R4E130906 – Isaac (Old Testament Character Study) by Douglas Jacoby
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Hebrew words:
- Yitskhaq (Isaac) — He laughs.
- Rivqah (Rebekah)
- ‘Esaw (Esau)
- Ya’aqov (Jacob) — Sounds like “he deceives,” or “he grasps the heel.”
Main thoughts:
- Isaac tends to value comfort and cuisine over principle. He is willing to compromise in order to avoid conflict.
- He is led more by his senses than by his mind; by impulses more than the Spirit.
- Although his father Abraham had conviction about marrying within the people of God, Isaac’s conviction in this area (like his son Esau’s) is weak.
- He is surrounded by relational conflict.
- In the end, he finally acknowledges God’s sovereign choice, relinquishing his right to determine who received the blessing. Hence the favorable verdict in Hebrews 11:20.
Further study:
- Passages used or referred to:
- Genesis 17, 21, 22; 2 Chronicles 3:1 and 2 Samuel 24:16.
- Genesis 24; 25:6; 25:20-21, 23, 26; 26:12-13; 27:1ff; 27:46; 28:1ff, 6-9
- Hebrews 11:20
- Old Testament:
- Genesis 17, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 31, 32, 35, 46, 48, 49, 50
- Exodus 2, 3, 4, 6, 32, 33; Leviticus 26; Numbers 32; Deuteronomy 1, 6, 9, 29, 30, 34; Joshua 24; 1 Kings 18; 2 Kings 13; 1 Chronicles 1, 16, 29; 2 Chronicles 30; Psalm 105; Jeremiah 33; Amos 7.
- New Testament:
- Matthew 1, 8, 22; Mark 12; Luke 3, 13, 20; Acts 3, 7; Romans 9; Galatians 4; Hebrews 11; James 2.
Some things we learn about God:
- God’s marriage plan is based on spirituality, not Hollywood-style fantasy or romance.
- God expects us to wait patiently for his blessings — even if it takes 20 years!
- God may improve us husbands’ judgment through our wives. Sometimes a man will act more spiritually because of his wife!
- His purposes will prevail! It is not necessary to resort to short-cuts or compromises in order to receive God’s promises. Let him work things out; we need not take matters into our own hands.
Children’s devotional idea:
- Read the story of Genesis 27.
- Blindfold “Isaac” (the parent might play this role).
- One child pretends to be another’s sibling, using his/her clothes or other belongings in order to fool “Isaac.”
- Take turns with the role-play.
- Talk about deception (trying to trick parents, brothers, or sisters). Emphasize that God will take care of us, and we don’t need any tricks to receive his blessings.
Key verses:
- 24:67 — A sound marriage is based on inward spiritual principles, not outward appearance.
- 27:4 — In effect, Isaac attempts to bypass God’s plan.
- 27:20 — He (finally) accepts God’s plan.