Category: Gospel

In Genesis 28-30 we see how God continues the blessing of Abraham through Jacob.  Isaac affirms the Abrahamic Covenant to Jacob and then sends him away both to escape the enmity of Esau and to find a wife through whom progeny would come.  Esau and Jacob represent not only two nations (Edom and Israel) but contrasting destinies of cursing and blessing. As Malachi later records God’s disposition to both: “Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”  Jacob is a recipient of and a believer in the Abrahamic blessing; while Esau in unbelief rejects the Abrahamic blessings. Continue reading “The Gospel in Genesis 28-30 and in the City”

Genesis 25:12-27:46 reminds us that God is faithful to fulfill his covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness.  Isaac shows a similar failure of faith, as did his father. He lies about Rebecca being his wife and instead of blessing the nations, he arouses disdain from them. Yet, despite Isaac’s unfaithfulness, the Lord blesses him and causes him to prosper. He recovers numerous wells that his father had dug and digs new ones, making his mark as he sojourns in the land of promise. In the land of promise he builds an altar and worships, calling upon the name of YAHWEH.  Isaac’s sojourn in the land of promise is twice threatened both by famine and disputes with Abimelech and his herdsmen. Nevertheless, God encourages him to remain in the land of promise and twice reaffirms to him the promise given to Abraham. Isaac and Rebecca give birth to Jacob and Esau. Continue reading “The Gospel in Genesis 25:12-27:46 and in the City”