Genesis 12-24
THE Scriptures may be viewed in a great variety of ways; whilst they give us that information which no other writings afford; they are “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” They are often wrested by the perverseness of man to subserve his own purpose; but more often neglected, as if their contents were well known. Now it is important for us to bear in mind that “whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” It is thus that we find that the great principles of God have formed the subject of the written testimony from the beginning. And however clearly they may now be brought out to us from our knowledge of Jesus as the light, they are illustrated and confirmed to us by God’s previous dealings with man.
One of the most prominent characters testified of to us in Scripture, is that of Abraham—He stands forth to us as the father of all believers before God; so that in him the great principles of faith are most amply illustrated. As it is written, “that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace, to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not only to that which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all before Him whom he believed, even God who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were,” (Rom. 4:11, 12, 16, 17.) In examining the history of Abraham with this view, we shall not find the instruction giving in consecutive truths, such as the mind of man would expect, but in independent exhibitions of various parts of the divine mysteries. The heads are only here suggested; and only a little attention is needed to discern the bearing of the several parts, and to fill them up.
Gen. Chap. 12-13:4.—lst Part.—This illustrates the Elect one, called out of human and earthly associations by the hope of the inheritance—the obedience of faith—the trial and failure of faith, and the restoration of the soul after this failure; in short, “the life of faith” is here summarily illustrated.
13:5-12—2nd Part.—The different classes of Believers are here presented with the present special favors which single hearted service obtains from the Lord.
14—3rd Part.—This scene is a typical exhibition of the closing controversy with the powers of this world, and the rewards (from the hands of the true Melchizedek) which His faithful ones shall reap.
Note.—Thus the first recorded battle is the type of the last that is to be fought on this earth.
15—4th Part.—This chapter gives us a view of the Sonship and Heirship.
Note.—Abraham could not be satisfied that his house should be established in a servant, to whom a son is promised; he seeks to read the covenant that secures the inheritance which the Lord grants him. So is it with us.
16-17—5th Part.—These chapters gives us in detail the introduction of the law into the family of God, and the final establishment of that family under the covenant of grace.
Note.—Sarai’s unbelief brings Ishmael into the house. So was the law brought in. (see Gal. 3, 4) Circumcision is the seal of the covenant of grace to Israel. Abraham’s new name may intimate darkly his double fatherhood, and the family in heaven and on earth.
18-19—6th Part.—This scene is fruitful in meaning; we have here the Church in Abraham—the apostate world in Sodom—the Jew in Lot, and God’s various dealings with them all.
Note.—Incidentally we have the sad result of Lot’s worldly religion; his seed becomes (the Moabites and Ammonites) the principal enemies of the people of God. Solemn warning this.
20-21.—7th Part.—These chapters show us the different estate of Israel, how represented in Abraham before and subsequent to Messiah: before He is brought forth to them, they are in dishonor; but subsequently they are glorified in the eyes of the world; the earth becomes the place of peace and blessing, and of beauty again.
Note.—Ishmael will then be dismissed; their present estate (typified by Ishmael, see Gal. 4) will then be all changed and forgotten.
22—8th Part.—We have here the justification of faith, the saint standing in the day of visitation, and all the blessing afresh sealed to him.
23—9th Part.—This scene exhibits the place of the hope of the Believer—i.e. beyond the grave, or in the resurrection. He not only lives by faith, but dies in faith, (Heb. 10, 11)—he hopes “to the end.”
24—10th Part.—The mystery of the Father’s election of the Church and presentation of it to the Son, and of the Son’s acceptance of, and comfort in it, with other incidental truths, are here given to us beautifully.