The Divine Command: A Radical Test of Faith (Genesis 22:1-2) Genesis 22 opens with a profound and unsettling command from God to Abraham: “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Take now thy son, thine … Read more
God’s Promise Fulfilled: The Birth of Isaac (Genesis 21:1-7) Genesis 21 opens with one of the most significant fulfillment moments in the entire Pentateuch: the miraculous birth of Isaac, the son promised by God to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. “And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did … Read more
Abraham Sojourns in Gerar Genesis 20 begins with Abraham journeying to the region of Gerar, ruled by King Abimelech (Genesis 20:1). This is the second time Abraham visits a foreign king and introduces Sarah as his sister, a half-truth intended to protect himself (see Genesis 12:10-20). This repetition shows Abraham’s recurring fear for his life … Read more
The Arrival of the Two Angels in Sodom Genesis 19 opens with the two angels arriving at Sodom in the evening, where Lot is sitting at the city gate (Genesis 19:1). Sitting at the gate indicates a position of leadership or authority in ancient cities, as seen later in Ruth 4:1-2. This suggests that Lot, … Read more
The Lord Appears to Abraham Genesis 18 begins with the Lord appearing to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre as he sits at the tent door in the heat of the day (Genesis 18:1). The appearance is through three men, one of whom is often understood to be the Lord in human form, with the … Read more
God Appears to Abram as El Shaddai Genesis 17 begins with God appearing to Abram when he is ninety-nine years old, saying, “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect” (Genesis 17:1). The name “El Shaddai” emphasizes God’s all-sufficiency and power to fulfill His promises. The command to “walk before me” … Read more
Genesis 16 opens with Sarai, Abram’s wife, unable to bear children (Genesis 16:1). She has an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. Sarai tells Abram, “Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid” (Genesis 16:2). This reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom where a barren wife could give … Read more
Genesis 15 opens with God speaking to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward” (Genesis 15:1). This assurance comes after Abram’s refusal of Sodom’s spoils in Genesis 14:22-23. God affirms that He Himself is Abram’s ultimate protection and reward, greater than any earthly possession. This mirrors … Read more
Genesis 14 opens with a historical account of a coalition of four kings from the east waging war against five kings in the region of the Jordan Valley (Genesis 14:1-2). The eastern kings—Amraphel of Shinar, Arioch of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer of Elam, and Tidal king of nations—are likely powerful rulers over vast territories. They fight against … Read more
Genesis 13 begins with Abram going up out of Egypt with Sarai, Lot, and all their possessions (Genesis 13:1). The journey northward from Egypt to the Negev marks a return to the land God promised him. Abram is described as being “very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold” (Genesis 13:2). These riches, in … Read more