Monday

7-Jan-19

Genesis 23-25; Proverbs 3; Matthew 6

Genesis 23: How old was Sarah when she died, where did Sarah die, and where was she buried?

Genesis 24: Why did Abraham’s servant go to find a wife for Isaac and why? What facilitated this process?

Two ‘bonus’ questions: Who was Abraham’s servant? How much water do you think Rebekah drew from the well?

Genesis 25:  Who did Abraham marry after Sarah, and how many sons did they have?  Where did they live? Who buried Abraham?  What do you know about Rebekah’s faith?

Proverbs 3: What will be the result of fearing the Lord, and turning away from evil and honoring God with your wealth?

Matthew 6: Matthew 6: What is the result when we forgive someone who has sinned against us? What similarities does Jesus teach about giving to the needy, praying and fasting?

Journal Prompt: The ways in which spiritual disciples (like those mentioned in Matthew 6) are a part of your priorities.

Answers:

Genesis 23:  Sarah died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. She was buried in the cave of Machpelah which Abraham purchased from Ephrom the Hititie.

Genesis 24: Abraham asked his servant to go and bring back a wife for Isaac – he didn’t want a Canaanite wife for his son. The process was facilitated by an angel which the Lord sent ahead of the servant of Abraham.

Bonus:  Abraham’s servan’s name was Eliezer (Gen. 15:2).  Rebekah probably drew at least 200 gallons of water – 20 gallons of water for each of the 10 camels (that’s the equivalent of 40 5-gallon water bottles!).  This is a conservative estimate – as camels can drink up to 40 gallons at a time!

Genesis 25: Abraham married Keturah, they had six sons – they lived in the East, because Abraham sent them to live away from Isaac. Abraham was buried in the cave of Machpelah in Hebron where Sarah was also buried.  Both Isaac and Ishmael buried their father which I find very interesting because it would appear that Abraham and Isaac maintained a relationship with Ishmael. We tend to think that Ishmael was banished – never to return, but this was obviously not so.  The translations of the second part of verse 18 are vastly different in reference to Ishmael: NIV: And they lived in hostility toward all the tribes related to them. ERV: he abode in the presence of all his brethren. ESV: He settled over against all his kinsmen. KJ: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.

Rebekah apparently trusted the Lord, because she prayed to him.

Proverbs 3: It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones and prosperity.

Matthew 6: When we forgive others, we are forgiven by God.  But if we do not forgive those who sin against us, then neither will we be forgiven.  When we give to the needy, pray and fast, we are to do it as unto the Father humbly.  We should not draw attention to ourselves, because the result can be the focus being on us rather than on God.  In this way, we honor God and bring Him glory.