Genesis 22-24: Study Guide

Background

• Review of Genesis 19-21: God preserved Lot from the destruction of Sodom. God also preserved Abraham and Sarah in his journey among the Philistines and among Abimelech, who eventually sought a treaty with Abraham as he viewed him as being favored by God. Afterwards, Sarah gave birth to Isaac and sent Ishmael and Hagar away.
• Setting for Genesis 22: Abraham is last seen in Beersheba where he calls upon God's name, and  then staying in the land of the Philistines for many days (Genesis 21:33-34).

Study Preparations

• Timer: Assign a timer who will focus the group on spending 15 minutes in each chapter.
• Prayer: Open in prayer and invite God to provide understanding into Genesis 22-24.

Genesis 22

Read: Choose a reader to read Genesis 22:1-18.

Discussion

1. Mood: How would you define the mood of this chapter?
1. What factors contributed to this mood or intensified it?
2. Many Jewish commentaries are extremely rattled by this chapter. What is it about this chapter that is so provocative?
3. What are your own feelings about this chapter?
2. God's Affirmation: What does the Angel of the Lord appear to be so impressed with in Abraham? What emphatic language is used to highlight this impression?
3. God's Test: What exactly is God testing within Abraham? Consider whether there is anything under threat that spans the entire history of Abraham's relationship with God.
4. God will Provide: Trace the narrative that begins with Isaac's question of "Where is the lamb?".
1. What do you think about Abraham's answer to Isaac's question?
2. Is there anything odd about what Abraham ends up sacrificing in Isaac's place?
3. How do you think Abraham's answer to Isaac is best meant to be understood?

Transition: The leader ties Genesis 22 into the full picture of Genesis, and transitions the group into Genesis 23. Suggested themes and foreshadows include:

• Abraham's undeterred obedience of God
• Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his "one & only son"
• Endangerment of Abraham's promised lineage
• God as the provider for sacrifice
• God swears by Himself to bless Abraham abundantly

Genesis 23

Read: Choose a reader to read Genesis 22:19-23:20.

Discussion

1. Focus: What seems to be the focus of this chapter?
1. What did you think about the bartering over burial property?
2. Why do you think there is so much attention given to burial property, and so little attention given to the memory of Sarah?
2. Message: What do you think is the message of this chapter?

Transition: The leader ties Genesis 23 into the full picture of Genesis, and transitions the group into Genesis 24. Suggested themes and foreshadows include:

• Abraham's 'princely' reputation among the sons of Heth
• Purchase of the burial cave of Machpelah
• Abraham has children through Reumah

Genesis 24

Read: Choose a reader to read Genesis 24.

Discussion

1. Initial Reactions: What is your initial reaction to this story?
1. What would it be like if you were in the position of the servant? Would you find reassurance in Abraham's promise of an angel who would go before you?
2. What did you think about the hospitality and generally cooperative spirit shown by Rebekah's family, along with their willingness to give her over?
3. What was your reaction to the blessing given to Rebekah by her family?
2. The Servant's Prayer: What is distinct about how the servant prays to God?
1. How would you define or summarize this prayer model?
2. Do you think this kind of prayer is practiced today? Should it be?
3. Isaac's Comforting: What do you think about Isaac bringing Rebekah into his mother's tent?

Transition: The leader ties Genesis 24 into the full picture of Genesis, and helps the group anticipate what may be coming in the next study. Suggested themes and foreshadows include:

• Angelic Help (in finding a wife for Isaac)
• Asking God for a sign (the servant's request)
• Trusting God while handing over a daughter in marriage (Rebekah to Isaac)
• Rebekah is a source of comfort for Isaac (after his mother's death)

Closing

Looking Forward: Chapters 22-24 portray the securing of Isaac's destiny, as seen when God provides a substitute sacrifice in the place of Isaac, and later when God secures Isaac's lineage bloodline by providing Isaac with a non-Canaanite wife. 

1. Rebekah's Blessing: Based upon Rebekah's blessing, what enemies could be awaiting Rebekah's children?
2. Isaac: What kind of man do you think Isaac is going to grow up to be?