The Book of Genesis
Part 42
In our previous study, we considered the contents of chapter 24 in a literal sense; no doubt that was proper. We decided at that time to examine likewise this same chapter in a typical way, for this approach to the historical events there recorded is probably the more usual one.
A typical study of any Scripture requires a searching, not only for the types, but for their antitypes.
There are four character types here; namely, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, and Eliezer.
Abraham
While we were studying chapter 22, we saw the close intimacy between Abraham and Isaac (22:8), and what it must have cost Abraham to sacrifice his son (22:12). From that picture, we attempted to appreciate the intimacy within the Godhead, and what it meant to God the Father not to spare His Son, but to deliver Him up for us all (Rom. 8:32).
In this chapter, the details are altogether different, the intimacy between the father and his son still exist, the love of the father is just as great, but these express themselves, not in sacrifice, but in a real purpose and plan to seek a bride for Isaac.
The major theme of the Epistle to the Ephesians is that of the Church, particularly in its universal aspect. One of the metaphors used to describe her is that of a bride. The Church is the spouse of Christ (Eph. 5: 23-33. 2 Cor. 11:2).
As in Abraham’s instructions to his servant he made known his purposes for Isaac; even so, at the very beginning of the Ephesian letter, God makes known His purposes for the members of the Church, the Bride of Christ: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” (Chap. 1:3-4).
That Abraham had a plan for the carrying out of his purpose is most evident. That plan he entrusted to the steward over his house. What a wonderful plan God had for the accomplishing of His purpose! This plan is very concisely stated in the writings of the Apostle Paul: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified” (Rom. 8:28-30).
Isaac
We must also consider Isaac who again is, as when we were examining chapter 22, a type of Christ, the only begotten Son.
Isaac had been placed upon the altar, to all intents he had died; yet, Abraham received him back as from death. He was sacrificed, yet, lived. How like our blessed Lord Jesus! Of His being resurrected, we read: “His mighty power, Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places” (Eph. 1:19-20).
Abraham made plans to seek a bride for Isaac; even so, God made plans that, as Eve was the complementary part of Adam, the Church as the Lamb’s wife should be the fulness of Him that filleth all in all (Eph. 1:22-23). Forasmuch as “neither is the man without the woman neither the woman without the man;” therefore, “they two shall be one flesh” so also is the Christ (1 Cor. II:II. Eph. 5:31).
As Isaac, sacrificed yet living, could anticipate with joy the day when he would possess a suitable bride, our blessed Lord awaits the day when He, as the One Who loved the Church and gave Himself for her, will present her to Himself a glorious Church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.
Rebekah
There are several salient points here which merit close consideration. Rebekah is a type of the Church, not only in her marriage, but in her suitability. She was related to Isaac, this, therefore, suggests that all in the Church must bear a relationship to Christ.
Relationship in life: Said Abraham to his servant, “Thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac” (V. 4). One of the daughters of Canaan would not do. Abraham insisted that Isaac’s bride be of the separate distinct race chosen by God. As those two, Isaac and Rebekah, were one kindred, we read, “Both He (Christ) that sanctifieth and they (members of His Church) who are sanctified are all of one (kindred)” (Heb. 2:11).
Relationship confessed: When Eliezer questioned Rebekah at the well, saying, “Whose daughter art thou?” she said unto him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.” Later on, Eliezer acknowledged that God had led him the right way to take his master’s brother’s daughter as a bride for Isaac (V. 48). Rebekah had declared her genealogy; she was near of kin to Isaac. It is necessary that Christians be ready always to state their spiritual genealogy.
Relationship of love: In the Song of Solomon, it is intimated that the bride there bore a dual relationship to her bridegroom. He, the bridegroom, addresses her as, “My sister, my spouse.” The words, “My sister” indicate a relationship of life; the words, “My spouse,” a relationship of love. Such was the relationship between Isaac and Rebekah. She was of his father’s family, but true love existed between them. When asked, “Wilt thou go with this man?” that is, with Abraham’s servant, she answered, “I will go,” go to her Isaac.
The indissoluble union between Christ and His own is one of life and love. This dual relationship is apparent in John’s statements, “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God (the relationship of life): and everyone that loveth Him that begat (the relationship of love) loveth him also that is begotten of Him.” Moreover, “We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 5:1 and 4:19).
Relationship in marriage: For a spiritual understanding of this, there are two Scriptures which we may place together, “Isaac … took Rebekah, and she became his wife” (Gen. 24:67). “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:7-9).