The Life Of Abraham
J.R. Jameson
Table of Contents
Abram and Lot
Abram was Lot's uncle, and the younger man had come all the way from Ur of the Chaldees with him. From the time that they left Haran Abram was the leader of the company, and he was really and truly dependent upon the Invisible God. Lot depended upon Abram whom he could see with his eyes, thus there was a great difference between them. With Abram it was a walk of faith, but with Lot a walk by sight. It says about Abram, so Abram departed, (Gen. 12:4). Abram passed through (v. 6). Abram removed (v. 8). Abram journeyed (v. 9). All it says about his nephew is, “And Lot went with him." (v. 4).
Both of these men were very rich in cattle and sheep and asses, and as a result sometimes there was not enough pasture for all the stock, and in some districts there would not be enough water for them all to drink. This difficulty caused a strife between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. The servants would be fighting between themselves, trying to get the best supplies for their own animals. All this strife was a trouble to Abram and so he suggested that he should separate from his nephew Lot. Abram was a most kindhearted man and he offered Lot whatever he would like. He said “We had much better separate, if you go to the left hand then I will go to the right, if you take the right hand then I will take the left."
Lot was a wise man as far as the things of the world were concerned, and so he lifted up his eyes and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, and therefore he chose to go down into the vale and pitched his tent towards Sodom.
The New Testament tells us that Lot was a righteous man, but from now onwards he is always in the wrong place, which was the result of choosing his own path. It brought nothing but trouble, as we shall see as we go on with the story.
If Lot had asked the Lord about going down towards Sodom, the Lord would have revealed to him that the district would be plundered by desert tribes, and eventually destroyed by fire, but Lot did not ask and went his own way, and almost lost his life.
Abram left himself in the Lord's hand, and no sooner had Lot departed from him than the Lord spoke to Abram, saying "
Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward and eastward and westward. For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever." (Chapter 13:14).
Lot would have to pay a high rent for the farm he took in that fruitful vale, whereas God promised to give the whole country to Abram. It just shows that God always does the best for those who leave the choice with Him.
God had given the land by promise unto Abram, and God always keeps his promises, but Abram had not yet come into possession of it. Therefore God told him to walk through the length and breadth of it. This would be so that he could enjoy it, and explore all that was to be his. Don't you think that he would be exceedingly interested in every mountain and valley, every river and pasture, because it was all to be his one day? In the meantime he was a happy pilgrim walking in daily communion with the God who loved him. He removed his tent to Hebron (which means fellowship) and there he built an altar.
The Talk
(1)The danger of choosing what looks best. Oh reader, never be in a hurry to choose for yourself. Do seek the Lord's guidance, He will never fail a trusting heart. “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Prov. 16:25).
(2)God promised Abram the Land. God has given us a wonderful land, it is called the BIBLE. God wants us to READ through the length and breadth of it. There are the most interesting incidents to be found therein. Do you read it every day?
The Battle
In the last chapter we saw that Lot pitched his tent towards Sodom'. It will be well to say a word or two about this city.
The king of Sodom was called Bera. Some years before Lot went to live there, Bera had been conquered by the king of Elam (or Persia as we now know it). The victorious king had imposed a tribute upon Bera which was to be paid each year, and of course as long as the money was paid there was peace between them.
It seems that Lot went to live in Sodom during this time of peace and got comfortably settled down. Bera paid the tribute for twelve years, but in the thirteenth year he rebelled, and refused to pay. The result was that in the fourteenth year the king of Elam returned with an army to quell the rebels and to restore the previous relations.
The king of Elam had powerful forces and he soon gained the victory. He took Sodom and all the goods and some of the people away captive, including Lot and his family.
If Lot had asked the Lord about going down to live in Sodom, He would have warned him of the coming dangers. God knew that there would be a war and that Sodom would be taken, but Lot did not ask and so he had to suffer, as we said in our last chapter.
Someone escaped from Sodom and went in haste to tell Abram that his nephew Lot had been taken captive. Abram at once called out his trained servants, numbering three hundred and eighteen, and went off in haste to the rescue. It was a most daring thing to do but his trust was in the Living God, and he gained the victory by slaying the king of Elam and the other kings that were with him. Abram also rescued Lot and all the others who were taken captive, together with all the goods. It was a complete victory. Abram was an Overcomer.
The Talk
(1)In Lot's case we learn the folly of trusting ourselves and choosing our own path without asking guidance from the Lord.
(2)In Abram's case we learn how God can use one of His trusting children for the deliverance and help of those who are weak in the faith.
The Bride's Home
We have seen the servant speaking to Rebekah at the well-side, now he asks, Whose daughter art thou? This was a most important question, because Abraham had said that the bride must be of his family. God had ordered it that one of Abraham's kindred should come first to the well that day to meet the servant. And so she was the very person appointed by God for Isaac, although Rebekah did not know. The maiden answered as to her household, and then there was another question put to her.
“Is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in," "Yes we have plenty of room for you and all the camels," said she. With this she ran off to the house to tell her mother the news.
The Servant being left alone at the well bowed down his head and gave thanks to God. (Verse 27). This is very beautiful, we sometimes forget to give thanks to God for the answer to our prayers.
Laban, Rebekah's brother came out to the well to invite the servant in, while Rebekah and her mother prepared a meal for the hungry traveler. Laban gave him a lovely welcome, he said, “COME! IN, THOU BLESSED OF THE LORD; WHEREFORE STAND-EST THOU WITHOUT "?
The servant gave the camels straw and provender and then went into the house. As soon as he was inside they set meat before him, but he would not eat anything. He said, “I will not eat, until I have told mine errand.’ He was not free to tell this wonderful story outside at the well, but now that he was in the house he could reveal the secret. So he began.
“I am Abraham's servant. And the Lord hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and He hath given him flocks and herds, and silver and gold, and menservants and maidservants, and camels and asses. And Sarah my master's wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath. And my master made me sware, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell: But thou shalt go to my father's house, and to my kindred, and take a wife to my son." (verses 34 to 38, Read on to verse 49).
Every one in the family could see without the shadow of a doubt that it was the Lord who had planned it all, Laban said, " 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." How wonderfully things turned out when the Lord is at work. The servant once again bowed down and worshipped, he was so thankful to God for the way He had undertaken for him.
The servant then gave many precious things to Rebekah and the other members of the family. He was now free to enjoy the meal which they had so gladly provided for him and the men that were with him. No doubt they would spend the remainder of the evening in happy conversation about the two families.
The next morning the servant was up early, saying, “Send me away unto my master." A servant's place is to do the master's bidding and to return at once, he had been successful and now he was anxious to return immediately and report the wonderful result to his Master, who would be longing to know what had happened. It was only natural that the mother and brother would want the young maiden to remain with them a few days. They said, “Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at least ten," but the servant said, " Hinder me not, seeing the Lord hath prospered my way." They all thought that the best way to settle this matter was to call Rebekah and hear what she had to say. When she had come they asked, “WILT THOU GO WITH THIS MAN? And she said, “I WILL GO." How beautiful, her heart was won.
The Talk
(1) The servant was faithful, lie would not eat until he had told his errand, and when everything was settled he was anxious to return to his master.
There is no name given to the servant in this chapter, and he did not speak of himself but of his master and his master's son, he is a type of the Holy Spirit who has been sent into the world to win hearts for the Lord Jesus Christ. HAS HE WON YOUR HEART YET?
(2) Rebekah had been listening to the servant as he told of Abraham's Greatness and of his love for Isaac and her heart had been captivated by the story. She was charmed with the report of Isaac and she was willing to leave everything and go to him.
There is a wonderful charm about the Lord Jesus Christ. In perfect love He came to die for us that we might be cleansed and made meet for His home above and now He wants a place in our hearts. Is there room in your heart and life for the Servant (the Holy Spirit) to display all the treasures.
The Departure From Haran
Abram was 75 years old when his father died, and it seems that the Lord had caused him to remember the “Call of God " and from this time he went forward." So Abram departed (from Haran) as the Lord had spoken unto him, and Lot went with him." The distance from this place to Damascus is about 250 miles so we may say that the journey would take a few weeks. The pasture here would not be so plentiful as they had found it on the banks of the river Euphrates years before, but in the spring time they should find enough to meet their needs, as they moved forward each day.
When they came to Damascus Abram found a man named Eliezer whom he employed as a servant. This man proved to be the most faithful and trusted servant that Abram ever had. We shall hear more about him later on.
When Abram came into the land which God had chosen for him he must have been delighted with it. We may be sure that he had never seen such a beautiful country, with its hills and valleys, its rivers and fountains of waters, the green pastures and fruitful vineyards. A land that was indeed favored for it drank of the rain of heaven.
The people of the land of Canaan lived in small villages, with the stone houses all built near to each other and a strong wall built round the outside of the village. This was to protect them from bands of robbers who sometimes came to plunder the country. Abram was perfectly satisfied with a TENT which would be a great contrast to all that was around him. His faith was in the Living God. He knew that the One who was Almighty was taking care of him, so he lived without fear in his Tent. He could say; “And God is round about me, and can I be dismayed.'
The people were called Canaanites and they were a sinful race who bowed down to idols of wood and stone, and therefore Abram did not form any friendships with them. How could he? When he was the friend of God. He had been called to walk in happy communion with God, and this fellowship with God which he enjoyed day by day satisfied his heart, and made him a contented stranger and pilgrim. He was learning the sweetness and comfort of being dependent upon God alone. Abram was called the friend of God, what a beautiful description of him.
Long years before when Abram lived in Ur of the Chaldees, he had heard the call of God saying, “Get thee out of thy country and from thy kindred and come into a land which I shall show thee." Abram had obeyed the first part, he got out of his country, but he remained in Haran many years as we saw in the last chapter. Now please take special notice that all the time he was in Haran we do not once read of him hearing the voice of God, but as soon as he had fully obeyed, and had come into the land that God had called him into, we read. “And the LORD APPEARED unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land." (Gen. 12:7). This must have been a great cheer to Abram, and he built an altar unto the Lord.
He had a tent for himself, but built an altar for the Lord. When Abram removed to the next place he pulled down the tent, but the ALTAR was to remain as a witness to the God who had called him. He left a testimony to the living God behind him when he left Sichem. The next place he came to was Bethel and here he built an altar and called on the name of the Lord. The first time he simply listened to what the Lord had to say to him, but this time Abram spoke to the Lord. He was growing in the knowledge of God, and so shall we if we walk with him each day.
Abram had no friendship with the Canaanites as we have already said, because of their sinful ways, but they would certainly take notice of his daily walk. They would see the Altars he erected; which would be a witness to the God who had called him. They would also see his tent, which should tell them that he was a stranger and a pilgrim walking in fellowship with God.
The Talk
(1) Abram's ear was opened to hear the voice of the Lord, and then his lips were opened to speak to the Lord. We too should learn to do both these things. The Christian is called into fellowship with the Father and the Son. (See 1 John 1-3).
(2) Abram lived a life of separation to God. The Lord Jesus said to His disciples, Ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." (John 15:19).
Going Down to Egypt
A very strange thing happened while Abram was in this beautiful land. A famine came and of course there was no food to eat, either for man or beast, and so Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there. We believe that Abram made a mistake in taking this step. Certainly God had not told him to go down to Egypt. Abram made this move himself without asking God if he should go. We are sure that if he had fully trusted in God, He could have satisfied him and all his company in spite of the famine. Abram left the path of faith, and it was not good in the sight of the Lord.
One wrong step often leads to another, so when Abram was in Egypt he was afraid of the people, and he did not tell the truth. If the Lord had told him to go down there, then his confidence in God would have removed all fear of man. “The fear of man bringeth a snare." (Prov. 29:25). As it was, he reported to Pharaoh that his wife was his sister. This was a shameful thing for him to do. God's word is most faithful, and He has told us such things that we might be warned not to do the same.
When a ship is to cross the ocean, the Captain is always provided with proper charts. If you could look at one of them you would notice not only all the deep safe channels for sailing, but you would see marked quite clearly, all the rocks and danger points. These are not put on the charts so that the captain may run the ship into them but so that he may keep clear of them.
It is for the same reason that God has told us in His Word of the failures of His people of old, so that we may be warned of all the dangers.
The Talk
(1) Abram went down to Egypt without first asking guidance from God. Let us always seek His leading. “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Prov. 3:6).
(2) Abram tried to deceive Pharaoh but he was found out. “Be sure your sin will find you out." (Num. 32:23). Let us take care that we always speak the truth.
A Great Promise
After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision saying. "Fear Not, I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward."
This is the first time in the Bible that we read the expression “The word of the Lord came." and also the first time that we have those beautiful words “FEAR NOT."
We may be sure that these thoughts were a great comfort to Abram, but he had no son, and now God promised to give him a son. He was told to lift up his eyes to heaven and to tell the number of the stars if he could count them. Then God said, So shall thy seed be. What a wonderful promise. Abram believed God and his faith was counted to him for righteousness.
It was at least 14 years before the promised son was born, but Abram believed, and waited and walked with God until the promise was fulfilled.
It was at this time that Abram's name was changed to Abraham.
In God's due time the child was born and great must have been the rejoicings at his birth. What a joy it must have been to Abram now 100 years old to have a little son. Oh how lovingly he would look after him, and as he grew up we may be sure that he would tell Isaac (for that was the little boy's name) all the wonderful things that God had done for him.
A Great Trial
When Isaac had grown up to be a big boy a great test came to Abraham. Here again Abraham was able to triumph, but not in his own strength, but through the power of God. God said, " Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee unto the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." (Gen. 22:2).
God never asks us to do anything without also giving us the needed strength, and so Abraham rose up early in the morning and went to the place which God had told him of. This was perfect obedience. Isaac was quite old enough to understand what was being done, and it is no wonder that he said “Behold the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering." What a beautiful answer Abraham gave. He said, “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering; so they went both of them together." What a wonderful sight it must have been to see both father and son walking together to the top of the mountain.
When they came to the appointed place, Abraham built an altar of stones, then he bound Isaac his son and laid him upon the wood which he had placed on the altar.
Then Abraham took the knife to slay his son. What a great trial it must have been to the dear old man, after waiting all these years to have a son and now to offer him in this way, but God was watching all the time, and just as Abraham lifted up his hand to slay his son, God called to him, " ABRAHAM, ABRAHAM, lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him." Just then Abraham saw behind him a Ram caught in a thicket by his horns, God had provided this animal which was offered instead of Isaac. Oh how thankful both Abraham and Isaac would be to God for His loving kindness in providing this substitute.
The Talk
(1)The great promise to Abraham was that he should have a son, and God fulfilled His Word in a wonderful way, but this is a most beautiful picture of God's promise long ago to send a Savior. We all know His name, it is Jesus Christ our Lord.
(2)In Abraham giving his beloved son on the altar, we have a wonderful picture of God the Father, giving His Son the Lord Jesus to die for us. Isaac was saved because there was a ram to die in His stead. There was no ram provided at Calvary. The Lord Jesus did die, but, Oh! glorious tidings, He is Risen from the dead, and is now seated in heaven as the GLORIFIED ONE. Have you received Him into your heart.
The Journey
We may be sure that it would be a most happy evening which they spent together in Rebekah's home circle. Hearing tidings of Abraham and Isaac from the lips of the servant, whom we judge must have been employed by his Master for well over 50 years. You will remember the mention of him at the beginning of the 2nd chapter of the book.
Rebekah had expressed her willingness to go at once and so the household were up early in the morning to see them off. The servant and his men prepared everything for the long journey. Rebekah was sent away by her loved ones with their richest blessing for future happiness, and soon the little company were on their way. No doubt the servant and his men would feel themselves highly honored to be permitted to escort their Master's bride across the Desert. Now the Scriptures say “The servant took Rebekah and went HIS way."
It has often interested me to notice that Rebekah did not choose her own way across the desert, but committed herself to the guidance and protection of Abraham's servant.
“And Rebekah arose and her damsels and they rode upon the camels and FOLLOWED THE MAN, and the servant took Rebekah and WENT HIS WAY." v. 61. Not her way but HIS way. How often we want our own way, and may persist in doing as we please, and so lose some of the present blessing.
Rebekah went in dependence upon the servant and so we are to be dependent upon the guidance of the Spirit of God, who will never fail to lead us aright.
The company would spend many days crossing the desert, but the Bible says nothing about the long journey, all that is forgotten by the joys of the welcome.
Isaac was evidently in the habit of going for a walk in the evening and many a time he must have looked for the returning servant, and no doubt he had been praying for God's blessing upon the messenger. As he was meditating in the field at eventide, he lifted up his eyes and saw and behold the Camels were coming. How delighted he must have been.
It was perfectly natural that Isaac should lift up his eyes, yes but look at the sweetness of the next sentence in the scripture “And Rebekah lifted up her eyes," and when she saw Isaac she lighted off the camel. For she had said to the servant, “What man is this that walketh in the fields to meet us, and the servant had said, It is my Master; therefore she took a veil and covered herself." Notice that Isaac was the first to lift up his eyes and then Rebekah did likewise. I think I can see a sweet thought in this; Isaac is a picture of the Lord Jesus, the Heavenly bridegroom and He lovingly longs for the Coming of the Church which is His Bride.
The church is not made of beautifully carved stones and stained glass windows, it is composed of People who have been washed from their sin by the Precious Blood of Christ, and it takes all the true believers in all ages from Pentecost to the Lord's coming to form the Church.
The Lord Jesus has promised that He will come again and when He comes He will take all those who trust Him home to His Father's house above. ..
It will be one of the most wonderful things that ever happened. All the believers on the Lord Jesus Christ who have died will be raised from the dead in a moment. Every believer on the Lord Jesus living on the earth will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air without dying and in that very same moment shall be changed into Christ's likeness and so shall we ever be with the Lord. ARE YOU READY.
Just as Isaac was looking for the Coming of the bride so the Lord Jesus looks for that soon coming day when He will receive His own.
Rebekah lifted up her eyes, this was in response to Isaac and is a picture of what we should be like, Looking for the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The servant having arrived back again gave a full account of all that had happened and then retired and left the Bride with the Bridegroom.
"And Isaac brought Rebekah into Sarah his Mother's Tent and she became his wife and he loved her and was comforted after his Mother's death. And so ended the wonderful story, but even this is a picture of the happy end of all those who love the Lord Jesus. We shall be forever with Him.
The Talk
(1) Just as the servant led Rebekah across the desert, so the Holy Spirit is leading the Children of God through this desert world. Isaac came forth to meet Rebekah and so the Lord Jesus will soon come forth to meet His loved Ones. Here is a question which needs an answer. Are you ready to meet the soon coming Bridegroom. If you are Ready, are you being led by the true Servant in His ways?
(2) When Isaac received Rebekah he was comforted after his Mother's death, all the sorrows were past and his love was satisfied. In a much more blessed way will it be true of the Lord Jesus when he receives His Ransomed bride home to Himself. He shall see of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied. He will Rest in His love. No human tongue will ever tell what holy joy it will be to dwell with the Lord Jesus forever. To hear His Voice and to see His Face and to know the fullness of His grace.
Abraham lived 35 years after Isaac was married, so he was 175 years old when he died, but before his death Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac.
Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, will be in the Kingdom of God. Yes, and every believer on the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh! dear reader, if you are not yet saved, do not delay. Soon it will be too late, “The Coming of the Lord draweth nigh."
The Life of Abraham
Why do you wait poor sinner,
Oh why do you tarry so long,
The Savior is waiting to give you
A place in the sanctified throng,
Why not!Why not!
Why not come to Him now?
Abraham lived about 4,000 years ago, in Mesopotamia, the country which we now call Iraq. The place where he was born and brought up was then known as Ur of the Chaldees, on the southern bank of the great river Euphratees, about 150 miles upstream from the mouth which flows into the Persian Gulf.
His name was Abram at the first, but afterward God changed it to Abraham, which means, the father of a great multitude.
Abram lived in the country district near to a kind of seaport town on the great river. He had flocks and herds, camels and asses, with many servants to look after them. Sarai was his wife's name, but they had no children.
One day God called him to leave his country, his kindred and his father's house. God was anxious to bless Abram in a very special way, but first of all He wanted him separated from the idol worshippers amongst whom he lived, because they were a wicked and sinful race. The New Testament says. “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, OBEYED; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." (Heb. 11:5, 8).
It seems that Abram had told the members of his father's household that he had heard the call of God and that it was his purpose to obey the heavenly voice and to depart at once. We are not told what led his relatives to leave their native place and to set off into the unknown, but it may have been that they thought they also would like to emigrate and so seek their fortune in the unknown beyond. With Abram it was different, his was a step of FAITH, he went in simple obedience to God's command and in dependence upon the God who had called him.
Abram had heard the voice of God calling him to go out, and yet when the caravan set forward it was not Abram who took the lead, but his father Terah, The Scripture says. “And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan." (Gen. 11:31).
It would be quite a large company that departed from Ur on that memorable day, with their camels and asses all fully laden with their tents and their other belongings.
The road which they took would most likely be a beaten track along the fertile valley of the great river Euphrates, in which case they would find abundant pasture for the live stock and plenty of water by the wayside. The flocks and herds would only be able to go five or six miles a day in such a hot climate, but this would enable them to graze peacefully upon the wayside pasture as they moved slowly along. It may be that the company was divided into two sections. A few of the servants going on in front with the camels and asses, so as to look out for a suitable place to camp for the night. When this was decided upon the servants would put up the tents and prepare the food for the remainder of the caravan. It may be on the other hand that the whole company kept together in case there were robber bands, we do not know. Haran was fully 600 miles upstream from Ur, so it must have taken several months to do the journey, because it is more than likely that they would stay for quite a few days at several places on the way. When they did reach this place they decided to go no further, it must have been a most beautiful place to tempt them to stop for may be 15 years.
On the other hand it may be that Terah, Abram's father was not only satisfied with the place but was too old and weary to continue another 250 miles to Canaan. There is little doubt that the district must have been most attractive to a company of emigrants, and may be Abram shared in their feelings, it was nevertheless a falling short of God's call. He had been bidden to leave Ur and go into Canaan. To remain in Haran was to fall short of God's objective.
The whole company settled down and remained quite a number of years until Abram's father died. Here we will stop and seek to learn what we can from the portion we have read.
The Talk
(1) The first thing to learn is that God called Abram because He loved him and wanted to bless him. And Abram OBEYED. Now God is calling each one of us. Have you heard Him calling you? Have you answered?
(2) There were two parts in God's message to Abram. “The God of Glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia,... and said unto him, GET THEE OUT of thy country, and from thy kindred, and COME INTO the land which I shall show thee." (Acts 7:2 and 3). Note the words GET THEE OUT and the COME INTO. Abram obeyed the first part, he got out of his country, but he was hindered from COMING INTO THE LAND by the fact that his friends decided to stay in Haran.
There are many people who would like to come to the Lord Jesus, but they are hindered by their friends. Is this the case with you my reader? You will be wise if you come first to the Lord Jesus as your Savior and then you will be able to pray for your friends.
Restoration
We do not know how long Abram stayed in Egypt, but all the time he was there he was out of communion with God. There is no record of God's voice being heard and no mention of Abram speaking to God. Abram had lost the enjoyment of God's presence, and he must have been in this unhappy condition all the time he was in Egypt.
After these things Abram went up out of, Egypt. It is always much easier to go DOWN than it is to go UP. We may be sure that Abram would be much ashamed when his sin was brought before him.
Now Abram returned UP out of Egypt. It must have been a long and difficult journey, for he had to retrace his steps right back to the place where his altar had been at first, that is between Beth-el and Hai. In order to be restored to fellowship with God, he had to return to the very spot where he went wrong. The place of departure is the place of recovery.
Then there is another most interesting thing to notice. When Abram actually got back to this place, the first thing he did was to call on the name of the Lord. It was not God who spoke first, but Abram who spoke to God.
It is just the same with us, when we make a mistake and depart from the Lord, (Who loves us far more than we can ever tell) we must go and call upon Him and confess our wrong doing, He is most willing to hear our confession. We must not just ask for forgiveness, but tell Him what we have done wrong, and then He will forgive us.
The Talk
(1)Never be afraid to own and confess before the Lord the wrong you have done, and then go and confess to those you have wronged, and seek to repair the damage if possible. Remember the words, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (Prov. 28:13).
(2)If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we have been turned aside from the path of faith and trust in the Lord, we must go back to the very first wrong step and confess it all. Like a boy whose sum is wrong, it will not do to just fill in the correct answer. No, he must go back to the very first mistake in the workings and put that right and then go on from there. It is just the same in spiritual things.
Seeking a Bride
Abraham had been greatly blessed in everything, God had watched over him and enriched him in flocks and herds, in silver and gold, in menservants and maidservants. Now that he was a very old man he desired to see his son Isaac married.
In those days it was the usual custom for the parents to choose the bride for their son, and almost always this worked out most happily, as we shall see in this case. (The Jews to-day still follow this custom).
Abraham and Isaac lived amongst the Canaanites who were idol worshippers, they bowed down to wood and stone, because they did not know the true Living God.
Abraham knew that it would never do for his son to marry an idol worshipper, because she would only be a spiritual hindrance to Isaac all his life. One of the most important steps in a person’s life is the choice of a partner in marriage. Abraham counted upon God to guide him in his choice of a wife for Isaac. She must be of Abraham's household, so that she might be a real “helpmeet." We too can look to the Lord in such matters, if we really belong to Him. Those who ask Him and wait upon Him, will without fail prove His direction for them according to His holy will.
Abraham called an old and trusted servant to him, and told him of his desire to have a bride for his son Isaac, saying,
“Thou shalt go into my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac." (Gen. 24:4. Read all the chapter, it is one of the most beautiful in the Bible).
The servant was willing to go at once, but he could see a great difficulty, and so he asked, “Perhaps the young woman will not be willing to follow me into this far away land. Shall I take your son with me "? Abraham most firmly refused to allow this, He said, “Beware that thou bring not my son thither again. The Lord God of heaven which took me from my father's house, He shall send His angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence." (v. 6 and 7).
The servant had himself learned to trust in God and he was now fully satisfied that God would open up the way as he went. Ten camels were harnessed and loaded with good things for the journey including some lovely presents for the maiden and her loved ones, and when all was ready the servant led the way over the desert.
After traveling for many days they reached the desired country just in the cool of the day when the young maidens were coming out to draw water. The servant saw a well of water a little distance off and as he was thirsty and the camels likewise fie went over to the well and made the camels kneel down, while he prayed to God most earnestly asking for His guidance and blessing at this all-important moment. You may read the prayer in Gen. 24, verses 12 to 14.
“And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold Rebekah came out." That was wonderful, but it is just like God, He delights to answer prayer. Isaiah says in chapter 65, verse 24 " And it shall come to pass that BEFORE THEY CALL, I WILL ANSWER; AND WHILE THEY ARE YET SPEAKING, I WILL HEAR."
Rebekah went down to the well and filled her pitcher with water and came up. The servant then asked her for a drink, which she kindly gave him, then she said.
“I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking."
A camel will drink from 10 to 20 gallons of water after a long desert journey, so Rebekah would need to draw at least 100 gallon, she was evidently not afraid of hard work. How beautiful is the language of Scripture.
“And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not." (v. 21).
When the camels had done drinking the servant chose a present for Rebekah. What do you think it was? You will remember he had brought ten camels fully loaded with good things. Well, he gave her a golden earring, and I think the reason he gave her this first of all, was because he wanted her ear, he wanted her to listen to the wonderful story which he had to tell.
The Talk
(1) Abraham desired that there should be a companion, a bride for his son. In like manner God desires that there should be companions for His Son, The Lord Jesus Christ, who died and rose again. Abraham sent a servant to seek the bride, and in the same way God the Father has sent into this world the Holy Spirit, that He might seek companions for Christ. He has been seeking you a long time and He is seeking you again.
(2) The servant gave Rebekah a golden earring because he desired that she would listen to the story he had to tell. The Golden earring may set forth that God has a divine claim upon our ear. He wants to tell us the matchless story of His eternal love in giving His Son to die for us, that we might be cleansed and brought to Himself. Will you give attention to this wondrous theme.
The Temptation
We have seen Abram win the battle and recover the captives. Now we must watch him on his return journey, he is weary and tired with the long march; and no doubt he is hungry and thirsty as well.
Two men are on their way to meet Abram, but they came from a different direction and for a different purpose. One was the King of Sodom, the other was the King of Salem.
The King of Sodom was highly delighted with Abram and he wanted to give him a grand present because he had slain the king of Elam, who had oppressed him for twelve years.
It was God who sent Melchizedek, the King of Salem, to meet Abram and He specially ordered that he should meet Abram before the King of Sodom arrived. This wonderful stranger was a King and a priest, and he brought to Abram “bread and wine." It was just what he needed after the Battle. Abram was refreshed by the “bread and wine," it strengthened him for the coming temptation.
Melchizedek who was King of Salem had a message from God for Abram in the form of a blessing. This is what he said.
“Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand." (Gen. 14:19).
This was a new revelation to Abram. He had never been told that the God who had called him out of Ur long years before was the possessor of the heaven and the earth.
Abram was greatly comforted and strengthened by the visit of this wonderful person and the message he brought. He is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ who delights to bless those who trust Him.
The king of Sodom was drawing near with his present, and he never thought that the present would be refused, but it was.
The Scriptures say that Abram was the friend of God, and at this time he walked in happy dependence upon God, he was in the enjoyment of God's love and favor and was proving the reality of trusting God.
The king of Sodom came with his present, but Abram refused, saying
" I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the Most High God, the possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich." (Gen. 14:22 and 23).
I want you to notice that the very words which Melchizedek brought in the form of a blessing, Abram uses as a defense against the king of Sodom.
You may wonder why this chapter is called “Temptation." Well it is because the grand present brought by the King of Sodom would have been a great temptation to most people, but Abram was a man of faith and he would only accept gifts from the God who had blessed him so richly. Abram could not very well accept gifts from an idol worshipper when he himself was a worshipper of the Living God.
The believer on the Lord Jesus is called to be dependent upon the Lord, who will supply all that is needed for the journey, we are to be pilgrims. Abram knew that it was not commendable for him to accept presents from a worldly king.
The Talk
(1)We see how God cares for those who trust Him. He sends food, and also words of cheer and encouragement which fortify the individual for future temptations.
(2)We learn here that the Christian is so well provided for that he can afford to do without the worlds presents, or favors.