The Sad Passing of a Woman and Some Land

This is the study page for the small group meeting on July 26. At the meeting we will discuss switching to Acts after the next chapter (after Abraham dies).

Genesis 23 is partly sad, partly dismally boring.  Hang in there, it's in here for a reason, if only encouragement (yes, encouragement - if you want to know how it could be...see you for dinner Thursday ;).

As you read the chapter consider the following few questions:

• How old is Sarah when she dies?
• So, how old is Isaac when she dies?
• After Abraham mourns, what's next on his "todo" list?
• Who are the "sons of Heth"? Check out http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/Dictionary/viewTopic.cfm?type=getTopic&topic=HITTITES for two opinions.
• Why do you think this field is his choice?
• What does Abraham get in addition to the "cave"?
• What significance does it have that Abraham now owns a "piece of Canaan"?

That should do for now.  Bring your own questions, or post them as comments.  See you Thursday!

Sad and Shrewd: The Emotional Swings of Genesis 21

Hey Folks!

Here is the study page for Chapter 21.  I am debating about whether to tackle the entire chapter or just the first 21 verses.  The last part isn't long, but it is odd.  The questions will cover both pieces.

This is for the meeting on July 12.  Pay attention to the character of God shown here.  Also note that something is missing all through the first section.  The absence may not be obvious until you read it through a few times and ask yourself some questions about what's going on (that should annoy a lot of you ;)

As you read, ask a lot of questions, and jot them down.  Here are some to spur on some discussion on Thursday:

• Who is responsible for the birth of Isaac?
• What does Abraham do when his son is born?
• What does Sarah do? (and which do you think Isaac preferred?)
• This is the word used for "laughter" (H6712) in verse 6, it is related to the verb, "laugh" (H6711) used in the last part of the verse.  Look at the letters and the Strong's definitions.  Now look at "Isaac" (H3327) in the Strong's.  The similarity is really obvious when you look at the Hebrew letters, only the first letter is different.
• How does Abraham celebrate Isaac's "weaning"?
• Something turns the "laughter" to "mocking" (H6711) in verse 9.  Look at the various translations of this word.  How often is it translated as "mocking"?  Why is it "mocking" here, but "laughter" just a few verses prior?
• What is Sarah's real concern with keeping "Hagar's son" around?
• What is Abraham's response to Sarah's demand?
• What is the character of God demonstrated in His response to Abraham's dilemma?
• What is the emotions going on in Abraham as he acquiesces to his wife's demand to send Hagar and "her son" away?
• What does Hagar do when the water runs out?  How do you feel at verse 16?
• Who is crying? God responds but who does He hear?
• How does the son of Hagar make his way in the wilderness?  What similarities does he have with Nimrod (Genesis 10:8-9)?

Now, the next section:

• Who's the new guy?  Why do you think Abimelech now brings his "battle chief"?
• So, what does Abimelech propose?  What does Abraham say to the suggestion?
• After the oath (v. 24) what does Abraham want to discuss?  Look at verse 25 is several translations.  Look up this word for "complain" (H3198) in Strong's.  What is the tone of Abraham here with the "king"?
• What is Abimelech's response?  With his "battle chief" sitting there, how does this seem?
• Now there is another covenant, and what's with the seven lambs?
• What does it mean if Abimelech takes the lambs?
• In other places Abraham builds an altar, what does he do here?
• What name does Abraham use for God here?  Why that?  How, from all that transpires in this chapter, does Abraham arrive at that name for God?

That should do it for this week.  Be sure to write down your own questions and bring them Thursday!

Blessings!

Ouch! What Was That For?

I didn't want to forget again, so I made sure I posted here before I started posting on another page.  This is the study page for our group meeting on June 7 next week.  Chapter 17 forms an interesting couplet with 18, somewhat like Chapter 1 and 2 as we saw before.  The similarities are striking as are the differences.  It might help to read both chapters together even though we will be spending more time on 18 later.

As you read 17, consider the following questions, and, as always, come up with your own.

• God names Himself, what is different here from the names previous?
• Look up "blameless", or in the Strong's Concordance, "perfect".  How is that the same or different from what we normally think of as either blameless or perfect?
• This seems to be another "greeting" (remember chapter 15?).  How does this event seem to differ from before in Chapter 15? (there's a clue in verse 22)
• God changes Abram and Sarai's names here.  Read this article about names, and the significance of name changes from the Blue Letter Bible website.  So why does this relationship between Abram and God "turn a corner" here? What's so different now?
• The promise of lots of descendants and the land Abraham resides in is repeated in verses 4-8.  But now the covenant is ratified, not by binding God to it (chapter 15), but by circumcision of Abraham; and everyone else.  Why impose this so thoroughly throughout Abraham's household?
• What would you have thought if your household leader comes to you with this "new plan" from God?
• The text is very explicit that Abraham complied that very day, repeating it several times.  Why is that important?
• What limits would you place on your obedience to God?  What does "making sense" have to do with obedience?

That should do it for now.  Remember to write down questions you have as you read.  Some will be answered are you study, and some not (some never).  Bring 'em on!

Blessings upon you, and see you this Thursday!