Sabbath Afternoon

Prayer Thought

There are conditions to the fulfillment of God's promises, and prayer can never take the place of duty. "If ye love Me," Christ says, "Keep My commandments." "He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." John 14:15, 21. Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him. {COL 143.2}

The promise is "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." John 15:7. And John declares: "Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected." 1 John 2:3-5. {COL 144.1}

Memory Verse

And Abraham was old, [and] well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.{Genesis 24:1}

This week's SS Lesson portrays the uncertainties of life when shaken by the test of faith. Abraham must have learned the spiritual lesson of grace and he experiences God's reassurance of the promise that his seed will inherit the Land of Promise. It also includes the extension of Abraham's descendants who will finally comprise the blessed people and the chosen generation in the last days.

For additional information about this subject. Copy-paste or click on a browser to navigate this site: Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - 2021 Q2 The Promise: God's Everlasting Covenant (google.com)

Outline of the Study

Sunday: The Test of Faith - Mount Moriah {Gen. 22:1-12; Heb. 11:17}

Monday: The Fulfillment of the Promise - God will Provide {Gen. 22:8, 14, 18}

Tuesday: The Death of Sarah - Taking Possession of the Land {Gen. 22:23; 25:1-4)

Wednesday: A Wife of Isaac - Securing the Seed {Gen.24}

Thursday: A Wife for Abraham - More Descendants from Abraham {Gen. 24:67-25:8}

Friday: Further Study and Meditation

Sunday: The Test of Faith - Mount Moriah {Gen. 22:1-12; Heb. 11:17}

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac.” (Hebrews 11:17)

A Promise Fulfilled and Abraham Be Tested

Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. Genesis 22:2. {CTr 83.1}

In a vision of the night, in his home in Beersheba, when he was one hundred and twenty years old, Abraham received the startling command, “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” His son, his only son, the son of promise, to be sacrificed. There was no more sleep for Abraham that night. . . . God had promised him that his name was to be perpetuated in Isaac, but here was a severe trial of his faith. Abraham had clung to the promise of a son from his own wife Sarah, and God had fulfilled His promise. . . . He left Ishmael out of the question, saying, “Thine only son, Isaac.”. . . {CTr 83.2}

Faithful Abraham Vindicated

My mind goes back to faithful Abraham, who, in obedience to the divine command given him in a night vision at Beersheba, pursues his journey with Isaac by his side. He sees before him the mountain which God had told him He would signalize as the one upon which he was to sacrifice. He removes the wood from the shoulder of his servant and lays it upon Isaac, the one to be offered. He girds up his soul with firmness and agonizing sternness, ready for the work which God requires him to do. With a breaking heart and unnerved hand, he takes the fire, while Isaac inquires: Father, here is the fire and the wood; but where is the offering? But, oh, Abraham cannot tell him now! Father and son build the altar, and the terrible moment comes for Abraham to make known to Isaac that which has agonized his soul all that long journey, that Isaac himself is the victim. Isaac is not a lad; he is a full-grown young man. He could have refused to submit to his father's design had he chosen to do so. He does not accuse his father of insanity, nor does he even seek to change his purpose. He submits. He believes in the love of his father and that he would not make this terrible sacrifice of his only son if God had not bidden him do so. Isaac is bound by the trembling, loving hands of his pitying father because God has said it. The son submits to the sacrifice because he believes in the integrity of his father. But when everything is ready, when the faith of the father and the submission of the son are fully tested, the angel of God stays the uplifted hand of Abraham that is about to slay his son and tells him that it is enough. "Now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from Me." {3T 368.1}

Consider the Following

God never requested human sacrifices (Jeremiah 7:31). Furthermore, sacrificing Isaac went against the promise: “for in Isaac your seed shall be called.” (Genesis 21:12)

Did Abraham misunderstand God’s order (Genesis 22:2)?

God was testing Abraham. His heart was being judged (Deuteronomy 8:2). The result was satisfactory (Genesis 22:12)

Monday: The Fulfillment of the Promise - God will Provide {Gen. 22:8, 14, 18}

“And Abraham said, ‘My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.’” (Genesis 22:8)

God's Provision of a Sacrifice Instead of Isaac

Abraham's experience answered the question: "Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" Micah 6:6, 7. In the words of Abraham, "My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering," (Genesis 22:8), and in God's provision of a sacrifice instead of Isaac, it was declared that no man could make expiation for himself. The pagan system of sacrifice was wholly unacceptable to God. No father was to offer up his son or his daughter for a sin offering. The Son of God alone can bear the guilt of the world. {DA 469.2}

A Lamb of God a Symbol to Die for Humanity

None among the hearers, and not even the speaker himself, discerned the import of these words, "the Lamb of God." Upon Mount Moriah, Abraham had heard the question of his son, "My father, . . . where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" The father answered, "My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering." Genesis 22:7, 8. And in the ram divinely provided in the place of Isaac, Abraham saw a symbol of Him who was to die for the sins of men. The Holy Spirit through Isaiah, taking up the illustration, prophesied of the Saviour, "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter," "and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:7, 6); but the people of Israel had not understood the lesson. Many of them regarded the sacrificial offerings much as the heathen looked upon their sacrifices,--as gifts by which they themselves might propitiate the Deity. God desired to teach them that from His own love comes the gift which reconciles them to Himself. {DA 112.5}

A Thousand Ways God Provide

Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service of God supreme, will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet.--The Ministry of Healing, p. 481. (1905) {CM 114.1}

Consider the Following

Isaac noticed there was no animal to sacrifice. Abraham sidestepped his questions by stating that God would provide one.

Indeed, God provided the animal for the burnt offering. That animal died instead of Isaac (Genesis 22:13). God confirmed the fulfillment of the promise this way (Genesis 22:18).

God has provided. Jesus is the Lamb who died so we can live (John 1:36; Romans 5:8; 6:8).

Tuesday: The Death of Sarah - Taking Possession of the Land {Gen. 22:23; 25:1-4)

And the field, and the cave that [is] therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a burying place by the sons of Heth. (Genesis 23:20)

Abraham Saw the Earth Restored to Its Eden Beauty

By divine direction, Abraham sacrificed a heifer, a she-goat, and a ram, each three years old, dividing the bodies and laying the pieces a little distance apart. To these he added a turtledove and a young pigeon, which, however, were not divided. This being done, he reverently passed between the parts of the sacrifice, making a solemn vow to God of perpetual obedience. Watchful and steadfast, he remained beside the carcasses till the going down of the sun, to guard them from being defiled or devoured by birds of prey. About sunset he sank into a deep sleep; and, "lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him." And the voice of God was heard, bidding him not to expect immediate possession of the Promised Land, and pointing forward to the sufferings of his posterity before their establishment in Canaan. The plan of redemption was here opened to him, in the death of Christ, the great sacrifice, and His coming in glory. Abraham saw also the earth restored to its Eden beauty, to be given him for an everlasting possession, as the final and complete fulfillment of the promise. {PP 137.1}

Others will be Raised up to Enter the Promised Land

It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years in the wilderness; he desired to lead them directly to the land of Canaan, and establish them there, a holy, happy people. But “they could not enter in because of unbelief.” [Hebrews 3:19.] Because of their backsliding and apostasy, they perished in the desert, and others were raised up to enter the promised land. In like manner, it was not the will of God that the coming of Christ should be so long delayed, and his people should remain so many years in this world of sin and sorrow. But unbelief separated them from God. As they refused to do the work which he had appointed them, others were raised up to proclaim the message. In mercy to the world, Jesus delays his coming, that sinners may have an opportunity to hear the warning, and find in him a shelter before the wrath of God shall be poured out. {GC88 458.1}

Consider the Following

Abraham “had reached the age of a hundred and twenty years” (E.G.W., PP 147) when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac. Therefore, Isaac was 20 years old, and Sarah was 100 years old.

17 years later, Sarah died (Genesis 23:1). She’s the only woman in the Old Testament whose age when passing away is mentioned. She was also the first woman to enter the promised land.

After negotiating with Ephron, Abraham bought the first piece of land that he could call his own in Canaan (Genesis 23:17-18).

Wednesday: A Wife of Isaac - Securing the Seed {Gen.24}

“The Lord God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my family, and who spoke to me and swore to me, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land,’ He will send His angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there.” (Genesis 24:7)

Marriage Arrangement in Ancient Times

In ancient times marriage engagements were generally made by the parents, and this was the custom among those who worshiped God. None were required to marry those whom they could not love; but in the bestowal of their affections the youth were guided by the judgment of their experienced, God-fearing parents. It was regarded as a dishonor to parents, and even a crime, to pursue a course contrary to this. {PP 171.2}

Select a Wife from those who Believe in the True God

Abraham required his servant to make a solemn oath to him before the Lord, that he would not take a wife for Isaac of the Canaanites, but that he would go to Abraham's kindred, who believed in the true God, and select a wife for the young man. He charged him not to take Isaac to the country from which he came; for they were nearly all affected with idolatry. If he could not find a wife for Isaac who would leave her kindred and come where he was, then he should be clear of the oath which he had made.--ST, Apr. 10, 1879.{DG 29.2}

Evidence of God's Approval for Isaac's Wife

This important matter was not left with Isaac, for him to select for himself, independent of his father. Abraham tells his servant that God will send his angel before him to direct him in his choice. The servant to whom this mission was entrusted started on his long journey. As he entered the city where Abraham's kindred dwelt, he prayed earnestly to God to direct him in his choice of a wife for Isaac. He asked that certain evidence might be given him, that he should not err in the matter. He rested by a well which was a place of the greatest gathering. Here he particularly noticed the engaging manners and courteous conduct of Rebekah; and all the evidence he had asked of God he received that Rebekah was the one whom God had been pleased to select to become Isaac's wife. She invited the servant to her father's house. He then related to Rebekah's father and her brother the evidence he had received from the Lord that Rebekah should become the wife of his master's son Isaac. Abraham's servant then said to them, "And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me; and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand or to the left." The father and brother answered, "The thing proceedeth from the Lord; we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is before thee; take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the Lord hath spoken. And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshiped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth." {1SP 102.1}

Consider the Following

Abraham made plans to find a wife for Isaac to secure his offspring (Genesis 24:1-4).

There are two remarkable points in this story: prayer [Abraham’s, Eliezer’s, Isaac’s], and trusting that God was in control of the process.

However, God let Rebekah choose by herself (Genesis 24:8, 50-51, 57-59).

Abraham's habitual faith in God and submission to His will were reflected in the character of Isaac; but the young man's affections were strong, and he was gentle and yielding in disposition. If united with one who did not fear God, he would be in danger of sacrificing principle for the sake of harmony. In the mind of Abraham, the choice of a wife for his son was a matter of grave importance; he was anxious to have him marry one who would not lead him from God. . . .

Thursday: A Wife for Abraham - More Descendants from Abraham {Gen. 24:67-25:8}

“Abraham again took a wife, and her name was Keturah.” (Genesis 25:1)

Abraham - The Father of Those Who Believes

Of Abraham it is written that "he was called the friend of God," "the father of all them that believe." James 2:23; Romans 4:11. The testimony of God concerning this faithful patriarch is, "Abraham obeyed My voice, and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws." And again, "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." It was a high honor to which Abraham was called, that of being the father of the people who for centuries were the guardians and preservers of the truth of God for the world--of that people through whom all the nations of the earth should be blessed in the advent of the promised Messiah. But He who called the patriarch judged him worthy. It is God that speaks. He who understands the thoughts afar off, and places the right estimate upon men, says, "I know him." There would be on the part of Abraham no betraying of the truth for selfish purposes. He would keep the law and deal justly and righteously. And he would not only fear the Lord himself, but would cultivate religion in his home. He would instruct his family in righteousness. The law of God would be the rule in his household. {PP 140.3}

Thousand Souls Comprise Abraham's Household

Abraham's household comprised more than a thousand souls. Those who were led by his teachings to worship the one God, found a home in his encampment; and here, as in a school, they received such instruction as would prepare them to be representatives of the true faith. Thus a great responsibility rested upon him. He was training heads of families, and his methods of government would be carried out in the households over which they should preside. {PP 141.1}

Consider the Following

Abraham lived for 175 years (Genesis 25:7). Besides Isaac, he had one son with Hagar (Genesis 25:12), and another six with Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2).

Abraham sent the seven sons of his concubines far away, because only Isaac could inherit the promised land (Genesis 25:6).

There are two short genealogical records in Genesis 25:2-4 and 12-18 which emphasize that the promise to Abraham was fulfilled: “and you shall be a father of many nations.” (Genesis 17:4)

The Lord remained true to His promises of grace to His faithful servant Abraham, whose faith is depicted in Scripture as a great example of salvation by faith.

Friday: Further Study and Meditation

Abraham's affection for his children and his household led him to guard their religious faith, to impart to them a knowledge of the divine statutes, as the most precious legacy he could transmit to them, and through them to the world. All were taught that they were under the rule of the God of heaven. There was to be no oppression on the part of parents and no disobedience on the part of children. God's law had appointed to each his duties, and only in obedience to it could any secure happiness or prosperity. {PP 142.1}

His own example, the silent influence of his daily life, was a constant lesson. The unswerving integrity, the benevolence and unselfish courtesy, which had won the admiration of kings, were displayed in the home. There was a fragrance about the life, a nobility and loveliness of character, which revealed to all that he was connected with Heaven. He did not neglect the soul of the humblest servant. In his household there was not one law for the master and another for the servant; a royal way for the rich and another for the poor. All were treated with justice and compassion, as inheritors with him of the grace of life. {PP 142.2}

"He will command his . . . household." There would be no sinful neglect to restrain the evil propensities of his children, no weak, unwise, indulgent favoritism; no yielding of his conviction of duty to the claims of mistaken affection. Abraham would not only give right instruction, but he would maintain the authority of just and righteous laws. {PP 142.3}

Questions to Ponder

1. Chapter 22 of Genesis had been a classic demonstration of the one who had been considered the father of faith. What lesson can we take from this story? Why this test was necessary?

2. Long before the cross, at Mt. Moriah, Abraham's faith had been demonstrated and God provided His promise. What was its application for us in these last days? How could we demonstrate our faith?

3. If we're in Abraham's place, what would be your response? How would it impact your challenges in your present condition?

4. In what way that the burial place of Sarah, one of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham?

5. What's the purpose of Abraham in seeking the right wife for His son Isaac? Why he doesn't want the Canaanite woman?

6. Why is so important for Abraham to find another wife after the death of Sarah?

7. Based on the above quotation {PP 142.2,3), What does it teach about our family cultures, habits, and practices?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“God gave His Son to a death of agony and shame. The angels who witnessed the humiliation and soul anguish of the Son of God were not permitted to interpose, as in the case of Isaac. There was no voice to cry, ‘It is enough.’ To save the fallen race, the King of glory yielded up His life. What stronger proof can be given of the infinite compassion and love of God? ‘He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?’ Romans 8:32” E. G. W. (Patriarchs and Prophets, cp. 13, p. 154)

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