Ab- Isa bible readings Gen: 18: Hospitality by Ab./Isaac’s annunciation 21: Birth of Isaac, Ishmael is sent away 22:1-14 – Abraham’s test/sacrifice 23- Sarah dies (optional) 24:1-4, 10-14, 45-47, Marriage of Isaac 25:1-11 – Death of Abraham (optional)

GENESIS THE PATRIARCHS & MATRIARCHS

ABRAM+Sarai: review His name is changed from Abram to Abraham Considered the Father of Biblical Faith and The Father of the faith of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Through him, God established a “nation,” through which God would save the world. Names having meaning Abram – exalted ancestor Abraham – ancestor of a multitude Sarai – princess Sarah - also means princess Isaac means “Laugh” in Hebrew.

Hagar She is expelled because Sarah fears that Ishmael might threaten Isaac’s inheritance. Again alone in the wilderness But this time she fears that Ishmael might die since there is no water She is helped by the angel of the Lord to find a spring and save Ishmael God made her a promise: “I will make a great nation of him” Gen 21:18

Tradition has made Ishmael a bedouin A nomadic Arab

Ishmael Abraham’s first son The Father of the Arab peoples The religion of the Muslims, Islam, developed many centuries after biblical times among the Arabs. Thus Muslims claim Abraham as their father in faith through the line of Ishmael.

the “Binding of Isaac” What’s the deal with God asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac – the child of the covenant? Because Abraham loved Isaac more than God? Abraham’s test

the “Binding of Isaac” How old is Isaac at the time of the almost sacrifice? He’s born when Sarah is 90, and the next story is Sarah dying at age 127…so, is Isaac 37? If he’s an adult, and the story contains no sign of struggle, then for both of them the story is a demonstration of their loyalty to God and his covenant for them. After the incident, God re-affirms that the land will belong to their descendents This is essentially the Muslim teaching of the story, although in the Koran it is Ishmael that is bound, not Isaac.

Isaac meets Rebecca: A love story Genesis 24 Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac from Abraham’s family in Haran He meets Rebecca, who shows hospitality

Isaac meets Rebecca: A love story Genesis 24 Laban agrees to the match and Abraham’s servant gives Laban livestock and other riches in exchange for Rebecca Isaac is delighted with Rebecca and they have twins – Jacob and Esau