Genesis 25:19-26

The Story of Isaac

High Expectations

The promise seemed to focus on the his birth (15:4, 17:15-21, 19:10-15)
The miracle of his birth lifted expectations about his life (21:2, 12)
The expectation of resurrection made Isaac unique (22:10, Hebrews 11:19)

His Biography

Foundations
He probably lived a very sheltered/pampered life for 40 years (25:20)
The death of Sarah and arrival of Rebekah served as a transition (24:67)

The Prime of His Life
He had great faith that God would provide, despite a 20 year wait (25:21-26)
He played favorites with his children, loving Esau more (25:27-28)
He was given the same promise Abraham had been given (26:1-6)
He lied in order to avoid confrontation (26:7-11)
He was blessed greatly by God (26:12-13)
Abimelech and his people did not like having him around (26:14-21)
He began to take ownership of more land (26:22-25)
He agreed to a treaty with Abimelech and his people (26:26-33)
The wives of his favorite son Esau caused him great grief (26:34-35)

The End for Isaac
He blindness brought about a great conflict in his family (Genesis 27-33)
Isaac died after 180 years of life (35:28-29)

Lessons from His Life

1. Jesus, and no one else, is the true fulfillment of God’s promise
2. The family of God does not grow by natural means
3. We each need to have our own personal faith
4. Children tend to mimic their children closely, for better or worse
5. It is better to be proactive than reactive