Genesis Part 2 If you were with us last Autumn, youll remember that we looked at the first 11 Chapters of Genesis.

This Autumn, were moving on to the next section, up to chapter 22 Introduction and review The word Genesis comes from the Hebrew word bereshith meaning in the beginning. Therefore, Genesis means origins or beginnings. If we understand Genesis, then it helps us understand the whole of the bible. Genesis is the beginning of Gods story and tells how He has chosen to relate to and redeem humankind. If you remember, the first part of Genesis relates four major events of early history: Creation; the Fall of mankind; the Flood; and the dispersion of people around the earth. (Genesis 1-11). The second part of Genesis is devoted to four major individuals: Abraham; Isaac; Jacob and Joseph. In our studies well be concentrating on the first one Abraham (Genesis 12-22). Abrahamic Covenant: These chapters are some of the most crucial to understanding Gods love and plan for us. They set up the whole of the rest of the bible. The true story well read in Genesis is about Gods grace, mercy, love, choice and purpose. It is about His desire to repair the broken relationship between Himself and the human race caused by sin. Genesis reveals the desperate condition of the human heart and the ever faithful heart of God for people. Well see how God makes special promises (Covenant) to Abraham. He promises:

1. A special land 2. His blessing 3. Descendants

Once we understand these three things, we will be able to read the rest of scripture through these covenant spectacles seeing which of the three are uppermost in each passage.
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Who was Abraham?

Abraham appears at a period of time commonly known as the Middle Bronze period, around the 18th century BC. Early civilization is characterized by the metals they predominantly used and the Middle Bronze period of the Near East covers the period of time from 2200 BC until 1550 BC. Anthropologists believe that human civilization begins in the Near East in the Fertile Crescent, which is where Abraham was born. Abrahams family were probably a wealthy tribe and when, at Gods command they left Ur, its possible that there were at least 1000 people on the move! God told Abraham's father, Terah, to leave his home land where the people didnt worship the true God. Abraham's father took his family to a new home. When Abraham's father died, God told Abraham to leave that land and He would show him where God wanted him to go. Abraham took his wife, and his nephew Lot and followed God to what is now Israel and the Palestinian land. Abraham never settled down in this new land but was a nomad who went from place to place to make a living. God said that it would be Abraham's descendents would own the land. Below is Abrahams family tree. You can see that Abraham actually married his half sister. This would have been normal practice back then and would have happened long before Gods law forbidding the practice is laid down. Other key characters that will appear in the story are nephew Lot, Sarahs maid Hagar and Abrahams two sons Ishmael and Isaac.

At the beginning of the story Abraham and Sarah are referred to as Abram and Sarai. We see why their names are changed as we move through the chapters.
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So. What do I do?

Well Genesis 12-22 is tricky with lots of unpronounceable names, but its all crucial stuff! The idea behind this booklet is to let you get ahead of the game before each Sunday service. You can either read the chapter by yourself, follow along whilst you listen to the FCD recording of the chapter, or if you are really pushed, just listen to it! Weve tried to break it down into bite-sized chunks for you and given you a few things to help you ponder. If you spend some time on a couple of separate occasions before Sunday, reading and/or listening with the questions, it will help no end.

Time with God Section:

Maybe this could be your pattern Pray the prayer asking God to speak to you Read/Listen to the whole of the chapter Either think through the questions, or, if you like, jot a few thoughts down in the booklet. Use the prayer ideas to pray your own prayer based on what you have learned, then finish with the second prayer in the Time With God panel.

Bible Studies Week Beginning

5th September 21st September 12th October 26th October 9th November Genesis 12 & 13 Genesis 14 & 15 Genesis 16 & 17 Genesis 18 & 19 Genesis 20 & 21: 1-21 Genesis 21: 2234 & 22: 1-19

Important Acknowledgements:
Credit for cartoons has been left in. Wherever possible copyright permission for use of photographs and diagrams has been obtained; apologises are due to those that have been impossible to trace. I have relied on all kinds of material but principally: Genesis Word Commentary Gordon Wenham Salvation Begins Andrew Reid Genesis Andrew Hartley (NIBC Commentary Series) Thanks also go to: Mavis Bryant for her brilliant proof reading and suggestions. Vera Davis for the CD recording. Dalena Deall for reproducing and collating, but most importantly re-typing most of this booklet when I accidentally deleted it on my computer! Philip

23rd November

Anyone wanting to join a group, please see Philip or Chris as soon as possible.
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Extra Information panels are there to shed light on the passage, there are also interesting extras including maps and archaeology.

30th August to 6th September

Genesis 11:27-12:20

The first part of the passage deals with Abram and his future in the Promised Land. Abram obeyed the Lord's command to leave his homeland for a land God would provide with the promise that he would be a blessing to the rest of the world. Straight away Abram faced a crisis; there was a famine in Canaan. Abram chose to stay in Egypt until it was past. Abram tried to pass Sarai off as his sister because he feared for his life. By doing so, he jeopardised his blessing since he lost his wife temporarily to Pharaoh. However, God intervened to deliver Abram and Sarai from Egypt.
11 This is the account of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. And Haran became the father of 28 29 Lot. While his father Terah was still alive, Haran died in Ur of the Chaldeans, in the land of his birth. Abram and Nahor both married. The name of Abram's wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor's wife was Milcah; she was the 30 31 daughter of Haran, the father of both Milcah and Iscah. Now Sarai was barren; she had no children. Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they 32 set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there. Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Haran. 12 The LORD had said to Abram, Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will 2 show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a 3 blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed 4 through you. So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when 5 he set out from Haran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people 6 they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there. Abram travelled through 7 the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. The LORD appeared to Abram and said, To your offspring I will give this land. So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had 8 appeared to him From there he went on towards the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west 9 and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD. Then Abram set out and continued towards the Negev. Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was 11 12 severe. As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the 13 Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so 14 that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you. When Abram came to Egypt, the 15 And when Pharaoh's officials saw her, they praised her to Egyptians saw that she was a very beautiful woman. 16 Pharaoh, and she was taken into his palace. He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, 17 male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels. But the LORD inflicted serious diseases on 18 Pharaoh and his household because of Abram's wife Sarai. So Pharaoh summoned Abram. What have you done to me? 19 he said. Why didn't you tell me she was your wife? Why did you say, 'She is my sister,' so that I took her to be my wife? 20 Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go! Then Pharaoh gave orders about Abram to his men, and they sent him on his way, with his wife and everything he had.
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Information Extra!

The three promises that we read about in Chapter 12:1-3 are absolutely crucial! God is basically setting out his plan of salvation. From here on, as you read the Old Testament, at least one of these promises will be in view in every passage. Whenever you read the Old Testament, its worth asking yourself the question, Which promise is in view here?

LAND DESCENDANTS - BLESSING

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Time with God. Prayer: Lord God, I know that all the bible is useful in helping me live my life for you. Please help me, with the power of your Holy Spirit, to understand this passage and know how to live my life for you in the light of what Ive learned. In Jesus name I pray. Amen Read through the passage opposite Think through these questions
1. Who are the individuals mentioned in Genesis 11:29? 2. What condition did Abrams wife suffer from? 3. Where did Abram and Lot travel to and from? 4. What three promises are mentioned in Genesis 12:1-3? Why might this be a problem? 5. How old was Abram when he departed out of Haran? 6. What land did Abram go to when told to go by God? 7. What did Abram build in Genesis 12:8? Why do you think he did this? 8. Where did Abram go when there was a famine? Which other bible story does it make you think of? 9. What did Abram tell Sarai to say about herself when confronted by the Egyptians? Why? 10. What happened to Pharaoh and his house because of the ordeal with Sarai? 11. How does this passage point us forward to Jesus? 12. What does this passage teach us about God? 13. What does it teach us about our walk with God?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word, the bible. Help me now, in the power of your Holy Spirit, to put into action everything Ive learned about living for you, and remember everything Ive learned about you and your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen

6th September to 13th September

Genesis 13

This chapter tells how Abram, though threatened with major conflict with Lot because of their herdsmen's strife, magnanimously gave his nephew his choice of what land he wanted. Lot took an area that was very fertile, though inhabited by wicked people. In return God blessed Abram with a reaffirmation of His promise.
So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, with his wife and everything he had, and Lot went with him. Abram had 3 become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold. From the Negev he went from place to place until he came to 4 Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had been earlier and where he had first built an altar. There 5 Abram called on the name of the LORD. Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and 6 tents. But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they 7 were not able to stay together. And quarrelling arose between Abram's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Lot. The 8 Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time. So Abram said to Lot, Let's not have any quarrelling 9 between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? 10 Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left. Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, towards 11 Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the 12 Jordan and set out towards the east. The two men parted company: Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived 13 among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning 14 greatly against the LORD. The LORD said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, Lift up your eyes from where you are 15 16 and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring for ever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be 17 18 counted. Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you. So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.
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Information Extra!

Middle Eastern Land disputes

Some things dont change do they? In the middle east right now, Israeli and Palestinian leaders argue over land! Back then, and to a certain extent, now, your status and position in society depended on how much and what quality of land you owned. Here Lot takes the best land, but as well see it seems to lead him into trouble. Abram, on the other hand is confident that God is leading him into a very special land promised by God. So the fact that it isnt the best matters little. As well see on Sundays and in bible studies, the land promise is passed onto us through Jesus, except that the land we will inherit is heaven. This helps us when we feel we may be not getting the best deal materially in this life!
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Time with God. Prayer: Lord God, I know that all the bible is useful in helping me live my life for you. Please help me, with the power of your Holy Spirit, to understand this passage and know how to live my life for you in the light of what Ive learned. In Jesus name I pray. Amen Read through the passage opposite Think through these questions
1. Was Abram rich or poor? Which verses tell us this? 2. Was Abram righteous or unrighteous? Which verses tell us this? 3. What existed between the herdsmen of Lots cattle and Abrams cattle? Why? 4. What was Abrams reaction to this conflict? 5. According to Genesis 13:12 where did Lot pitch his tent? 6. Was this a good choice from a spiritual standpoint? 7. After God tells Abram about the land Hell give his descendants, what does Abram do? 8. Which covenant promises are in focus here? 9. How does this passage point us forward to Jesus? 10. What does this passage teach us about God? 11. What does it teach us about our walk with God?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word, the bible. Help me now, in the power of your Holy Spirit, to put into action everything Ive learned about living for you, and remember everything Ive learned about you and your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen

Mediterranean Sea
Sea Of Galilee

Abrams Land around Hebron

Abram and Lots Land in relation to modern day Israel.

Dead Sea

Lots Land around Sodom

September 13th to September 20th

Genesis 14

A powerful coalition of kings from Mesopotamia invaded Canaan and in the process took Lot captive. Abram retaliated with a surprise attack at night and rescued Lot and the possessions the kings had taken. On his return to his home Abram received a blessing from Melchizedek, king of Salem, and received an offer of reward by the king of Sodom. Abram declined to accept the reward because he did not want to tarnish God's promised blessing to him. Abram's realisation that victory and possessions come from God alone enabled him to avoid the danger of accepting gifts from the wicked and to wait for God to provide what He had promised.
At this time Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goiim went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king 3 4 of Bela (that is, Zoar). All these latter kings joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (the Salt Sea). For twelve years they 5 had been subject to Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. In the fourteenth year, Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in 6 7 Shaveh Kiriathaim and the Horites in the hill country of Seir, as far as El Paran near the desert. Then they turned back and went to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the 8 Amorites who were living in Hazezon Tamar. Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and drew up their battle lines in the Valley of Siddim 9 against Kedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar four kings 10 against five. Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some of 11 the men fell into them and the rest fled to the hills. The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all 12 their food; then they went away. They also carried off Abram's nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in 13 Sodom. One who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the great 14 trees of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were allied with Abram. When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as 15 far as Dan. During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as 16 Hobah, north of Damascus. He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together 17 with the women and the other people. After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with 18 him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). Then Melchizedek king 19 of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, Blessed be 20 Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies 21 into your hand. Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. The king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the people and 22 keep the goods for yourself. But Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, 23 Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or 24 the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.' I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me to Aner, Eshcol and Mamre. Let them have their share.
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Information Extra! Who is or was Melchizedek?

Melchizedek is not so much a name as it is a title or designation of honour. Its a position or office that has to be filled by a worthy candidate. The term is a transliteration of two Hebrew words, melek (king) and tsedeq (righteous). Therefore, the term "melchizedek" means literally, "king of righteousness." The king of Salem was obviously that kind of king. The book of Hebrews in the New Testament has a lot to say about Melchizedek and tells us clearly that Jesus is a priest and king in the order of Melchizedek. This tells us a lot about who Jesus is and what he did for us on the cross.
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Time with God. Prayer: Lord God, I know that all the bible is useful in helping me live my life for you. Please help me, with the power of your Holy Spirit, to understand this passage and know how to live my life for you in the light of what Ive learned. In Jesus name I pray. Amen Read through the passage opposite Think through these questions
1. According to Genesis 14:3, the warring nations were joined together near which Sea? 2. According to Genesis 14:10-11, what happened? 3. Who went to rescue the captive? Was he successful? 4. Who is referred to as the king of Salem? What was he? 5. Who gave tithes to the priest Melchizedek? 6. What does verse 18 make us think about? 7. Who else is a high priest in the order of Melchizedek? (see Hebrews 7. if you have time, read it.) 8. According to Genesis 14:21-24 why does Abram not take anything from the king of Sodom? 9. Which covenant promises are in focus throughout this passage? 10. How does this passage point us forward to Jesus? 11. What does this passage teach us about God? 12. What does it teach us about our walk with God?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word, the bible. Help me now, in the power of your Holy Spirit, to put into action everything Ive learned about living for you, and remember everything Ive learned about you and your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen

The Valley of Siddim was a place full of tar pits near the Dead Sea, or perhaps there where the Dead Sea now is. The geology of the region shows that there is evidence of tar deposits on the south (near where the city of Siddim would have been.) Historical reports have been found which tell of huge lumps of tar randomly appearing on the surface of the Dead Sea. These would often e collected and sold for use in the repair and maintenance of ships. 10

September 20th to September 27th

Genesis 15

Abram asked God to strengthen his faith. In response God promised to give him lots of descendants. This led Abram to request some further assurance that God would indeed do what He promised. God graciously obliged him by formalising the promises and making a covenant. In the giving of the covenant God let Abram know symbolically that enslavement would come before the fulfilment of the promise.
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great 2 reward. But Abram said, O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit 3 my estate is Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be 4 my heir. Then the word of the LORD came to him: This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body 5 will be your heir. He took him outside and said, Look up at the heavens and count the stars if indeed you can count 6 them. Then he said to him, So shall your offspring be. Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as 7 righteousness. He also said to him, I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to 8 9 take possession of it. But Abram said, O Sovereign LORD, how can I know that I shall gain possession of it? So the LORD 10 said to him, Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon. Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other; the birds, however, he did not 11 12 cut in half. Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. As the sun was setting, 13 Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. Then the LORD said to him, Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and ill-treated four 14 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterwards they will come out with great hundred years. 15 16 possessions. You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation 17 your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure. When the sun 18 had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking brazier with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to 19 20 the great river, the Euphrates the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.
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Not on the map Kenizzites Rephaites Girgashites Amorites

Through archaeology and historical documents we can work out where some of these different tribal lands were. Some are in the area that God promised to Abraham while others are just outside. Genesis groups them together, not because of their geography but because they are all notoriously godless wicked people who will ultimately be judged by him for their sin. 11

Information Extra!

The Sin of the Amorites In this passage God promises to Give Abram the special land. But he cant take possession yet! In fact it will be another four generations before he can. We read that God hasnt finished dealing with the wickedness of the inhabitants. We read in v16 that God needs to finish the job of punishing the sin of the Amorites. This is an encouragement to each of us. We live in a world where wicked people seem to get away with things. But God never turns a blind eye and, because he is a righteous God, will punish wickedness. This passage shows us that it will be in His time not ours!

Time with God. Prayer: Lord God, I know that all the bible is useful in helping me live my life for you. Please help me, with the power of your Holy Spirit, to understand this passage and know how to live my life for you in the light of what Ive learned. In Jesus name I pray. Amen Read through the passage opposite Think through these questions
1. What covenant promise does God reiterate to Abram in Genesis 15:4-5? 2. Does Abram believe Gods promise? Why is this astounding? 3. What did Abram do when the birds came down to the dead bodies of the animals mentioned? Why? 4. What fell upon Abram in Genesis 15:12? What do you think this was? 5. What events do you think are prophesied about Abrams descendants in Genesis 15:13-14? 6. What is promised to Abram in Genesis 15:15? 7. Whose sin was mentioned as being not yet full 15:16? 8. What does this tell us about Gods character in terms of punishing evil? 9. What is re-iterated and underlined in this chapter? 10. How does this passage point us forward to the Jesus? 11. What does this passage teach us about God? 12. What does it teach us about our walk with God?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word, the bible. Help me now, in the power of your Holy Spirit, to put into action everything Ive learned about living for you, and remember everything Ive learned about you and your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen
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27th September to 4th October

Genesis 16

Sarai and Abram tried to obtain the heir God had promised them by resorting to a culturally acceptable custom of their day even though it involved a failure to trust God. Abram slept with Sarais handmaid Hagar. This created serious complications for Abram and his household that included Hagar fleeing into the wilderness. Nevertheless God proved faithful to His promises and responded to Hagar's cries for help. He provided for her needs and promised her many descendants through Ishmael since he was Abram's son.
Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar; so she said to Abram, The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family 3 through her. Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took 4 her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. 5 When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my servant in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May 6 the LORD judge between you and me. Your servant is in your hands, Abram said. Do with her whatever you think best. 7 Then Sarai ill-treated Hagar; so she fled from her. The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was 8 the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where 9 are you going? I'm running away from my mistress Sarai, she answered. Then the angel of the LORD told her, Go back to 10 your mistress and submit to her. The angel added, I will so increase your descendants that they will be too numerous 11 to count. The angel of the LORD also said to her: You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall name him 12 Ishmael, for the LORD has heard of your misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone 13 and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility towards all his brothers. She gave this name to the LORD 14 who spoke to her: You are the God who sees me, for she said, I have now seen the One who sees me. That is why the 15 well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered. So Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave 16 the name Ishmael to the son she had borne. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael.
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Information Extra!

Polygamy in the bible

It seems everywhere you look in the Old Testament the main characters have lots of wives! Does this mean God allows it? Traditional Mormon families would certainly use this as evidence in their support of polygamy. However, although God doesnt seem to send thunderbolts from heaven on those who marry more than once or even, as in Davids case, have a harem, there is not a single instance of this kind of behaviour leading to a happy and successful outcome. In fact, quite the opposite! When any of the men in the Old Testament take more than one wife or concubine, it ends up in disaster as it does here with Sarai and Hagar. Well see the same time and again through Genesis. Its therefore safe to say that God isnt in favour of polygamy! His creation plan in Genesis 2 still holds one man and one woman bound together in marriage under God.
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Time with God. Prayer: Lord God, I know that all the bible is useful in helping me live my life for you. Please help me, with the power of your Holy Spirit, to understand this passage and know how to live my life for you in the light of what Ive learned. In Jesus name I pray. Amen Read through the passage opposite Think through these questions
1. What was Sarais problem mentioned in Genesis 16:1? 2. Who was Sarais handmaid and what nationality was she? 3. Did Hagar become Abrams wife as a part of Sarais solution for the fact Sarai couldnt bear children? 4. What are the reasons this whole episode flies in the face of Gods covenant promises? 5. How did Hagar treat Sarai after Hagar was found to be pregnant? Why do you think she did this? 6. What was Hagars reaction to the way Sarai treated her? On a human level is this reaction justified? 7. After fleeing, what was Hagar instructed to do by the angel in Genesis 16:9? 8. What was Hagar to name her child? Why that name? 9. How has this lack of trust in Gods promises affected the whole of history up to the modern day? 10. How does this passage point us forward to the Jesus? 11. What does this passage teach us about God? 12. What does it teach us about our walk with God?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word, the bible. Help me now, in the power of your Holy Spirit, to put into action everything Ive learned about living for you, and remember everything Ive learned about you and your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen

Beer-Lahai-Roi
Beer-Lahai-Roi was the scene of Hagars meeting with the Angel of God. Later in Genesis we read that Isaac lived here for a while. See Genesis 24:62; and Genesis 25:11. The site is in the Negev desert between Kadesh and Bered. Some boffins say that the well is in the modern `Ain Moilaihhi circa 50 miles south of Beersheba and 12 miles west of `Ain Kadis. Hagar moved south from where Abram and Sarai lived. As you can see from the map, this is towards Egypt, Hagars homeland.

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4th October to 11th October

Genesis 17

The Lord confirmed His covenant with Abram by commanding him to circumcise all the males in his household. Circumcision became the physical demonstration (sign) of the obedient faith of Abram and his descendants. God further encouraged Abrams faith by changing his name to Abraham and Sarai's to Sarah. This was an added confirmation that God would indeed give them lots of descendants as He had promised.
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, I am God Almighty; walk before me and be 2 3 blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers. Abram fell face 4 5 down, and God said to him, As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer 6 will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you 7 very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God 8 of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting 9 possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God. Then God said to Abraham, As for you, you 10 must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. This is my covenant with 11 you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You 12 are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with 13 money from a foreigner those who are not your offspring. Whether born in your household or bought with your 14 money, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant. Any uncircumcised male, 15 who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant. God also said to 16 Abraham, As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from 17 her. Abraham fell face down; he laughed and said to himself, Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will 18 Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety? And Abraham said to God, If only Ishmael might live under your blessing! 19 Then God said, Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant 20 with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will 21 make him into a great nation. But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time 22 23 next year. When he had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him. On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised 24 25 them, as God told him. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, and his son Ishmael was 26 27 thirteen; Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that same day. And every male in Abraham's household, including those born in his household or bought from a foreigner, was circumcised with him.
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Information Extra!
Circumcision
The meaning of circumcision for Abraham is very simply a sign that this person is a member of the covenant people. How are Christians in the twenty-first century to understand the covenant of circumcision and apply its principles in our day? What does circumcision have to do with Christianity? For the answer we need to continue to read the Old Testament. It became clear to the Israelites that there is a difference between outward and inward circumcision. The prophets and, in the New Testament, apostles tell us that physical circumcision is not enough. The heart, too, must be cleansed. This was done for us by Jesus on the cross. Christians have moved away from circumcision to a new mark of the covenant, baptism. 15

Time with God. Prayer: Lord God, I know that all the bible is useful in helping me live my life for you. Please help me, with the power of your Holy Spirit, to understand this passage and know how to live my life for you in the light of what Ive learned. In Jesus name I pray. Amen Read through the passage opposite Think through these questions
1. In Genesis 17:1, how old was Abram when God appeared to him? 2. In Genesis 17:2 and Genesis 17:4, what does God say he will make with Abram? 3. What will God make Abram father of? 4. What important event happens in Genesis 17:5 and Genesis 17:15? 5. Which of the three covenant promises are reiterated to Abraham in Genesis 17:6-8? 6. Why is this important after chapter 16? 7. What is the sign of the covenant in Genesis 17:10-11? 8. On what day was this operation to take place on new born males? 9. What do you think the New Testament equivalent of circumcision is? 10. According to Genesis 17:17, how old was Sarah at this time? 11. What was the child born to Sarah and Abraham to be called? 12. How does this passage point us forward to Jesus? 13. What does this passage teach us about God? 14. What does it teach us about our walk with God?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word, the bible. Help me now, in the power of your Holy Spirit, to put into action everything Ive learned about living for you, and remember everything Ive learned about you and your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen Whats in a few letters?
There are only a few letters difference between Abram and Abraham, so why did God bother changing the name? Well, it all boils down to the meaning of the name. Back then, your name was everything! It was a comment on your status and character. Well see that more when we look at Jacob (which means deceiver!) Abram means noble father but Abraham means the father of many nations. We know through the covenant promises that god wanted to bless the whole world through Abraham. God had a bigger vision for Abraham. God was looking forward tot the salvation of the whole world through Abrahams line. Abraham was to be, not only the physical father but also the spiritual father of many nations. So God changed his name from Abram to Abraham. It was beyond just changing a name. God was preparing Abraham to become a father of faith for all nations.

Yeah, ok God, Im liking the whole descendants thing, but could you just run through this new spelling of my name again. A-B-R what comes next?

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11th October to 18th October

Genesis 18

In this chapter God says for the first time when an heir for Abraham and Sarah would appear. With this revelation, God strengthens Abraham's and especially Sarah's faith. Alongside this Abraham pleads for God to spare the sin-city of Sodom.
The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the 2 heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the 3 entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. He said, If I have found favour in your eyes, my lord, 4 do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way now that you have come to your 6 servant. Very well, they answered, do as you say. So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. Quick, he said, get three 7 seahs of fine flour and knead it and bake some bread. Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and 8 gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been 9 prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree. Where is your wife Sarah? they 10 asked him. There, in the tent, he said. Then the LORD said, I will surely return to you about this time next year, and 11 Sarah your wife will have a son. Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham 12 and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed 13 to herself as she thought, After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure? Then the LORD said 14 to Abraham, Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too hard for the 15 LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son. Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, I did not laugh. But he said, Yes, you did laugh. When the men got up to leave, they looked down towards Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them 17 18 on their way. Then the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? Abraham will surely become a 19 great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the 20 LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him. Then the LORD said, The outcry against Sodom and 21 Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the 22 outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know. The men turned away and went towards Sodom, but Abraham 23 remained standing before the LORD. Then Abraham approached him and said: Will you sweep away the righteous with 24 the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place 25 for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing to kill the righteous with the 26 wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right? The 27 LORD said, If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake. Then Abraham 28 spoke up again: Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city because of five people? If I find forty29 five there, he said, I will not destroy it. Once again he spoke to him, What if only forty are found there? He said, For the 30 sake of forty, I will not do it. Then he said, May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be 31 found there? He answered, I will not do it if I find thirty there. Abraham said, Now that I have been so bold as to speak 32 to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there? He said, For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it. Then he said, May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there? He answered, For the 33 sake of ten, I will not destroy it. When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.
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Information Extra!
Childlessness As you carry on reading the Old Testament, many other couples have the same problem as Abraham and Sarah. They find themselves unable to have children. This is usually a sign that God is going to miraculously intervene in and through the family and that we need to sit up and listen. Remember just before Jesus, his cousin John (The Baptist) was born to an elderly childless couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth.
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Time with God. Prayer: Lord God, I know that all the bible is useful in helping me live my life for you. Please help me, with the power of your Holy Spirit, to understand this passage and know how to live my life for you in the light of what Ive learned. In Jesus name I pray. Amen Read through the passage opposite Think through these questions
How was Abraham hospitable to the messengers of the Lord? What did Sarah do when she first heard the message regarding her bearing a child in her old age? What question did the Lord ask in reaction to Sarahs laughing? Did Sarah admit or deny laughing? Why? Which verse reiterates Gods promise of descendants to Abraham? According to Genesis 18:19 was Abraham a weak or strong leader and father? According to Genesis 18:20 what was the problem with Sodom and Gomorrah? What famous question is asked in Genesis 18:25? Abraham pleads with God about sparing the righteous. What numbers do they discuss with regard to sparing the righteous and what is the last number given? 10. How does this passage point us forward to the Jesus? 11. What does this passage teach us about God? 12. What does it teach us about our walk with God? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word, the bible. Help me now, in the power of your Holy Spirit, to put into action everything Ive learned about living for you, and remember everything Ive learned about you and your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen

The site of the trees of Mamre as it looks today.

The trees of Mamre are obviously long gone, but the site where they once grew was not forgotten. It was an important place because the covenant promises were renewed here. Because of this Herod the Great built a wall around the place to protect it. The wall is still visible. Later, in around 325AD Christians built a church over the site. The picture shows the ruins of the church.
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18th October to 25th October

Covenant In Scripture

If we make a promise today, we may or may not keep that promise depending on the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Bit if we sign a binding contract eg: to buy a house, then its difficult to break it. In the bible we find lots of, what are called covenants. To use the word promise might be selling the concept short. A covenant is a binding unbreakable contract promise. As far as bible covenants are concerned there are lots! Some between men and between nations. But the most significant are those that God himself instigates. The covenant doesnt end here in Genesis, its reiterated lots of times and is expanded as new leaders like Moses and David come onto to the scene. However it is all grounded in these three promises we find in Genesis. The most important covenant the New Covenant established by Jesus by His death. #in dying on the cross, Jesus fulfilled all the terms of the Old Covenant and made a new future secure for those who are trusting in His death.

Information Extra Whats in a word?

The word testament is interchangeable with the word covenant. We could just a easily refer to the two common divisions of the bible as Old Covenant and the New Covenant instead of Old Testament and New Testament.

Men With Men Gen 21:22-32 (Abraham and Abimelech) Gen 31:44-54 - ~9Jacob and Laban) I Sam 18:3; 20:8; 23:18 - ~(David and Jonathan) Mal 2:14 your wife by covenant (marriage)

God with Men

Gen 9:9-17 Covenant with Noah Gen 15:8-18; 17:1-14 Covenant with Abraham Exod 24:4-8 Covenant with nation of Israel at Sinai II Sam 7:12-17; 23:5; Ps 89:3,28 Covenant with David Promise of a New Covenant Isa 55:3 I will make an everlasting covenant with you (cf. 42:6; 49:6-8; 59:21; 61:8) Jere 31:21-34 I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah (cf. 23:5; 32:40; 50:5) Ezel 37:27 I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant (cf. 16:60,62; 34:23,25)

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Time with God. Prayer: Lord God, I know that all the bible is useful in helping me live my life for you. Please help me, with the power of your Holy Spirit, to understand this passage and know how to live my life for you in the light of what Ive learned. In Jesus name I pray. Amen Read through some of the passages quoted in the box at the bottom of the last page. Think through these questions
1. What are the three promises made to Abraham in Genesis Chapter 12:1-3? 2. These covenant promises are expanded throughout the Old Testament but who ultimately fulfils and replaces them? 3. Can you think how the promise of descendants might be seen under the new covenant in Jesus? 4. Can you think how the promise of being a blessing to the world might be seen under the new covenant in Jesus? 5. Where is our land under the new covenant in Jesus? 6. Why do you think we dont circumcise under the new covenant? 7. What is the sign of the new covenant? 8. Why can we be confident in the power of Jesus blood under the new covenant? 9. How should we live in the light of these covenant promises?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word, the bible. Help me now, in the power of your Holy Spirit, to put into action everything Ive learned about living for you, and remember everything Ive learned about you and your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen

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25th October to 1st November

Genesis 19

Chapters 18 and 19 paint a vivid contrast between Abraham and Lot. Lot always goes for what he thinks is the right way, whereas Abraham goes Gods way. Chapter 19 makes uncomfortable reading but is here to show that human initiativesLot's choicealways lead to catastrophe.
The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he 2 got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. My lords, he said, please turn aside to your servant's house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning. No, they answered, 3 we will spend the night in the square. But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He 4 prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. Before they had gone to bed, all the men from 5 every part of the city of Sodom both young and old surrounded the house. They called to Lot, Where are the men 6 who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them. Lot went outside to meet them and 7 8 shut the door behind him and said, No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don't do anything to 9 these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof. Get out of our way, they replied. And they said, This fellow came here as an alien, and now he wants to play the judge! We'll treat you worse than them. They kept bringing 10 pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door. But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot back into 11 the house and shut the door. Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house, young and old, with 12 blindness so that they could not find the door. The two men said to Lot, Do you have anyone else here sons-in-law, 13 sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, because we are going to 14 destroy this place. The outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it. So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, Hurry and get out of this place, 15 because the LORD is about to destroy the city! But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away 16 when the city is punished. When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two 17 daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them. As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or 18 19 you will be swept away! But Lot said to them, No, my lords, please! Your servant has found favour in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can't flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me, 20 and I'll die. Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it it is very small, isn't it? Then 21 my life will be spared. He said to him, Very well, I will grant this request too; I will not overthrow the town you speak 22 23 of. But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it. (That is why the town was called Zoar.) By 24 the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. Then the LORD rained down burning sulphur on Sodom and 25 Gomorrah from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those 26 living in the cities and also the vegetation in the land. But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. 27 28 Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the LORD. He looked down towards Sodom and Gomorrah, towards all the land of the plain, and he saw dense smoke rising from the land, like 29 smoke from a furnace. So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived. Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains, for he was afraid to stay in Zoar. He and his two 31 daughters lived in a cave. One day the older daughter said to the younger, Our father is old, and there is no man 32 around here to lie with us, as is the custom all over the earth. Let's get our father to drink wine and then lie with him 33 and preserve our family line through our father. That night they got their father to drink wine, and the older daughter 34 went in and lay with him. He was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up. The next day the older daughter said to the younger, Last night I lay with my father. Let's get him to drink wine again tonight, and you go in and 35 lie with him so we can preserve our family line through our father. So they got their father to drink wine that night also, and the younger daughter went and lay with him. Again he was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got 36 37 up. So both of Lot's daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter had a son, and she named him 38 Moab; he is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben- Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today.
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Sodom Today
There is recent archaeological evidence that the destroyed city of Sodom was in the area around the Dead Sea even maybe partially under the sea itself. Sodom was in the Southern part of the Dead Sea and its sister city Gomorrah in the Northern area. 21

Time with God. Prayer: Lord God, I know that all the bible is useful in helping me live my life for you. Please help me, with the power of your Holy Spirit, to understand this passage and know how to live my life for you in the light of what Ive learned. In Jesus name I pray. Amen Read through the passage opposite Think through these questions
1. When the angels wanted to stay in the street all night what did Lot do? 2. Who surrounded Lots house? 3. What did Lot refer to the mens intentions as being in Genesis 19:7? 4. What were the wicked Sodomites struck down with when they tried to break through Lots door? 5. According to Genesis 19:13, what was going to happen to the city? Why? 6. What happened when Lot lingered in leaving the city? Why? 7. What did God command them not to do in Genesis 19:17? 8. Who disobeyed and was struck down in Genesis 19:26? 9. What did God rain on Sodom and Gomorrah? 10. Who did God remember after He destroyed the cities of the plain? 11. According to Genesis 19:32 what was used in helping this wicked situation to occur? 12. What lessons can we learn from the way God acts in judgement in this chapter? 13. How does this passage point us forward to Jesus? 14. What does this passage teach us about God? 15. What does it teach us about our walk with God?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word, the bible. Help me now, in the power of your Holy Spirit, to put into action everything Ive learned about living for you, and remember everything Ive learned about you and your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen

Information Extra! Lots wife did God have to do it? The key to this question is found in the fact that Jesus mentions it in Luke 17:31. He said it was a stark warning to us! Its a warning not to long for the sinful world we left behind when we became Christians. Lots wife wasnt looking back at Sodom out of curiosity because she was distraught and had made a fatal mistake. In reality, Lots wife didnt want to leave Sodom and its sinful ways. Her mind and actions had grown accustomed to the sinful pleasures that Sodom had to offer. Shed become part of it and regretted leaving it behind.

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1st November to 8th November

Genesis 20

Abraham lies about his relationship with Sarah again! (remember chapter 12 with Pharaoh?) Abimelech took her into his harem as a consequence of Abrahams deception. Nevertheless God intervenes to preserve Sarah's purity. He warned Abimelech to restore Sarah to her husband, to make restitution to Abraham, and to ask Abraham to pray to God for him.
Now Abraham moved on from there into the region of the Negev and lived between Kadesh and Shur. For a while he 2 stayed in Gerar, and there Abraham said of his wife Sarah, She is my sister. Then Abimelech king of Gerar sent for Sarah 3 and took her. But God came to Abimelech in a dream one night and said to him, You are as good as dead because of the 4 woman you have taken; she is a married woman. Now Abimelech had not gone near her, so he said, Lord, will you 5 destroy an innocent nation? Did he not say to me, 'She is my sister,' and didn't she also say, 'He is my brother'? I have 6 done this with a clear conscience and clean hands. Then God said to him in the dream, Yes, I know you did this with a 7 clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her. Now return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you may be 8 sure that you and all yours will die. Early the next morning Abimelech summoned all his officials, and when he told 9 them all that had happened, they were very much afraid. Then Abimelech called Abraham in and said, What have you done to us? How have I wronged you that you have brought such great guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done 10 things to me that should not be done. And Abimelech asked Abraham, What was your reason for doing this? 11 Abraham replied, I said to myself, 'There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.' 12 13 Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife. And when God caused me to wander from my father's household, I said to her, 'This is how you can show your love to me: 14 Everywhere we go, say of me, He is my brother.' Then Abimelech brought sheep and cattle and male and female slaves 15 and gave them to Abraham, and he returned Sarah his wife to him. And Abimelech said, My land is before you; live 16 wherever you like. To Sarah he said, I am giving your brother a thousand shekels of silver. This is to cover the offence 17 against you before all who are with you; you are completely vindicated. Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed 18 Abimelech, his wife and his slave girls so they could have children again, for the LORD had closed up every womb in Abimelech's household because of Abraham's wife Sarah.
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Information Extra!
Would Abimelech have been sinning? What would have happened if God hadnt stepped in? Would Abimelech have been sinning when it was Abraham that had duped him? Well maybe surprisinglyyes. Whether our sin is intentional or not, anything we do that goes against Gods perfect holiness and righteousness is sin. Thats why we need to say sorry to God and confess our sin, even stuff we dont know about. The good news is that our total forgiveness doesnt rely on us but on Gods grace and mercy shown to us in Jesus. Thats not an excuse to go on sinning willy-nilly; that would just be an insult to the blood of Jesus. We need to ask God to make us more like Jesus in every way.

Lets get this straight Abe, you want how much of my land? And you want to do what with those lambs?
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Time with God. Prayer: Lord God, I know that all the bible is useful in helping me live my life for you. Please help me, with the power of your Holy Spirit, to understand this passage and know how to live my life for you in the light of what Ive learned. In Jesus name I pray. Amen Read through the passage opposite Think through these questions
1. Which chapter of Genesis does this remind you of? 2. Who was the king of Gerar that Abraham deceived? 3. Did the king of Gerar actually touch Sarah? 4. What else is Abraham called in Genesis 20:7? 5. When Abimelech confronted Abraham about the situation, what excuse did Abraham give? 6. Why are excuses to God futile? 7. Which covenant promises are being put in jeopardy here? 8. What had God done to Abimelechs house that required prayers from Abraham? 9. How does this passage point us forward to the Jesus? 10. What does this passage teach us about God? 11. What does it teach us about our walk with God?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word, the bible. Help me now, in the power of your Holy Spirit, to put into action everything Ive learned about living for you, and remember everything Ive learned about you and your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen

Recent excavations in the desert at Gerar where Abraham and Sarah lived.

Gerar was located in the Western Negev, about nine miles southeast of Gaza and fifteen miles northwest of Beersheba. The terrain around Gerar is relatively flat and dry. In spite of its very limited rainfall, the area produces citrus fruit, green onions, cabbage, lettuce, cotton and sunflowers. A layer of clay fifteen to twenty feet below the surface forms a water table, drawing water down from Hebron thirty miles north in the Hill country of Judah. This water source sustains life and crops in the dry season between May and October. It was a common practice in this region to dig wells to tap this underground water resource. It wasnt such a bad place for Abraham and Sarah to settle!
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8th November to 15th November

Genesis 21:1-21

God proved faithful to His promise by providing a son, Isaac. Abraham and Sarah responded with obedience and praise. Ishmael, however, became a threat to Abraham's heir and consequently his father sent him away into the wilderness where God continued to provide for him and his mother.
Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became 3 pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name 4 Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded 5 6 him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Sarah said, God has brought me laughter, 7 and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me. And she added, Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah 8 would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age. The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac 9 was weaned Abraham held a great feast. But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham 10 was mocking, and she said to Abraham, Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that slave woman's son will never 11 12 share in the inheritance with my son Isaac. The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. But God said to him, Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, 13 because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. I will make the son of the maidservant into a nation 14 also, because he is your offspring. Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the 15 16 desert of Beersheba. When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bow-shot away, for she thought, I cannot watch the boy die. And as she sat there 17 nearby, she began to sob. God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, 18 What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take 19 him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation. Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she 20 went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the 21 desert and became an archer. While he was living in the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt.
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Information Extra! Does God give up on Hagar and Ishmael now Isaac is here?
Even though Hagar and Ishmael were expelled, God didnt give up on them. As we read, we see that God saves Hagar and Ishmael in the desert. Hagar opened her eyes (v19) and Ishmael is saved by a drink of water. Opening eyes is a bible way of talking about repentance. In the desert, Hagar and Ishmael repent and are brought back into a relationship with God. After this, God is with Ishmael (v20). We know that Ishmael doesnt stay an outcast. When Abraham is buried, we read that both Abrahams sons Isaac and Ishmael bury him. Ishmael is called a son. Although he isnt the one through whom God will fulfil his covenant promises. He still cares for him.

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Time with God. Prayer: Lord God, I know that all the bible is useful in helping me live my life for you. Please help me, with the power of your Holy Spirit, to understand this passage and know how to live my life for you in the light of what Ive learned. In Jesus name I pray. Amen Read through the passage opposite Think through these questions
1. What did God show to Sarah in Genesis 21:1-2 2. Why did she maybe not deserve this? 3. What was the childs name? 4. On what day was the child circumcised? Why was this important? What was it a sign of? 5. How old was Abraham when Isaac was born? 6. Later, when Abraham threw a great feast for Isaac, what did Sarah see Hagars son (Ishmael) doing? 7. According to Genesis 21:12 who was the covenant promise going to be fulfilled through? 8. Why might this seem a little unfair, seen through our modern western eyes? 9. But what was God accomplishing? 10. Did Hagar die when she was sent away? Why not? 11. How does this passage point us forward to Jesus? 11. What does this passage teach us about God? 12. What does it teach us about our walk with God?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word, the bible. Help me now, in the power of your Holy Spirit, to put into action everything Ive learned about living for you, and remember everything Ive learned about you and your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen

Beersheba, the desert city, today.

Beersheba is, as the bible tells us, a desert area. It is the capital of a barren area called the Negev. The Negev is mentioned lots of times in the bible as a dry and barren place. The modern city of Beersheba is a bit like Las Vegas, a modern city in the middle of the desert. As you can see from the photos, roads in and out of Beersheba cross desert wastelands. No wonder Hagar and Ishmael struggled out in the heat and dust of this area!
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15th November to 22nd November

Genesis 21:22-34

God's blessing of Abraham resulted in his material prosperity. In response to Abimelech's initiative Abraham agreed to make a covenant of peaceful coexistence. This treaty enabled Abraham to serve and worship God freely in the Promised Land.
At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, God is with you in everything you do. Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to 24 me and the country where you are living as an alien the same kindness that I have shown to you. Abraham said, I 25 26 swear it. Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech's servants had seized. But 27 Abimelech said, I don't know who has done this. You did not tell me, and I heard about it only today. So Abraham 28 brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a treaty. Abraham set apart seven ewe 29 lambs from the flock, and Abimelech asked Abraham, What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set 30 31 apart by themselves? He replied, Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well. So that 32 place was called Beersheba, because the two men swore an oath there. After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, 33 Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. Abraham planted a tamarisk 34 tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time.
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Information Extra!
Why make this agreement? the meaning of wells and lambs!
In Genesis 21 Abraham moved to the area that would become known even to this day as Beersheba. We see that Abimelech was no small king, as his control and influence reached all the way to the Beersheba area. The fact the Abimelech wanted to make a covenant with Abraham shows that Abraham had increased in wealth and power. Abimelech brought Phichol, the general of his army, along with him to this summit meeting. Abraham was not just some small time Bedouin shepherd who had wandered into his area! No, he had become quite wealthy and powerful. Do you remember, back in Genesis 14, that Abraham was able to defeat the kings of the east with his small, but well trained, army? So Abraham had become a major force in the area, and Abimelech wanted to ensure peaceful coexistence for the future by making a treaty. Abraham agreed, and in accordance with the customs of that day, they cut a covenant. The sheep and oxen given by Abraham (v27) were cut in two and the covenant was ratified. The extra seven ewe lambs given to Abimelech by Abraham were to emphasize that the treaty included Abrahams exclusive right to the well that he had dug at Beersheba. There is an ancient well near the archaeological site of ancient Beersheba that can be visited today. Its called Abrahams Well, and boffins say that its probably the well mentioned in genesis 21. In Hebrew, Beersheba means, well of the oath or well of the seven (after the seven ewe lambs).
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Time with God. Prayer: Lord God, I know that all the bible is useful in helping me live my life for you. Please help me, with the power of your Holy Spirit, to understand this passage and know how to live my life for you in the light of what Ive learned. In Jesus name I pray. Amen Read through the passage opposite Think through these questions
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Who did Abraham make a covenant with? What did they recognise in Abraham according to Genesis 21:22 Where did they make that covenant? What did the covenant allow Abraham to do? Which covenant promises are in view here? How does this passage point us forward to the Jesus? What does this passage teach us about God? What does it teach us about our walk with God?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word, the bible. Help me now, in the power of your Holy Spirit, to put into action everything Ive learned about living for you, and remember everything Ive learned about you and your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen

The traditional site of Abrahams well after recent archaeological excavations outside the modern city of Beersheba.

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22nd November to 29th November

Genesis 22:1-19

In obedience to God's command Abraham took his promised heir to Mount Moriah to sacrifice him to the Lord. Because Abraham was willing to slay his son God restrained him from killing Isaac and promised to bless him further for his obedience. Abraham built a memorial there and called it "the Lord will provide." This incident also demonstrates the strong confidence that Abraham had in God.
Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, Abraham! Here I am, he replied. Then God said, Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the 3 mountains I will tell you about. Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had 4 5 told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, Stay 6 here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you. Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the 7 two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, Father? Yes, my son? Abraham replied. 8 The fire and wood are here, Isaac said, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering? Abraham answered, God himself 9 will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son. And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid 10 11 him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel 12 of the LORD called out to him from heaven, Abraham! Abraham! Here I am, he replied. Do not lay a hand on the boy, he said. Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, 13 your only son. Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the 14 ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to 15 this day it is said, On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided. The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from 16 heaven a second time and said, I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not 17 withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky 18 and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through 19 your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me. Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.
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Information Extra! Sacrifice on the Mountain

This might be a well-known story, but it has lots of meaning. Abraham is willing to sacrifice his only son on a mountain. As the covenant promises are now in place, God is casting shadows forward as to how it is eventually going to be worked through to completion. Another Father will ultimately offer his son as a sacrifice on a mountain (or hill). Of course that is God. This time there sill be no animal sacrificed instead. In fact, he will become known as the Lamb of God who himself as the substitute. He died in our place, his blood was shed so that we might be forgiven.

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Time with God. Prayer: Lord God, I know that all the bible is useful in helping me live my life for you. Please help me, with the power of your Holy Spirit, to understand this passage and know how to live my life for you in the light of what Ive learned. In Jesus name I pray. Amen Read through the passage opposite Think through these questions
1. What did God tell Abraham to offer? 2. What does Genesis 22:5 say about Abrahams confidence in God? 3. When Isaac asked Abraham about the sacrifice, what did Abraham tell his son? 4. How does this passage point us forward to Jesus? 5. According to this chapter, in Genesis 22:9-10, what does God expect our trust to be coupled with? 6. After God provided a ram, what did Abraham call the place? 7. In what way do mountains and God providing, point us forward to Jesus sacrifice? 8. What does this tell us about the grace of God in our salvation? 9. Which covenant promises are in view in Genesis 22:17-18? 10. Who will this special line eventually lead to? 11. What does this passage teach us about God? 12. What does it teach us about our walk with God?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word, the bible. Help me now, in the power of your Holy Spirit, to put into action everything Ive learned about living for you, and remember everything Ive learned about you and your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen
Mount Moriah

Mount Moriah is in modern day Jerusalem. It is the place where the original temple was built, not far from where Jesus was crucified. Its certainly a place of sacrifice! Today, as you can see from the photo you have a very sad picture! In the foreground you have the Wailing Wall, the remains of the temple, where Jews come to weep over the fact that there is now no temple sacrifice on Mount Moriah. Dominating the background you have the dome of the Rock, a Muslim Mosque and holy place, built there to commemorate Abrahams sacrifice of Isaac.

Mount Moriah today.

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Bible Study 1 Genesis 12

Week Beginning 5th September

1. Who are the individuals mentioned in Genesis 11:29? 2. What condition did Abrams wife suffer from? 3. Where did Abram and Lot travel to and from? 4. What three promises are mentioned in Genesis 12:1-3? Why might this be a problem? 5. How old was Abram when he departed out of Haran? 6. What land did Abram go to when told to go by God? 7. What did Abram build in Genesis 12:8? Why do you think he did this? 8. Where did Abram go when there was a famine? 9. Which other bible story does it make you think of? 10. What did Abram tell Sarai to say about herself when confronted by the Egyptians? Why? 11. What happened to Pharaoh and his house because of the ordeal with Sarai?

Genesis 13
1. Was Abram rich or poor? Which verses tell us this? 2. Was Abram righteous or unrighteous? Which verses tell us this? 3. What existed between the herdsmen of Lots cattle and Abrams cattle? Why? 4. What was Abrams reaction to this conflict? 5. According to Genesis 13:12 where did Lot pitch his tent? 6. Was this a good choice from a spiritual standpoint? 7. After God tells Abram about the land Hell give his descendants, what does Abram do? 8. Which covenant promises are in focus here?

Summary
1. How do these passages point us forward to Jesus? 2. What do these passages teach us about God and His character? 3. What do they teach us about our walk with God?

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Bible Study 2 Genesis 14

Week Beginning 21st September

1. According to Genesis 14:3, the warring nations were joined together near which Sea? 2. According to Genesis 14:10-11, what happened? 3. Who went to rescue the captive? Was he successful? 4. Who is referred to as the king of Salem? What was he? 5. Who gave tithes to the priest Melchizedek? 6. What does verse 18 make us think about? 7. Who else is a high priest in the order of Melchizedek? (see Hebrews 7. if you have time, read it.) 8. According to Genesis 14:21-24 why does Abram not take anything from the king of Sodom? 9. Which covenant promises are in focus throughout this passage?

Genesis 15
1. What covenant promise does God reiterate to Abram in Genesis 15:4-5? 2. Does Abram believe Gods promise? Why is this astounding? 3. What did Abram do when the birds came down to the dead bodies of the animals? Why? 4. What fell upon Abram in Genesis 15:12? What do you think this was? 5. What events do you think are prophesied about Abrams descendants in Genesis 15:13-14? 6. What is promised to Abram in Genesis 15:15? 7. Whose sin was mentioned as being not yet full 15:16? 8. What does this tell us about Gods character in terms of punishing evil? 9. What is re-iterated and underlined in this chapter?

Summary
1. How do these passages point us forward to Jesus? 2. What do these passages teach us about God and His character? 3. What do they teach us about our walk with God?

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Bible Study 3 Genesis 16

Week Beginning 12th October

1. What was Sarais problem mentioned in Genesis 16:1? 2. Who was Sarais handmaid and what nationality was she? 3. Did Hagar become Abrams wife as a part of Sarais solution? 4. What are the reasons this whole episode flies in the face of Gods covenant promises? 5. How did Hagar treat Sarai after Hagar was found to be pregnant? Why do you think she did this? 6. What was Hagars reaction to the way Sarai treated her? 7. On a human level is this reaction justified? Why? 8. After fleeing, what was Hagar instructed to do by the angel in Genesis 16:9? 9. What was Hagar to name her child? Why that name? 10. How has this lack of trust in Gods promises affected the whole of history up to the modern day?

Genesis 17
1. In Genesis 17:1, how old was Abram when God appeared to him? 2. In Genesis 17:2 and Genesis 17:4, what does God say he will make with Abram? 3. What will God make Abram father of? 4. What important event happens in Genesis 17:5 and Genesis 17:15? 5. Which of the three covenant promises are reiterated to Abraham in Genesis 17:6-8? 6. Why is this important after chapter 16? 7. What is the sign of the covenant in Genesis 17:10-11? 8. On what day was this operation to take place on new born males? 9. What do you think the New Testament equivalent of circumcision is? 10. According to Genesis 17:17, how old was Sarah at this time? 11. What was the child born to Sarah and Abraham to be called?

Summary
1. How do these passages point us forward to Jesus? 2. What do these passages teach us about God and His character? 3. What do they teach us about our walk with God?

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Bible Study 4 Genesis 18

Week Beginning 26th October

1. How was Abraham hospitable to the messengers of the Lord? 2. What did Sarah do when she first heard the message regarding her bearing a child in her old age? 3. What question did the Lord ask in reaction to Sarahs laughing? 4. Did Sarah admit or deny laughing? Why? 5. Which verse reiterates Gods promise of descendants to Abraham? 6. According to Genesis 18:19 was Abraham a weak or strong leader and father? 7. According to Genesis 18:20 what was the problem with Sodom and Gomorrah? 8. What famous question is asked in Genesis 18:25? 9. Abraham pleads with God about sparing the righteous. What numbers do they discuss with regard to sparing the righteous and what is the last number given?

Genesis 19
1. When the angels wanted to stay in the street all night what did Lot do? 2. Who surrounded Lots house? 3. What did Lot refer to the mens intentions as being in Genesis 19:7? 4. How were the wicked Sodomites struck down when they tried to break through Lots door? 5. According to Genesis 19:13, what was going to happen to the city? Why? 6. What happened when Lot lingered in leaving the city? Why? 7. What did God command them not to do in Genesis 19:17? 8. Who disobeyed and was struck down in Genesis 19:26? 9. What did God rain on Sodom and Gomorrah? 10. Who did God remember after He destroyed the cities of the plain? 11. According to Genesis 19:32 what was used in helping this wicked situation to occur? 12. What lessons can we learn from the way God acts in judgement in this chapter?

Summary
1. How do these passages point us forward to Jesus? 2. What do these passages teach us about God and His character? 3. What do they teach us about our walk with God? 34

Bible Study 5 Genesis 20

Week Beginning 9th November

1. Which chapter of Genesis does this remind you of? 2. Who was the king of Gerar that Abraham deceived? 3. Did the king of Gerar actually touch Sarah? 4. What else is Abraham called in Genesis 20:7? 5. When Abimelech confronted Abraham about the situation, what excuse did Abraham give? 6. Why are excuses to God futile? 7. Which covenant promises are being put in jeopardy here? 8. What had God done to Abimelechs house that required prayers from Abraham?

Genesis 21:1-21
1. What did God show to Sarah in Genesis 21:1-2 2. Why did she maybe not deserve this? 3. What was the childs name? 4. On what day was the child circumcised? Why was this important? What was it a sign of? 5. How old was Abraham when Isaac was born? 6. Later, when Abraham threw a great feast for Isaac, what did Sarah see Ishmael doing? 7. According to Genesis 21:12 who was the covenant promise going to be fulfilled through? 8. Why might this seem a little unfair, seen through our modern western eyes? 9. But what was God accomplishing? 10. Did Hagar die when she was sent away? Why not?

Summary
1. How do these passages point us forward to Jesus? 2. What do these passages teach us about God and His character? 3. What do they teach us about our walk with God?

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Bible Study 6 Genesis 21:22-34

1. Who did Abraham make a covenant with?

Week Beginning 23rd November

2. What did they recognise in Abraham according to Genesis 21:22 3. Where did they make that covenant? 4. What did the covenant allow Abraham to do? 5. Which covenant promises are in view here?

Genesis 22:1-19
1. What did God tell Abraham to offer? 2. What does Genesis 22:5 say about Abrahams confidence in God? 3. When Isaac asked Abraham about the sacrifice, what did Abraham tell his son? 4. How does this passage point us forward to Jesus? 5. According to this chapter, in Genesis 22:9-10, what does God expect our trust to be coupled with? 6. After God provided a ram, what did Abraham call the place? 7. In what way do mountains and God providing, point us forward to Jesus sacrifice? 8. What does this tell us about the grace of God in our salvation? 9. Which covenant promises are in view in Genesis 22:17-18? 10. Who will this special line eventually lead to?

Summary
1. What do these passages teach us about God and His character? 2. What do they teach us about our walk with God?

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