Part 1: Introduction | Part 2: Journey to Canaan | Part 3: Settlement | Part 4: Establishment | Part 5: Covenant | Part 6: Ishmael. Not. | Part 7: Implemented | Part 8: Isaac Promised | Part 9: Certified at Sodom | Part 10: Certified in Gerar | Part 11: Fulfillment | Part 12: Preservation
We are now winding down the life of Abraham. Moses, our narrator, relates several events that speak to the continuation of the Abrahamic Covenant after its namesake’s death.
Sarah dies (Ge 23.2), and Abraham purchases a burial cave from a local Hittite (“son of Heth”) (Ge 23.3-18) and buries her. Here the account is again drawn out–the entire conversation is reported–indicating that this is a significant event. The significance is twofold: first, it indicates that Abraham intends to reside permanently in Canaan, in recognition of God’s promise to him; it is one more evidence of his faith. We will learn later in Genesis that several generations of Abraham’s descendants are to be buried in the same cave, indicating that the cave itself is of sufficient size to accommodate long-term local residency. Second, it indicates the Canaanites’ respect for Abraham and their recognition of his right to establish that residency. This is evidence of God’s work on his behalf, and it helps establish the appropriateness of his descendants’ broader claim to the land.
The second event is also highly significant. In this longest chapter in Genesis, Abraham arranges for a wife for the covenant son, Isaac, who is now 40 years old (Ge 25.20), which would make Abraham 140 (Ge 21.5). Despite the indication of Abraham’s friendly relations with the Canaanites, Abraham is careful to demand that the wife come from his own people, not the idol-worshipers (Ge 24.2-4). His servant (perhaps Eliezer of Damascus? Ge 15.2), anticipating a possible complication, asks whether it would be possible to take Isaac along (Ge 24.5); Abraham strictly forbids it (Ge 24.6)–again an evidence of his faith and conviction regarding the Lord’s covenant (Ge 24.7). The servant promises and heads out (Ge 24.8-9) on a nearly 500-mile journey, which would have taken a couple of months.
Moses relates the details of what follows, clearly meaning to demonstrate the Lord’s providential working. The Faithlife Study Bible notes that this is “the first person in the Bible to pray for divine guidance. God answers his request before he finishes speaking.” God answers his prayer (Ge 24.12-13), a prayer designed to identify a woman of character. (A camel can drink up to 25 gallons, and the servant had 10 of them [Ge 24.10]). The woman is Abraham’s relative–in fact, the very woman that God has chosen (Ge 24.15-21). The servant introduces himself (Ge 24.22-23), meets the family (Ge 24.24-30), and finds a warm reception (Ge 24.31-33). He then presents his mission (Ge 24.34-49), recounting in great detail all that has happened previously. The family is perfectly receptive (Ge 24.50-54), even acceding to the servant’s request that they return immediately (Ge 24.55-57)–with Rebekah’s agreement and their blessing (Ge 24.58-60).
The account ends with the wedding (Ge 24.67).
Then follows an account of Abraham’s other descendants (Ge 25.1-4), with emphasis on Isaac’s unique standing (Ge 25.5-6).
And Abraham dies (Ge 25.7), having seen the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promises: he has a growing list of descendants (Ge 15.5; 22.17), and he has locally recognized legal ownership of property in the land (Ge 15.7). He almost certainly has little to no comprehension of the way in which, by his seed (singular), all nations of the earth will be blessed (Ge 12.3). But he is full, and he is faithful, and he is content.
What’s next? I’ve been planning to write a series on the recipients of the three major covenants, who lived every 500 years from 2000 BC to 1000 BC: Abraham, Moses, and David. We’ll turn to Moses next time.
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
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