because Abraham listened to My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws." because Abraham listened to My voiceThe phrase "listened to My voice" underscores the importance of obedience and attentiveness to God's guidance. The Hebrew word for "listened" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but also understanding and acting upon what is heard. This reflects a deep, relational obedience that goes beyond mere compliance. Abraham's life exemplifies this as he consistently responded to God's directives, demonstrating faith and trust. In a historical context, this obedience set Abraham apart in a world where polytheism and idolatry were prevalent, marking him as a man of faith who adhered to the one true God. and kept My charge
The term "kept" comes from the Hebrew "שָׁמַר" (shamar), meaning to guard, protect, or observe. "My charge" refers to the specific responsibilities or duties God entrusted to Abraham. This indicates a stewardship role, where Abraham was not only to obey but also to preserve and uphold God's instructions. In a broader scriptural context, this reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where faithfulness to God's charge is a sign of commitment and devotion. My commandments
The word "commandments" is derived from the Hebrew "מִצְוָה" (mitzvah), which signifies divine orders or decrees. This highlights the authoritative nature of God's instructions to Abraham. Historically, this predates the Mosaic Law, suggesting that God's moral and ethical expectations were communicated even before the formal giving of the Law at Sinai. Abraham's adherence to these commandments illustrates his role as a precursor to the covenant community that would later be established through Israel. My statutes
"Statutes" in Hebrew is "חֻקָּה" (chuqqah), which refers to decrees or prescribed limits. These are often seen as permanent ordinances that God established. The use of this term indicates that there were established divine principles that Abraham was expected to follow. This suggests a continuity of God's moral order, which is consistent throughout the biblical narrative, emphasizing that God's standards are eternal and unchanging. and My laws
The Hebrew word for "laws" is "תּוֹרָה" (torah), which is often translated as "law" or "instruction." This term encompasses a broader sense of teaching and guidance. In the context of Abraham, it implies that God provided him with comprehensive guidance for living a life that was pleasing to Him. This anticipates the fuller revelation of God's law to Moses and the Israelites, showing that God's desire for His people to live according to His will is a consistent theme throughout Scripture. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. His relationship with God sets a precedent for faithfulness and covenantal blessings. 2. IsaacAbraham's son, who inherits the promises made to Abraham. Genesis 26 focuses on God's reaffirmation of His covenant with Isaac, emphasizing the continuity of His promises. 3. GodThe central figure who establishes covenants and communicates His will. His relationship with Abraham is characterized by promises and expectations of obedience. 4. CanaanThe land promised to Abraham and his descendants. It represents the physical manifestation of God's promises and blessings. 5. CovenantThe divine agreement between God and Abraham, which includes promises of land, descendants, and blessings. This covenant is foundational to the account of Genesis and the entire Bible. Teaching Points Obedience as a Response to FaithAbraham's obedience was a direct response to his faith in God's promises. True faith is demonstrated through actions that align with God's will. The Importance of Listening to GodAbraham "listened to My voice," indicating the necessity of being attentive to God's guidance. This requires a heart open to hearing and responding to God's word. Comprehensive ObedienceThe verse mentions "charge, commandments, statutes, and laws," suggesting that obedience to God encompasses all aspects of His instructions, not just selective adherence. Legacy of FaithfulnessAbraham's obedience had generational implications, affecting his descendants. Our faithfulness can impact future generations, encouraging them to walk in God's ways. Covenantal RelationshipThe covenant with Abraham is a reminder of the relational aspect of God's promises. Our relationship with God is based on His faithfulness and our response in faith and obedience. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abraham's example of obedience challenge your current understanding of faith in action? 2. In what ways can you "listen to God's voice" in your daily life, and how can this impact your decisions? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the blessings of obedience. How did this experience strengthen your faith? 4. How can you ensure that your obedience to God is comprehensive, covering all areas of His commandments? 5. Consider the legacy of faith you are building. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith positively influences future generations? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:1-3God's initial call and promises to Abraham, establishing the covenant relationship. Genesis 15:6Abraham's faith is credited to him as righteousness, highlighting the importance of faith in the covenant. Deuteronomy 11:1A call to love and obey God's commandments, echoing the obedience of Abraham. Hebrews 11:8-12The New Testament reflection on Abraham's faith and obedience, emphasizing his role as a model of faith. People Abimelech, Ahuzzath, Bashemath, Basmath, Beeri, Elon, Esau, Isaac, Judith, Phichol, RebekahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Esek, Gerar, Rehoboth, Shibah, Sitnah, Valley of GerarTopics Charge, Commandments, Commands, Decrees, Ear, Hearkened, Keepeth, Kept, Laws, Obeyed, Orders, Requirements, Rules, Statutes, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 26:5 5077 Abraham, character Genesis 26:1-5 7915 confirmation Genesis 26:1-10 5737 sisters Genesis 26:1-11 8800 prejudice Genesis 26:1-14 5503 rich, the Genesis 26:2-5 7258 promised land, early history Genesis 26:4-5 1348 covenant, with Abraham
8404 commands, in OT Library The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
'Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold, and the Lord blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth. And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture"Thou Art Now the Blessed of the Lord. "
"Thou art now the blessed of the Lord."--Genesis 26:29. THESE words truly describe the position of many whom I address at this time. There are hundreds here upon whom my eye can rest, and to any one of whom I might point with this finger, or rather, to whom I might extend this hand, to give a hearty shake, and say, "Thou art now the blessed of the Lord." I need not say it in the same spirit, nor for the same reason, that the Philistines did. They had behaved basely towards Isaac, and now that he …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892 Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be …
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing Whether Every Lie is a Sin?
Objection 1: It seems that not every lie is a sin. For it is evident that the evangelists did not sin in the writing of the Gospel. Yet they seem to have told something false: since their accounts of the words of Christ and of others often differ from one another: wherefore seemingly one of them must have given an untrue account. Therefore not every lie is a sin. Objection 2: Further, no one is rewarded by God for sin. But the midwives of Egypt were rewarded by God for a lie, for it is stated that …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Elucidation.
The conduct of Father Abraham, although not approved of by Inspiration, but simply recorded (Gen. xxvi. 7), gave early Christians an opinion that the wicked may be justly foiled, by equivocation and deception, for the preservation of innocence or the life of the innocent. In such case the person deceived, they might argue, is not injured, but benefited (Gen. xxvi. 10), being saved from committing violence and murder. The Corinthian maiden was accustomed to be veiled (as Tertullian intimates), and …
Hippolytus—The Extant Works and Fragments of Hippolytus An Obscured vision
(Preached at the opening of the Winona Lake Bible Conference.) TEXT: "Where there is no vision, the people perish."--Proverbs 29:18. It is not altogether an easy matter to secure a text for such an occasion as this; not because the texts are so few in number but rather because they are so many, for one has only to turn over the pages of the Bible in the most casual way to find them facing him at every reading. Feeling the need of advice for such a time as this, I asked a number of my friends who …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus And to Holy David Indeed it Might More Justly be Said...
22. And to holy David indeed it might more justly be said, that he ought not to have been angry; no, not with one however ungrateful and rendering evil for good; yet if, as man, anger did steal over him, he ought not to have let it so prevail, that he should swear to do a thing which either by giving way to his rage he should do, or by breaking his oath leave undone. But to the other, set as he was amid the libidinous frenzy of the Sodomites, who would dare to say, "Although thy guests in thine own …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee.
Subdivision B. At Jacob's Well, and at Sychar. ^D John IV. 5-42. ^d 5 So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 and Jacob's well was there. [Commentators long made the mistake of supposing that Shechem, now called Nablous, was the town here called Sychar. Sheckem lies a mile and a half west of Jacob's well, while the real Sychar, now called 'Askar, lies scarcely half a mile north of the well. It was a small town, loosely called …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Sundry Sharp Reproofs
This doctrine draws up a charge against several sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet have not learned this art of holy mourning. Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. Most are like the stony ground which lacked moisture' (Luke 8:6). We have many cry out of hard times, but they are not sensible of hard hearts. Hot and dry is the worst temper of the body. Sure …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 26:5 NIVGenesis 26:5 NLTGenesis 26:5 ESVGenesis 26:5 NASBGenesis 26:5 KJV
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