Isaac Carries His Own Wood

This is the study page for Genesis 22 for the July 19 small group meeting.  There may be a lot of people out, and they are going to miss one of the most familiar and confusing chapters of Genesis.

There should be plenty of questions.  A lot of our group will be travelling this week, so if you who are can get to the Internet and read this page this week, post questions you may have as comments.  We'll share and discuss in the group, and post answers we come up with (almost like you're there).

As you read through the chapter, consider these questions; and as always, remember to come up with your own as well.

• Why is God so specific with Abraham about Isaac?
• Abraham has had discussions with God on other things he was told (Sodom for instance), but he doesn't push back on sending away Hagar and her son, nor here.  We know that he was bothered about sending his first-born away.  So what would be going on with Abraham here?
• How does Abraham distribute the burdens once he leaves the two servants with the donkey?
• We always use this passage for a name of God, that He is the 'Provider'.  Follow the link to look up the word "ra'ah" (H7200).  How is it most commonly translated?
• What is Isaac thinking here, and as this is happening?
• We always think of the angel "grabbing" Abraham's arm with the knife.  What did the Angel of The Lord actually do?
• What's with Abraham's common response of, "Here I am"?  Has he been using this response all the way through so far?
• What was God doing, or how does He explain His test?
• Where did the "ram" come from?
• What does Abraham name God here?
• We've already looked at the word compounded with God's proper Name to make this.  Now see what the Strong's does with it (H3070).  What other name of God we have run across already does this sound like (hint: it wasn't Abraham that gave it to Him, but one of his household)?
• What do you think of the promise God makes here, not so much the content which is familiar, but the timing and construction?
• What is new in this promise?

That should do for now.  As I said, you will probably have questions of your own (or at least I hope so).  If you can't make it Thursday, post your questions as comments or replies to the email.  We'll share answers after Thursday's meeting.

Blessings upon you all, and safe travels for those not able to be with us!

Faith That Travels, but Doesn't Protect?

Greetings!  On April 26 we will be out of the "Prologue" of Genesis and into the Patriarchs.  For this Thursday, read Genesis 12, and we'll discuss both halves (vs. 1-9, and 10-20).  As you read, consider the following questions:

• What are the elements of God's command to go to Canaan?
• Why does Abram build altars?
• At what point does God promise the land?  At what point does He promise Abram will be a great nation?
• How far through Canaan does Abram get?
• What do you think Abram thinks of being a great nation in that land?
• Why does Abram go to Egypt?
• Look at Genesis 11:26-32; what relationship is described between Abram and Sarai?
• What's the problem with Abram's logic as they enter Egypt?
• He seems right about his evaluation of Sarai, but what happens to the Pharaoh when he agrees?
• What does Pharaoh do once the plagues hit his household?

That should get us thinking anyway.  Be sure to note any other questions you have and bring them on Thursday.  I look forward to seeing everyone!