in my mind:
"I rejoice greatly in the Lord, I exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness"
I find peace in trusting in God because He "loves justice" and "hates injustice" (Isaiah 61:8). He remains holy. The Lord is composed of all good things, whereas I, as a human exposed to a troubled world, do not stand firm on this extent of righteousness.
I wobble; God is steady.
I have lied and broken promises; God has not.
However, the Lord wants us to be delivered and protected. He wants our characters to be blameless, displaying integrity and honor. Righteousness is important to God because He desires to have us in His presence.
Thanks to His unwavering love for us, God has secured our cleanliness and purity through Jesus. That is why I put my life in God's hands!
The most apparent consequences of sin in my life are guilt and shame. Which are contrasting feelings to those of the fruits of the Spirit. Discipline from the Lord is beneficial, as Hebrews 12:11 says:
"No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
In these chapters, God's love and protection for daughters, wives, and mothers are prevalent! Though their situation looked bleak and far from promising, Hagar and Ishmael were tended to and kept safe. The plan the Lord had for them and the generations to come would not be jeopardized due to Sarah's attempted interference. The Lord did not care what her previous title was, where she lived, or what she had to offer at this time; regardless of their family rejecting them, their significance and value to God's kingdom remained. He heard Hagar and Ishmael's cries and extended compassion. He met them in their struggle and offered provision and encouragement.
In Genesis 21:1-2, we see God fulfilling His promise to Sarah and Abraham, as He said and when He said! As someone whose biggest pet peeve is when people do not commit to their word, this is extremely reassuring! Humanity tends to make empty promises, but as the ultimate promise-keeper, God does not disappoint. Just as Sarah was given a child of her own that she longed for, we receive what our hearts long for- eternal peace and healing through Jesus! I strive to cling to my faith by familiarizing myself with these relevant instances. The Bible shares numerous accounts of promises and covenants being honored, as well as prophecies coming to life.
Needing prayer? Submit a prayer request at the bottom of the page!
To learn more about this collection, or to become more familiar with The Daily Grace Co., visit their website!
References
Daniels, K., Dickerson, T., Dickson, K., Hess, A., & Turner, S. (2022). Eden to Eternity (Vol. 1). The Daily Grace Co.
Genesis Bible Timeline. Bible Hub. (n.d.). https://biblehub.com/timeline/genesis/1.htm
Myers, R., & Williams, A. B. (2020). She Reads Truth Bible. Holman Bible Publishers.
The Bible Project. (2016). Book of Genesis Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 2). YouTube. Retrieved November 18, 2023, from https://youtu.be/F4isSyennFo?si=4WpagPv5Htdf-XUA
