Genesis 26:1-35

What we’ll find in Genesis 26 is that, when the next generation faces the same set of challenges as the last generation, God is faithful to fulfill the same set of promises for the next generation.

Outline

  • First, the covenant continues through a new generation (26:1-5)
  • Second, the crisis continues for the next generation (26:6-25)
    • God protects our future despite our fears (26:6-11)
    • God provides for our future despite our flaws (26:12-17)
    • God promises our future despite our failures (26:23-25)
  • Third, the challenge continues for the next generation (26:26-35)
    • The challenge of protection (26:26-31)
    • The challenge of provision (26:32-35)

Christ Connections

  • Just as the blessings of the covenant flow through the faithful obedience of Abraham, the New Testament shows us how the blessings of the new covenant flow through the faithfulness of the son of Abraham, Jesus. God’s faithfulness to Abraham empowered Abraham’s faithfulness to God. Isaac receives the promises of the covenant in the next generation because he is connected to the head of the covenant who displayed faithful obedience in this generation. If we are connected to our covenant head we can receive the promises of the new covenant.

Applications

  • This passage is an example that we are pulled toward envy and quarreling. Scripture shows us that we can overcome envy by having a heart that entrusts itself to God.
  • Like us, Isaac was surrounded by a culture that hated him and what he stood for. We are surrounded by a culture that hates us, hostile to our beliefs, just like Abimelech. Yet, despite the hate, the culture could see what v. 28 says – we see plainly that the Lord has been with you. Can the culture say that they plainly see that the Lord has been with us? Are we shining like lights in the midst of the darkness?