GENESIS 

Chapter 22, 23 and 24 

If you don’t have a Bible handy, click this link for Genesis Chapter 22, Chapter 23, and Chapter 24.

Chapter 22:
Verses 1-19  Abraham is tested by God and he passes the test! (Note: It has been said that Isac was about 33 years old at this time – he was not a child.)
Verses 20-24  Abraham hears about the children born to his brother Nahor. (this will be important when we get to chapter 24)

Chapter 23:
Verses 1-2  Sarah dies.
Verses 3-20  Abraham negotiates with the sons of Heth for a burial place for Sarah.

Chapter 24:
Verses 1-4  Abraham makes his servant swear that he will find a wife for Isaac but not from the Canaanites.
Verses 5-9  The servant is concerned that the woman will not go with him. However, Abraham does not want the servant to take Isaac with him. If the woman will not go with him, then he will be released from the oath.
Verses 10-14  The servant loads up the camels and travels to Mesopotamia (where Abraham’s brother Nahor lives – see chapter 22: 20-24) The servant prays for a sign from God to show him which woman he should ask for Isaac.
Verses 15-25   The servant meets Rebekah and the servant sees the sign that he had asked God for. The servant gives Rebekah the gifts he has brought for her.
Verses 26-27  The servants thanks God for answering his prayer.
Verses 28-30  Rebekah tells her family about the servant and shows them her gifts.
Verses 31-33  Laban greets the servant and invites him in.
Verses 34-49  The servant tells them about his mission.
Verses 50-51  Laban and Bethuel agree and give Rebekah to the servant.
Verses 52-53  The servant worships God for answered prayer again and gives more gifts to Rebekah.
Verses 54 – 61  The servant and Rebekah and her nurse depart to make their way back to Abraham.
Verses 62-67  Rebekah and Isaac meet and become husband and wife.

Discussion:
God does not approve of child sacrifice. Did Abraham know that? Did Abraham have faith that God would give Isaac back to him? Why did Isaac go along with it?

Isaac must have had faith, belief and trust as he allowed Abraham to bind him. What do you think they talked about on the way to the mountain? While on the mountain? On the way home?

Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac. Do you think it was a coincidence that the servant found Rebekah? Do you think that God guided the servant to Rebekah? Rebekah goes with a stranger, to an unknown land – do you think she trusted God?

Abraham prayed that God would go before his servant and select a bride for Isaac. His prayer was answered! Does God answer prayers? Is the answer always yes? Can the answer be no?

Children Activities:
Have someone be the “servant” and someone else be “Rebekah”. Have “Rebekah” hide and then have the children look for her. Give hints to point the way.

Wedding celebration! Have a party with wedding themed plates, cups, etc.