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Old Testament (Genesis-Deuteronomy)

By Alfred P Gibbs

Lesson 1: Creation
Genesis 1:1-31
Golden Text: 2 Corinthians 5:17

      I. Creation; V. 1.

1. The Time, “Beginning;” Cp. John 1:1-3; Proverbs 8.

2. The Person—God. Cp. Colossians 1:16-18.

3. The Act—“Created.” Hebrews wd. “Bara” = to create out of nothing. This word is used three times in Genesis 1 and marks the introduction of three great spheres of existence, (1) Of matter, v. 1; (2) of animal life, v. 21; (3) of spirit, v. 21.

II. Chaos; V. 2. The earth not created so. Isaiah 45:18 (“Vain” = without form). It became without form and void—perhaps thru fall of Satan. Isaiah 14:12-17. Note the condition of the earth—typical of state of the unsaved today.

1. Formless. No aim, no object in life, no definiteness. Job 14:4; Eccl. 9:3; Jeremiah 16:12; Romans 8:5-8; Philippians 2:21; Isaiah 57:20.

2. Void—empty, dissatisfied. Cp. Psalm 94:11; Ecc. 1:13; 2:11; Acts 14:15-17; Galatians 6:7-8; Jeremiah 2:13.

3. Dark. Cp. John 1:5; 3:19, 20; Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 1: 13; Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.

III. Restoration; Vs. 2-31. The stages of restoration illustrative of stages in new creation, or regeneration. John 3:3.

1. Chaos; V. 2. Cp. Psalms 14:2, 3; Isaiah 57:20; John 3:18-20; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:10-19.

2. The Spirit’s moving; V. 2. Conviction. Cp. John 16:8-11; Acts 2:18, 37, etc.

3. Light; V. 3. Cp. John 8:12; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Peter 2:9; Psalm 119:130.

4. Division; Vs. 4-7. Cp. John 3:36; 7:43; 9:16; 10:19; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Leviticus 11:44-47.

5. Growth; Vs. 11-12. Cp. 1 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:3.

6. Fruit-bearing; V. 12. Cp. John 15:1-8; Hebrews 13:15; Romans 6:22; 1:13; Philippians 4:17.

7. Dominion; V. 26. Cp. Psalm 8:3, 4; Colossians 1:16-18; Revelation 5:9-14.

8. God’s Image; V. 26. Cp. Colossians 3:10; 1 John 3:l-3.

9. Blessing; V. 28. Ephesians 1:3; Psalms 32:1; 1:1, 2.

10. Rest; Genesis 2:2. Cp. Hebrews 4:1-3; Matthew 11:28-30.

Trace also and outline the six days of creation.

1. Light; Vs. 3-5.

2. Firmament; Vs. 6-8.

3. Vegetable life; Vs. 9-13.

4. Lights; Vs. 14-19.

5. Aquatic and bird life; Vs. 20-23. Notice particularly the words “after his kind” or “according to his species.” This is a flat contradiction of the theory of evolution, which teaches the theory of the transmutation of species.

6. Animals and man; Vs. 24-28.

Summed up in three words the subject of Genesis 1 is Creation, V. 1; Degeneration, V. 2; Recreation, Vs. 3-31. Or, Construction, V. 1; Destruction, V. 2; Reconstruction, Vs. 3-31.

Lesson 2: Creation Of Man
Genesis 2:1-25
Golden Text: Eccl. 7:39

I. Gods Rest; Vs. 1-3.

1. In creation. Cp. Genesis 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31; Hebrews 4:4.

2. Disturbed by sin. Genesis 3:9, 24; 6:6, 13; John 5:17, etc.

3. God now rests in Christ. Matthew 3:17; 17:5; John 12:28; 4:34; 8:29; 16:10; Acts 17:31; Romans 1:6; Acts 2:36. Everything has been committed to Him. John 3:35.

4. The believer now rests In Christ through faith in His Person and finished work. Hebrews 4:1-11. Psalm 37:7; Isaiah 28:9-13; Psalm 116:7-8.

II. Man’s Creation; Vs. 7-25.

1. His Origin. The direct creative act of God. No thought of a gradual evolution suggested here and nothing in the facts of science to prove evolution of man either. Drive this home. Cp. Genesis 5:1-2; 9:6; Job 31:15; Psalms 8:3-6; Matthew 19:4-6, etc.; Isaiah 40:12-15, 26, 28, 45:11, 12. Evolution is defined by Le Conte as “A continuous progressive exchange, according to fixed laws, and by means of resident forces.”

2. His Constitution—Tripartite; Genesis 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

3. His Jurisdiction; Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8:6. Head of God’s creation—Dominion over the earth.

4. His Location; Genesis 2:8-14. The Garden of Eden—planted by God—an Ideal environment. Everything supplied by God.

5. His Assignation; Genesis 2:15. To dress and keep the garden. Perfect employment.

6. His Prohibition; Genesis 2:16, 17. Man a responsible being possessed of free will. Therefore this law was necessary: (1) It gave God His place as Supreme; (2) It gave man his place as free moral agent under supervision of God. Perfect government rests on perfect obedience to perfect law.

7. His Companion; Genesis 2:18-25. Cp. Ephesians 5:22-32.

        (1) The formation. Not from his head to rule him, or from his feet to be despised, but from his side to be loved, nourished and cherished.

        (2) The purpose: (a) A help, meet for him, V. 18; (b) Fellowship, V. 18, “not good alone;” (c) Union, 23-24; (d) A type of Christ and the Church, Ephesians 5:22-32; Romans 7:4; Revelation 19:7-9: John 17:21-26, etc.

Lesson 3: The Fall Of Man
Genesis 3
Golden Text: Romans 5:12

I. The Tempter; V. 1. Satan through the serpent. Cp. Revelation 12:9; 20:2; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 John 3:8; 1 Timothy 2:14. Sketch briefly Satan’s history. Touch on his creation, Ezekiel 28:13; rebellion, Isaiah 13:13; fall, Isaiah 14:12; Luke 10:18; present sphere, Ephesians 6:11, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:4; and final doom, Revelation 20.

II. The Temptation; Vs. 1-6. Satan’s tactics are the same today.

1. Its Introduction; Vs. 1-4. Three doubts are suggested:

        (1) Doubt of God’s words—“Hath God said?” Satan puts a question mark on God’s inerrant word.

        (2) Doubt of God’s punishment—“Ye shall not surely die.” The “no punishment” doctrine had an early start and a bad origin!

        (3) Doubt of God’s goodness—Why withhold one tree? “Ye shall be as gods.”

2. Its Channel; V. 6. Cp. 1 John 2:16.

        (1) Lust of the flesh: “food.”

        (2) Lust of the eyes: “eyes.”

        (3) Pride of life: “wise.”

Note: In the temptation of Christ (Luke 4) the same order is tried by Satan, but with utter failure.

3. Its Stages; V. 6.

III. The Result; Vs. 7-13.

1. Opened eyes; V. 7. They saw themselves. Cp. Isaiah 6:5; Daniel 10:8; Romans 3:10-19, etc.

2. Self-covering; V. 7. Cp. Isaiah 64:6; Romans 10:3.

3. Separation; V. 8. “Hid.” Cp. Isaiah 59:1, 2; Jeremiah 5:25; 14:10; Ephesians2:1-3; “Death” in Scripture means separation. Cp. physical death. James 2:26; Spiritual death, Ephesians 1:2; 1 Timothy 5:6; Eternal death, Revelation 20:14.

4. Fear, “afraid;” V. 10. Cp. Isaiah 33:14; Psalm 53:5; Proverbs 28:1; Deuteronomy 28:67; Isaiah 57:20, 21, etc.

5. Self excuses; Vs. 12-13. Tried to avoid personal responsibility for their guilt. Cp. Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 14:12; Matthew 12:36, 37, etc.

IV. The Trial and the Sentence: Vs. 14-19.

1. Of the serpent; Vs. 14-15. (1) The sentence; V. 14. (2) The Promise of the Redeemer; V. 15.

2. Of the woman; V. 16.

3. Of the man; Vs. 17-19. (1) The curse on the ground; Vs. 17-18. (2) The judgment on Adam: Labor to be the keynote of his life. (3) Death passed upon him .Cp. Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:22.

V. The Clothing; V. 21. A type of Christ’s work for us. Cp. 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 3:21-26; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 John 4:19; Ephesians 1:6, 7, etc.

VI. The Expulsion; Vs. 22-24. What a commentary on the awful effect of sin! Cp. Revelation 20:15; John 8:21; Revelation 21:8.

Lesson 4: Cain And Abel
Genesis 4:1-15
Golden Text: Hebrews 11:4

I. The Two Offerers; Vs. 1-4. Their bringing of an offering implies—

1. A sense of the guilt of sin. Cp. Romans 1: 18, 10; Romans 2:15; 3:10-23, etc.

2. A revelation of God’s way of acceptance. Cp. Genesis 3:21. Abel offered in faith and faith presupposes a previous revelation for “faith comes by hearing the word of God” Romans 10:17.

3. A realization of their need of acceptance before God. Cp. Job 16:21; 22:21; 26:4; 33:27, 28, etc.

II. The Two Offerings

1. 1. Cain’s. What his offering meant. (1) The product of the ground which God had cursed; V. 3. Cp. Genesis 3:17. Cp. Galatians 3:10. (2) The result of his own labor. Cp. Ephesians 2:8, 9; Galatians 2:16; Romans 10:1-4; 4:5; 3:19-24. (3) Doubtless beautiful outwardly to natural man. Cp. 1 Samuel 16:7; 15:22; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Luke 16:15. (4) Offered in self will and unbelief. Contrast Hebrews 11:4 with Jude 11. Cain’s was not the worship of a false god, but the false worship of the true God.

2. Abel’s

III. The Two Results.

1. Cain

2. Abel

        (1) Accepted; “V. 4. Abel accepted in his offering. Cp. Ephesians 1:6; 1 John 4:19; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2Corinthians 5:21.

        (2)Commended; V. 7. Cp. Hebrews 11:4. (3) Being dead, yet speaks; Hebrews 11:4. (a) Of the presence of sin in the world, (b) Of the fact that very human being comes into the world possessed of a sinful nature, (c) Of the enmity of the human heart to God. (d) Of the way of approach to God—through a Divinely appointed and accepted Sacrifice, (e) Of the fact that faith pleases God. (f) Of the shortness of time and brevity of life, (g) Of the certainty of death and judgment.

Lesson 5: The Flood
Genesis 6:5-13; 7:1-6, 21-24; 8:6-13
Golden Text: Hebrews 11:7

I. Man’s State; Genesis 6:5, 11, 12.

1. By nature; V. 5. Cp. Jeremiah 17:9; Isaiah 53:6; Mark 7:20-23; Romans 8:5-8. This is how God sees man now by nature.

2. By Practice; V. 11 and 12. Cp. Psalm 14:2-4; Job 15:14-16; Isaiah 1:5, 6; Eccl. 7:20; Isaiah 59:2; Psalms 51:5; 53:2, 3; Romans 3:10-19. The hopelessness and helplessness of man by nature.

II. God’s Warning; Genesis 6:6, 7, 13. Cp. Jeremiah 44:4; Ezekiel 33:4, 5, 9.

God hates sin and must, because of His holy, just and righteous character, punish it.

The Ark was God’s voice to the people of that day. Note it was—

1. A long sermon—at least 120 years. Genesis 6:3, Cp. Genesis 5:32; 7:6. Cp. 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 33:11.

2. A righteous sermon. Cp. 2 Pet. 2:5; Hebrews 11:7; Romans 1:17.

3. An illustrated sermon: The Ark. They could see it. There was no excuse, Cp. Romans 1:20-22; John 1:29; 12:32; Proverbs 22:3; Romans 2:1.

III.God’s Way of Salvation. The Ark a type of Christ.

1. The need for the Ark. Man’s state and God’s judgment. Romans 5:12, 18-21, etc.

2. The plan of the Ark—all from God through grace. Genesis 6:8, 14-16; John 3:16, 17; Ephesians 2:1-9, etc.

3. Only one way into this Salvation—the Door. Cp. John 10:9.

4. The ark a finished work. Genesis 6:22. Cp. John 4:34; 17:4; 19:30.

5. The ark endured the storm from below and above; Genesis 7:11. So Christ the rejection of men and the wrath of God. Cp. Matthew 17:22; Psalms 22:1; 69:1, 2; 88:7. Note “pitched. Genesis 6:14 is same word rendered elsewhere “atone.” So the atonement covers and shelters.

6. The ark saved all who trusted in It. 1 Peter 3:20; Acts 16:30, 31; John 5:24; 10:28.

IV. God’s Invitation; Genesis 7:1.

1. The Inviter—God “Come thou.” The first “come” of the Bible. God was inside. He was the Captain of the unsinkable Vessel.

2. The Invitation, “Come,” Cp. other comes Of the Bible; Isaiah 1:18; Matthew 11:28; Rev 22:17.

3. The Explanation, “righteous.” Sow? By faith. Hebrews 11:7. Cp. Romans 3:20-26.

V. God’s Judgment.

1. The two classes: (1) In the Ark. Cp. “In Christ;” Ephesians 1:3, 4, 6, 7, 12-14. (2) Outside the Ark. Cp. Ephesians 2:11, 12. So today there are only two classes, the saved (Ephesians 2:8) and the lost (2 Corinthians 4:3).

2. The two results: (1) Saved; Romans 8:1, etc. (2) Lost. Cp. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 6:17. Are you in the Ark of God’s providing?

Lesson 6: God’s Covenant With Noah
Genesis 8:4-9:17
Golden Text: Isaiah 55:3

I. The Ark; 8:4-19.

1. The resting place; Vs. 4-5.

2. The two messengers; Vs. 6-12. (1) The Raven. Type of the one who feeds on the things of this world which is corrupt. Cp. Romans 8: 5-8; 1 Corinthians 2:14. (2) The Dove. Type of true Christian who cannot find rest in corruption. Cp. 1 John 2:15-16. 111. The Prodigal Son.

3. The exit from the Ark; Vs. 13-19. (1) Note V. 13. New Year’s day. Compare others: (a) Creation; Genesis 1:3, 4. (b) Judgment passed; Genesis 8:13. (c) Restoration; Ezra 7:9. (d) Separation; Ezra 10:12, 17. (d) Altar restored; 2 Chronicles 29:5, 7, 17, 18. (f) Worship; Exodus 40:2, 17. (g) Commission; Ezekiel 29:17. (2) Note V. 16. All who obeyed the “come” of Genesis 7:1 are included in the “go.” Cp. Matthew 11:28; 28:19. (3) All were equally secure that were in the ark. Judgment had passed; John 5:24; Romans 8:1; Jude 24, etc. It was not Noah’s feelings but the ark that made him secure.

II. The Altar; Genesis 8:20-22.

1. The Sacrifice; V. 20. “Burnt offerings.” See its significance. The first thing built after flood was an altar; Hebrews 9:22; 13:15.

2. The acceptance; V. 21. Cp. Ephesians 5:2; 1:6. We are accepted in our sacrifice.

3. The promise; V. 22. Unconditional. Never broken.

III. The Command; Genesis 9:1-7.

1. To replenish the earth; Vs. 1-3.

2. Magisterial functions conferred on man; Vs 4-6. Cp. Numbers 35:33. This has never been revoked. The blood a precious thing. Cp. Leviticus 17:11. This is the Scriptural authority for capital punishment.

IV. The Covenant; Vs. 8-17.

1. The promise; Vs. 8-11. Never to destroy the earth by water. The next flood is to be one of fire. See 2 Peter 3:4-12.

2. The token or sign; Vs. 12-17.

Three things are required for a rainbow:

        (1) Rain; i.e., God’s grace (see Matthew 5:45). God’s love alike to all; John 3:16; Titus 2:11; Ephesians 2:8, etc.

        (2) Cloud; i.e., our sins. Cp. Isaiah 44:22; 59:2. Sin, the black cloud that separates us from God. The darker the cloud the brighter the bow; Romans 5:20, etc.

        (3) Sunshine; i.e., the Lord Jesus; Mal. 4:2; John 8:12. So God’s grace seen through Christ on dark background of our sins. Both God and man were to look at the same thing. God looked at the bow for remembrance, while man looked at it for assurance.

Lesson 7: The Tower Of Babel
Genesis 11:1-9
Golden Text: Matthew 23:12

I. The Migration. Vs. 1-2. This was according to the command of God to multiply and replenish the earth. Genesis 9:1. The world, at this time, had but one language.

II. The Rebellion; Vs. 3-4.

1. Its Purpose. To frustrate, if possible, the purposes of God. God desired the whole world to be repopulated; they wanted to settle down in one locality. Note the personal pronouns, “us and we.” God was not in all their thoughts. Psalm 10:4. Man-made unions would bow God out of His own creation! Compare Psalms 2:1-3; Matthew 27:22; Acts 2:23; 4:27; 13:50; Isaiah 29:15; Isaiah 30:1. The heart of man by nature is in rebellion against God. Romans 8:7, 8; Mark 7:21; Jeremiah 17:9.

2. Its plan. To build a tower that would make them independent of God. “Let us” not let God;” Romans 1:21-23. Man’s present tower is “modern civilization” which exalts man’s power, wisdom, wealth, pleasure, culture, invention and philosophy, but leaves God out. See Psalm 9:17; Deuteronomy 6:12. Ill. Luke 12:16-21. Man’s future tower will be the “Mark of the beast” Revelation 13:16-18. Thus both in the past, present and future man-made unity is in opposition to God’s word, will and way.

III. The Judgment; Vs. 5-8. Here is God-made unity. Note “us” V. 7. Cp. Genesis 1:26. The mystery of the tri-unity of the Godhead. Cp. Matthew 3:16, 17; 28:19; Ephesians 2:18; Genesis 1:26.

1. Divine discernment; V. 5. God can see all things. Cp. Psalms 14:2; 102:19; 33:13-19; 80:14; Gen 16:13; Hebrews 4:12, 13.

2. Divine counsel; Vs. 6-7. “Let us.” Here is Divine unity and who can stand against it? The unity of the Godhead is for man’s blessing. See John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:4-6; Romans 3:19-26; 1 Corinthians 1:18-29; Colossians 2:13-15; Galatians 3:28; Philippians 2:5-11.

3. Divine judgment. V. 8. The confused tongues and the scattered people. Note:

        (1) Confusion of tongues—judgment; Genesis 11:7-9.

        (2) Unity of tongue—grace; Acts 2:1-12. Cp. translations of the Bible.

        (3) Harmony of tongues—glory; Revelation 5:9; 7:9-14. In the celestial city every tribe, nation and tongue shall join, in glorious harmony, to sing the praises of the One whose precious blood has made their salvation possible. They shall be of one language in that day.

Lesson 8: The Call Of Abram
Genesis 12:1-8
Golden Text: Genesis 12:3

I. The Source of It—God; V. 1. Cp. 2 Corinthians 5:18. Cp. Acts 13:2.

1. The Gospel call; Matthew 11:28; Romans 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:12 13.

2. The’ service call; Acts 13:2; 1 Corinthians 12:7: Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15.

3. The glory call; Revelation 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

II. The Character of It; V. 1. Separation from

1. Country. See its description; Joshua 24:2, 3. A picture of this world; 1 Thessalonians 1:9, 10; 1 John 5:19; John 3:36; 2 Peter 3:7, 10; Hebrews 11:15, 16.

2. Kindred. Cp. Matthew 12:50; Matthew 10:37; Philippians 3:4-9; Galatians 6:14.

3. The believer’s call. (1) Called saints; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2. (2) To eternal life; 1 Timothy 6:12; John 5:24; 10:28. (3) To liberty; Galatians 5:13; Romans 6:14; Romans 7:4-6. (4) To fellowship; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 John 1:3, 6-7; 2:8; 4:17. (5) To suffering; 1 Pet. 2:21; 4:12; Romans 8:17; Hebrews 12:6. (6) To blessing; 1 Peter 3:9; Romans 12:14; Galatians 3:8. (7) Eternal glory; 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Hebrews 2:10.

III. The Cost of It; Vs. 1-5.

1. His own country; Vs. 1, 5. Cp. Philippians 3:20.

2. His own kindred; V. 1. Cp Phil 3:8.

3. His own house; V. 1; Luke 14:26-33.

The Christian life is worth to you what it costs you. Matthew 10:38; Luke 9:23; Romans 12:1, 2.

IV. The Compensation of It; Vs. 2-8.

1. A new country; V. 1. Cp. Hebrews 11:16; John 14:1-3.

2. A great work; V. 2. Cp. Matthew 28:18-20.

3. True greatness; V. 2; James 2:23. Cp. John 16:27; 14:23.

4. God’s favor; V. 3; “blessed.” Cp. Psalms 32:1; 1:1; 65:4; 94:12; 128:1; 119:2; 84:4; 34:8.

5. A vision of God; V. 7. 1 Corinthians 2:7-10; 2 Corinthians 4:6; John 14:9.

6. Blessing from God; V. 7. Cp. Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3; Romans 8:32.

7. Communion with God; V. 8; John 4:23, 24; 1 John 1:3; Ephesians 2:18, etc.

V. His Obedience to It; Genesis 11:31-12:7.

1. Partial at first; Genesis 11:31. He took Terah and came as far as Haran and remained there until Terah’s death. There was no further communion between Abraham and God until he obeyed completely.

2. Full, on death of Terah; Genesis 12:5. Abraham has been called “the Columbus of faith.” He did not know the way but he knew his Guide. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

Lesson 9: Abram And Lot
Genesis 13:1-18
Golden Text: 2 Corinthians 4:18

I. The Sojourn in Egypt. Cp. Genesis 12:10-20. What Abram lost in Egypt.

1. His communion with God—no altar in Egypt which is type of the world. Cp. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 John 1:6, 7.

2. His testimony before men; Genesis 12:18; Romans 2:21-24; 2 Samuel 12:14; 2 Corinthians 3:2.

3. His influence on others. Lot went with him; Genesis 13:5; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Romans 14:7. God tells us, not only of the successes, but of the failures of His people that we might profit from both. 1 Corinthians 10:11.

II. The Return to Bethel; Genesis 13:1-4.

1. Separation from Egypt; V. 1. No restoration without separation. Cp. 2 Corinthians 7:1; Isaiah 1:16-18; Jeremiah 2:19; James 4:7-10.

2. Migration to Bethel; V. 2-4. Cp. 1 John 1:8-2:1; Psalm 32:3-6.

3. Restoration of communion; V. 4. The Altar; Hebrews 13:10-13; Hosea 14:1-9, etc.

III. The Choice; Vs. 5-13.

1. The Cause—“Strife;” V. 6-7. Cp. James 3:16.

2. Abram’s offer; Vs. 8, 9. Fruit of his restoration. Cp. Galatians 5:22, 23. Note the basis of Abram’s plea for harmony; “We be brethren.” This is the first mention of this word in the Bible. Cp. Matthew 23:8. Brethren should be known by their love, tolerance and desire for harmony.

3. Lot’s Choice; Vs. 10-13. The principles that governed it; Ecclesiastes 1:14, 17; 2:11; Jeremiah 2:13.

        (1) Its basis—The outward view; V. 10. Cp. The world and its glitter; 1 John 2:15, 16.

        (2) Its selfishness; V. 11. Lot chose for himself; God chose for Abram. Cp. Jeremiah 45:5; Philippians 4:6-8.

        (3) Its prayerlessness. God not consulted. CP. Deuteronomy 6:12.

        (4) Its shortsightedness. Sodom a doomed city; V. 10. Cp. 2 Peter 3:10-12; Mark 8:30.

        (5) Its stages. (a) “Beheld;” V. 10. (b) “Chose;” V. 11. (c) “Separated;” V. 11. (d) “Dwelled;” V. 12. What a sad history. Cp. 2 Timothy 4:10.

IV. The Revelation; Vs. 14-18.

1. The Promiser—Jehovah; V. 14. Cp. Numbers 23: 19; Isaiah 40:28; 44:8; 45:19.

2. The Promise; Vs. 14-16. God’s choice for Abram.

Lesson 10: God’s Promise To Abraham
Genesis 14:8—15:18
Golden Text: Romans 4:5

I. The Historic Setting; Genesis 14:8-24.

1. The capture of Lot; Vs. 11, 12.

2. The pursuit of Abraham; Vs. 13-16.

3. The blessing of Melchizedek; Vs. 18-20. This turned his mind from earth to heaven and prepared him to refuse the spoil. Melchizedek a type of Christ, our Great High Priest; Hebrews 5:5-10; 7:1-17. (1) The bread to strengthen; John 6:35; John 6:51. (2) The wine to cheer. Cp. Luke 22:20; 1 Peter 1:8. (3) The authority to bless. Cp. Hebrews 7:7; Romans 5:10; Hebrews 7:25.

4. The refusal of the spoil; Vs. 21-24. Cp. Genesis 13:13; 2 Corinthians 6:14, etc. This took real courage for it was an insult to this wicked king.

II. The Divine Encouragement; Genesis 15:1.

1. Fear Not—no fear. The first “fear not” of the Bible. Cp. Genesis 21:17; 26:24; 46:3; Numbers 21:34; Joshua 8:1; Judges 6:23; Isaiah 43:3; Ezekiel 3:9, etc.; 1 John 4:18; Hebrews 13:5-6.

2. “Shield”—no danger. God, his Protector. Cp. Psalms 84:11; 18:1-2; 17:8; John 10:28-30, etc.

3. “Reward”—no loser. Cp. Psalms 73:26; 119:57; 142:5; 1 Samuel 2:30, etc.

III. The request; Vs. 2, 3. Abram’s desire for a son.

IV. The Divine promise; Vs. 4, 5.

1. The basis of it. The word of the Lord; V. 4.

2. The content of it. Promise of seed; V. 4.

3. The illustration of it. Stars; V. 5.

V. The Divine blessing; Vs. 6, 7.

1. What Abraham did: “believed.” First mention of “believe” in the Bible. Cp. Romans 4:3-5, 20-25; Galatians 3:2-9; Mark 9:23; John 3:36; 5:24; 21:31; Ephesians 2:8, etc., etc. Note the two other mentions of men who believed God. (1) Jonah, 3:1-10, Repentance; (2) Acts 27:21-25; Rejoicing.

2. What God did—counted it to him for righteousness. This is still God’s method of justifying, or declaring righteous, the believing sinner. See 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Cor 1:30; Romans 3:22; 10:2-11.

VI. The Divine Covenant; V. 8-18.

1. The divided sacrifice; V. 9, 10. Nothing hid—all exposed; Hebrews 4:12, 13.

2. The horror of darkness; V. 12. Every earthly hope and confidence gone.

3. The repeated promise; V. 13-16. Note the prophecy of Israel’s history in Egypt. Prophecy is history foretold. Cp. Isaiah 41:22, 23.

4. The furnace=Divine wrath expended on the sacrifice so that blessing might come to Abram. So with Christ. Psalm 88:7, 16, etc.

5. The lamp—the Divine light that searched the sacrifice and rightly estimated its value. Cp. John 16:10; Romans 1:4.

6. The covenant made; V. 18. Cp. Isaiah 55:3; Hebrews 9:15-17; Luke 22:20.

Lesson 11: Lot’s Wife
Genesis-19:1-26
Golden Text: Job 36:18

I. The Circumstances, Read Genesis 18

1. The angels entertained; Vs. 1-8. Cp. Hebrews 13:11. This is one of the many “Theophanies” of the Old Testament. A “Theophany” is a manifestation of Godwin this case, in human form. Undoubtedly this is none other than the Son of God. Note some other Theophanies, Genesis 16:7; 22:11; Judges 6:11, 12; 13:18; etc.

2. The reiterated promise; Vs. 9-15.

3. The intercession of Abraham; Vs. 17-33. What it teaches:

II. Lot’s wife; Luke 17:32. Remember

1. Her privileges.

        (1) She was faithfully warned; Vs. 13, 14. Cp. Acts 20:19-21, 27; Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 33:4-6, 11; Job 36:18; Romans 6:23, etc. (2) She was related to a righteous man—Lot; 2 Peter 2:7. Christian parents will not save; John 1:13. (3) She was warned by angels; V. 17. Cp. Luke 16:28-31. (4) She knew the way of escape. “Flee.” A mere knowledge of the way of salvation, though necessary, will not save. The way of salvation must be accepted and God’s word obeyed. (5) She was the subject of Abraham’s prayers. Genesis 18:17-33. Many are relying on the fact that their relatives pray for them and imagine this will save them, but remember Lot’s wife.

2. Her Sin.

3. Her Fate.

Her plans were for time only. Her god was pleasure, pomp and fashion. Her faith was in the temporal, not eternal. Therefore she had no escape from God’s judgment.

Lesson 12: Abraham’s Trial
Genesis 22:1-19
Golden Text: Romans 8:32

I. The Trial of Faith; Vs. 1, 2.

1. Its purpose; V. 1. To “test,” not “tempt.” Cp. James 1:12, 13; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Job 23:10; 34:36; 1 Peter 1:7; 4:12; Zechariah 13:9; Hebrews 11:17. God tests the reality of the believers’ faith, obedience and love.

2. Its nature.

II. The Obedience of Faith; Vs. 3-10.

1. The prompt response; V. 3-6. Cp. Romans 1:5. Based on implicit, unreasoning:, an-i unquestioning- belief in God’s wisdom, power and love. Cp. Hebrews 11:17-19. Romans 4. Note especially the significance of Genesis 22:5: “Come again to you.” He believed God would raise Isaac from the dead; Hebrews 11:19.

2. The Question; V. 7. “Where is the Lamb?”

3. The Answer; V. 8. (1) “God.” The Author of salvation; 2 Corinthians 5:18. (2) “Will provide.” He sees the need; He will meet it; Isaiah 59:16; Ezekiel 22:30. (3) “Himself a Lamb.” God is Himself the Provision; 2 Corinthians 5:19.

4. Isaac’s Unresisting Surrender; Vs 9-10. Isaac could easily have run away from the sacrifice, but he became obedient to his father’s will. Cp. Philippians 2:8; Isaiah 53:7; 1 Peter 2:21-23.

III. The Reward of Faith; Vs. 11-19.

1. The Call; Vs. 11, 12. Note the repeated name. See the others of Scripture as Exodus 3:4, etc., etc.

2. The Substitute; V. 13. “The ram.” But no response at Calvary. He was the alone Substitute: 2 Corinthians 5:21.

3. The Place named; V. 14. “Jehovah Jireh.” The Lord will provide; Philippians 4:19. What God has provided through the gift of His Son—all things for time and eternity. (1) Past—a Savior. (2) Present—an Advocate. (3) Future—a King.

4. The Commendation; Vs. 15-18. How wonderfully this has been fulfilled!

Lesson 13: The Bride For Isaac
Genesis 24
Golden Text: Ephesians 5:27

I. Abraham’s Charge; Vs. 1-9.

1. His Consistency; Vs. 1-3. Cp. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; John 17:13-16.

2. His Commission; Vs. 4-6. A bride for his son. Here Abraham is a type of the Father Whose great desire it is to have a bride for His Son. Cp. Ephesians 5:25-27 with Hebrews 10:7. It was the Father’s will.

3. His confidence; V. 7. Based on God’s promises. Cp. Numbers 23:19; 2 Corinthians 1:20.

II. The Servant’s Search; Vs. 10-49. The servant here is typical of the Holy Spirit sent by the Lord after His departure to continue His work; John 16:7-15; 14:16-17; 15:26.

1. The Preparation; V. 10. Cp. John 16:14, 15. The servant must be ready to convince the bride-to-be of the attractiveness of Isaac’s person; the sincerity of Isaac’s passion and the desirability of Isaac’s possessions.

2. The Journey; V. 10. About 500 miles. Cp. “Send.” John 14:26.

3. The Prayer; Vs. 11-14. Jeremiah 33:3; Romans 8: 26-27. Note its elements. (1) Reverence; V. 12, 13. (2) Definiteness; V. 14. (3) Brevity.

4. The Answer; Vs. 15, 16. Cp. Isaiah 65:24; Psalm 91:14-16. Note last clause of V. 27. Here is a great principle in guidance: “I, being in the way, the Lord led me.” Cp. Hosea 6:3.

5. The Message; Vs. 27-49.

III. Rebekah’s Choice; Vs. 50-60. A picture of salvation.

1. She heard the message; V. 51. Cp. Romans 10:8-17; John 5:24.

2. She believed the message. Cp. 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 11:13; John 20:29.

3. She decided to receive Isaac as her life partner. V. 58. See also John 1:12. Will you receive Christ as such? Cp. other decisions; Matthew 27:22; Joshua 24:15; Acts 16:30-34.

IV. The Meeting with Isaac; Vs. 61-67.

1. The migration; Vs. 61. 62. Cp. Hebrews 11:13-16. The journey thr