Gen 25:1-26. God is Faithful to His Word (Passage Summary)
Sept 18, 2011.
God is Faithful to His Word (Genesis 25:1-26)
Gen 25:1-11. God multiplies Abraham's offspring. If one returns back to the initial covenant between God and Abraham in Gen 12, 17 and 22, God asserts that Abraham will be a great nation, he will multiply exceedingly, and Abraham will be a "father of a multitude of nations." The first four verses listing the sons from Abraham and Keturah (2nd wife) indicate that God's plan as told was carried out through Abraham, Sarah and Keturah.
Gen 25:12-18. God makes Ishmael a great nation. Again, a listing of offspring, however, this list is of Abraham's first son, Ishmael, born to Hagar the Egyptian maid. One may ask why Ishmael, a patriarch of Islam, is relevant to us? It is significant on two counts: a) it underscores the promise God made to Abraham about being a father of many nations, and b) while Hagar and Ismael were sent into the wilderness alone, God came to care for them and made them a promise that Ishmael will be made a great nation (Gen 21:18). The promise to Hagar is fulfilled.
Gen 25:19-26. Isaac and Rebekah have sons. Despite being 60 years old and married for 20 years, Isaac did not have any children. Was this the end of line?
Gen 25:21 reveals that Isaac prayed on behalf of Rebekah, and God answered him—Rebekah conceived. The line continues...as promised.
Gen 25:22 indicates that Rebekah had an unusually painful pregnancy. Presumably with such great concern over this pregnancy and pain, she sought an explanation from God. God (15:23) tells her that she will have twins, but the conflict between them in the womb will carry forward into their lives.
Application. God is reliable, and one who keeps his promises. The fact that he has proven himself to these figures reveals his nature as faithful and true. He is one in which we can put our trust. In Christian theology, scripture (The Bible) is God's specific revelation to man. It is in scripture we discover who He is and what He wants. As real as God spoke to Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Rebekah, so also does God speak directly to us through the Bible. Given this, we ought to trust in God's word and to accept his truth as valid and reliable for our lives. 2 Tim 3:16 states, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, for correction for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." The promises our heavenly Father makes to us as revealed in scripture will come to pass.
Also, be a person of prayer and have faith that God will answer appropriately and timely. As Isaac prayed and Rebekah sought from God answers, God responded.
There is some controversy about Isaac in Gen 25:19-21. After 20 years without children, Isaac prayed on behalf of Rebekah. It makes one wonder: why wasn't he praying earlier? We can learn from this that we should NOT be passive about prayer, that it's a last resort when we all else fails. "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks." 1 Thess. 5:16-18. All things in life should be steeped in prayer.
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