÷Genesis 11:21-32; Genesis 12:1-5 Part II. History of the Patriarchs The second main division of Genesis is occupied with the history of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and also with the life story of Joseph. Our study, then, of these chapters will be grouped around these four great characters: Abraham, Genesis 12-25; Isaac, Genesis 21-28; Jacob, Genesis 27-50; Joseph, Genesis 37-50. I. Abraham, the Father of the Faithful (Genesis 12-25) With Abraham begins the third probation of the race (cf. Adam, the first; Noah, the second). The study of Abraham’ s life is exceedingly important. He alone, of all men, is called the “ Friend of God.” He is recognized as the founder of the three great religions of the world: Judaism, Christianity, and Muhammadanism. Of course, he is recognized as the founder of Christianity only in the sense that Christ is of the seed of Abraham. The importance of Abraham in Genesis is emphasized because of the relation in which he stands to the Jewish people. From this point on, our attention is to be fixed, not upon individuals, but upon a chosen people. Genesis 1:1-31; Genesis 2:1-25; Genesis 3:1-24; Genesis 4:1-26; Genesis 5:1-32; Genesis 6:1-22; Genesis 7:1-24; Genesis 8:1-22; Genesis 9:1-29; Genesis 10:1-32; Genesis 11:1-32 has been preparatory for all that follows after Genesis 12:1-20. The Cainites are all to go on their own way, building their towers, speaking against heaven, calling their lands and cities by their own names, with the inward thought that they would continue forever; while God is gathering out of the earth a people for His name, who confess that they are pilgrims and strangers in the earth, and are seeking a better country-that is a heavenly land (Hebrews 11:13-16). The history of Abraham centers around a series of manifestations of God, seven in number, each relating itself to some point in the patriarch’ s character that needed strengthening, or reaffirming a promise already given or a covenant made, and always resulting in an advanced step in the religious experience of Abraham. After visions two, three, four, six, and seven, there is recorded an episode, either historical or religious, setting forth some lapse or advance with reference to the patriarch’ s relation to God. The whole life of Abraham, then, can be grouped around seven divine manifestations, and five episodes in connection therewith. 1. The First Manifestation of God to Abraham (Genesis 11:31-32; Genesis 12:1-5) This manifestation is connected with the call of Abraham to separate himself from idolatry (cf. Joshua 24:3-15; Nehemiah 9:7) and to surrender his life, with all of its plans and purposes, to God (Genesis 12:1-4; cf. Hebrews 11:8-17). Abraham, apparently, had two calls (Genesis 11:31; Genesis 12:1; cf. Acts 7:2-4; Isaiah 51:2). The response to the first call seems to have been partial. When God called the second time, Abraham surrendered completely (Genesis 12:4-5). A threefold blessing is promised Abraham: a land, a seed, a blessing (Genesis 12:1-3). He had left the land of his fathers, now God would be with him and be his Father (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). Though one of the youngest of the family, his name would be made great, and the family blessing should come through him. Though childless, his seed would be innumerable. As compensation for the surrender of his life to God, he would be the source of blessing to all the families of the earth. As God called Abraham, so He calls us to separation (2 Corinthians 6:14-17), to surrender (Romans 12:5), and to put the plans of our lives in His hands (Isaiah 55:7; Ephesians 2:10). How do we respond to this call? Partially? If so, there will be no full blessing or vision. Abraham did not receive a full vision until he had made the full surrender. If we fully surrender, then God will make us useful and a blessing to others. History of Abraham I.Genesis 11:31-32 First Manifestation-Call to Separation II.Genesis 12:7-9 Second Manifestation-Encouragement ------------------->Genesis 12:10, Egypt Genesis 13:13, LotIII.Genesis 13:14-17 Third Manifestation-Reassurance ------------------->Genesis 14:1-24, Kings, MelchizedekIV.Genesis 15:1-21 Fourth Manifestation-Reaffirmation ------------------->Genesis 16:1-16, HagarV.Genesis 17:1-27 Fifth Manifestation-Added Assurance VI.Genesis 18:1-33 Sixth Manifestation-Intercession ------------------->Genesis 20:1-18; Genesis 21:1-34, AbimelechVII.Genesis 22:1-24 Seventh Manifestation-Supreme Test of Faith ------------------->Genesis 23:1-20; Genesis 24:1-67; Genesis 25:1-34, Machpelah