Isaac Gets a Wife Genesis 23:1-25:11

Sarah’s Death Sarah died in Kirjath Arba (Hebron) at the age of 127 – Genesis 23:1-2 She was the mother of all faithful women who submit to their husbands – 1 Peter 3:5-6

The Cave of Machpelah Genesis 23:3-20 Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah as a burial place in Canaan. Thus, he effectively proclaimed this would be his family home. The sons of Heth gave him the choice of any burial place. Ephron tried to give him the land, but Abraham insisted on paying for the cave near Mamre, or Hebron.

Abraham’s Servant Finds Rebekah Genesis 24:1-27 Abraham made his oldest servant swear he would return to Mesopotamia to find Isaac a wife. –The hand under the thigh is tied to serious oaths (Genesis 47:29-31). Idolatrous worship in Canaan was so vile it may have led to Abraham insisting Isaac’s wife not come from Canaan (compare Exodus 34:11-16; Deuteronomy 7:1-4; Nehemiah 13:23-27). Isaac could not return to Mesopotamia because of God’s instructions (Genesis 12:1).

Rebekah Made Known Abraham’s brother, Nahor, had children by Milcah, one of whom was Bethuel, father of Rebekah –Rebekah gave Abraham’s servant water and watered his camels, in answer to his prayer –When she identified herself, the servant bowed and thanked God for leading him to the right woman

Wedding Arrangements Genesis 24:28-58 Rebekah ran home to tell of the man she had met. She told of the gifts (gold ring for nose and 2 gold bracelets) he had given her. Laban, her brother, ran to bring him from the well to their house. The camels were fed, the servant’s feet washed and food placed before him.

Bethuel and Laban Agreed for Rebekah to Marry Isaac Bethuel and Laban knew this was the work of the Lord, so they agreed for Rebekah to marry Isaac. –Abraham’s servant thanked God and gave Rebekah jewelry and clothing. –He also gave gifts to the rest of the family. –The servant and Rebekah left the next morning.

Rebekah Becomes Isaac’s Wife The family sent Rebekah away with her nurse and maids by her side – Genesis 24:59-67 –They blessed her, saying, “Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands and ten thousands, and may your descendants possess the gates of those who hate them.” While the servant was away, Isaac went South to wait for his bride –The servant told Isaac all that had happened –Isaac took Rebekah as his wife –He loved her –He was comforted in the death of his mother

Abraham’s Death and Burial Genesis 25:1-11 Isaac was 40 when he married Rebekah Abraham lived 35 more years –He married Keturah and had 6 sons –Those sons received gifts, but Isaac received the inheritance –Abraham sent them eastward, away from Isaac Abraham died at 175 –Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah –God blessed Isaac