Genesis Part 041
Our blessings and cursings are not always because of what we have personally done. Many of us have received blessings in our lives due to the choices of our parents and grandparents.
As in the days of Abraham, the land of Canaan experienced another drought and famine. With the example of his father before him, Isaac journeyed south with the probable intent of going into Egypt where food would more likely be available, since that country was sustained by the perennial flow of the Nile River. His journey took him to the southern Philistine city of Gerar, whose king bore the hereditary title Abimelech (meaning “Father King” or “My Father is King”). Several kings bore this title of Abimelech, which is proven by many archaeological discoveries.
Genesis 26:2 records that God told Isaac, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you.” This implies that God directed Isaac’s movements. If God had merely wanted Isaac to remain in Canaan, He would have simply said, “Live in the land,” omitting “of which I shall tell you.” The latter phrase implies continued guidance. This is interesting because we are told that Abraham, although going into Canaan, went “not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8). God had told him, “Get out of your country…to a land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1), implying that although Abraham knew he was heading toward Canaan, he did not know whether he would remain there or if God would lead him elsewhere. Isaac’s movement toward Egypt was stopped by God directly intervening to guide his movements within Canaan. For the moment, God gave no further direction than to remain in the land of Canaan (verse 3).
In Genesis 26:4 we see God extend the Covenant promise that was made to Abraham down to Isaac, “in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.”
Verse five begins with the word “because.” This word contains the meaning that, “as a result of” Abraham’s obedience and keeping God’s commandments, statutes and laws, the blessings of the covenant are now extended to Isaac as well. This is emphasized again in verse 24 when God says, for “Abraham’s sake.”
This goes to show that our blessings (and cursings for that matter) are not always because of what we personally have done. Many of us have received blessings in our lives due to the choices of our parents and grandparents. Some people look at blessings in their lives as proof that God is happy with their choices. We have to be careful with this mindset as it can be faulty. Someone who strays away from God could conclude falsely that God is pleased with them due to their “blessed” lives, but they may still be reaping blessings from parents/grandparents who obeyed faithfully.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships, and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
