Topical Bible: Faith: Isaac

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Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, is a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative, embodying the continuation of God's covenant with Abraham. His life and experiences are chronicled primarily in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a man of faith, obedience, and blessing.

Birth and Early Life

Isaac's birth was a miraculous event, as his mother Sarah was barren and advanced in age. God had promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, and Isaac was the child through whom this promise would be fulfilled. Genesis 21:1-3 records, "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him."

The Binding of Isaac

One of the most profound demonstrations of faith in Isaac's life is the account of the binding of Isaac, also known as the Akedah, found in Genesis 22. God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. Abraham's willingness to obey God, even to the point of sacrificing Isaac, is a testament to his faith. Isaac's own faith is implied in his submission to his father's will. As they journeyed to the place of sacrifice, Isaac questioned, "The fire and the wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" (Genesis 22:7). Abraham's response, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son" (Genesis 22:8), underscores the faith both father and son had in God's provision. Ultimately, God intervened, providing a ram as a substitute, thus reaffirming His covenant with Abraham through Isaac.

Marriage to Rebekah

Isaac's marriage to Rebekah is another significant event that underscores God's providence and faithfulness. Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own kin, and God led the servant to Rebekah. Genesis 24:67 states, "And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death." This union was crucial for the continuation of God's promise, as Rebekah would become the mother of Esau and Jacob, the latter being the heir to the covenant.

Faith and Challenges

Isaac's life was not without challenges. Like his father Abraham, Isaac faced famine and moved to Gerar, where he repeated his father's mistake by claiming that Rebekah was his sister (Genesis 26:7). Despite this lapse, God remained faithful to Isaac, reaffirming the covenant made with Abraham. Genesis 26:24 records God's promise: "I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of My servant Abraham."

Blessing of Jacob and Esau

Isaac's later years were marked by the blessing of his sons, Jacob and Esau. Although Isaac intended to bless Esau, Rebekah and Jacob's deception led to Jacob receiving the blessing meant for the firstborn. This event, found in Genesis 27, highlights the sovereignty of God in fulfilling His purposes, as Jacob was the chosen heir to the covenant. Hebrews 11:20 reflects on Isaac's faith, stating, "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come."

Legacy

Isaac's life is a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of faith in the believer's journey. As the son of promise, Isaac played a crucial role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, serving as a link between Abraham and Jacob, the patriarchs of Israel. His life exemplifies the blessings that come from obedience and trust in God's promises, even amidst trials and uncertainties.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 11:20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Crowning Test and Triumph of Faith
... 'God will provide Himself a lamb, my son.' He does not know definitely what he expects;
he is ready to slay Isaac, but his faith is not quenched, though the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the crowning test and triumph.htm

The Meaning of Faith
... In a sense, he did receive his son back from the dead. Through faith, also, Isaac
blessed Jacob and Esau, even telling them of things to come. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the meaning of faith.htm

Faith
... land of promise;" "By faith Sarah bare Isaac;" "By faith Abraham offered up Isaac;"
"By faith Moses gave up the wealth of Egypt;" "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/faith.htm

Faith Tested and Crowned
... Again, faith is rewarded by a deeper insight into God's will. Much has been said
about the sacrifice of Isaac in its bearing upon the custom of human sacrifice ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/faith tested and crowned.htm

The Faith of Abraham.
... By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received
the promises was offering up his only-begotten son; even he to whom it was ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xi the faith of.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... CHAPTER XIII. A CLOUD OF WITNESSES. "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau,
even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm

Psalm 35 Part 1 Prayer and Faith of Persecuted Saints.
The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts. <. ... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM
35 PART 1 Prayer and faith of persecuted saints. v.1-9 CM. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 35 part 1 prayer.htm

Faith Assisted by Sense; Or, Preaching, Baptism, and the Lord's ...
The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts. <. ... Hymns, Book II HYMN 141 Faith assisted
by sense; or, Preaching, baptism, and the Lord's supper. CM ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 141 faith assisted by.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... O God!" Did you weep just now, when I bid you fancy you saw the altar, and the wood
laid in order, and Isaac laid bound on the altar? Look by faith, behold the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

Part 1 Faith the Way to Salvation. Rom. 1:16; Eph. 2:8,9.
The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts. <. ... HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS IN THREE
BOOKS. HYMN 35 PART 1 Faith the way to salvation. Rom. 1:16; Eph. 2:8,9. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 35 part 1 faith.htm