Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife,Isaac's act of prayer highlights the importance of intercessory prayer in the biblical narrative. This reflects a pattern seen in the lives of the patriarchs, where direct communication with God is a central theme. Isaac's prayer is reminiscent of Abraham's intercession for Sodom ( Genesis 18:22-33) and foreshadows the priestly role of intercession seen in figures like Moses ( Exodus 32:11-14). The act of praying on behalf of another underscores the relational aspect of faith and the belief in a personal God who listens and responds to His people. because she was barren.
Barrenness was a significant issue in the ancient Near Eastern context, often seen as a source of shame and a sign of divine disfavor. In the biblical narrative, barrenness is a recurring theme among the matriarchs, including Sarah (Genesis 11:30) and Rachel (Genesis 30:1). This sets the stage for God’s miraculous intervention, emphasizing His sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. The theme of barrenness and subsequent divine intervention serves to highlight God's power and the unfolding of His covenant promises through seemingly impossible circumstances. And the LORD heard his prayer,
This phrase underscores the responsiveness of God to the prayers of His people, affirming His active involvement in human affairs. The idea that God hears prayer is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like Psalm 34:17 and 1 John 5:14-15. It also reflects the covenant relationship between God and the patriarchs, where God is portrayed as faithful and attentive to their needs and concerns. This assurance of being heard by God is foundational to the faith of the Israelites and later Christian theology. and his wife Rebekah conceived.
The conception of Rebekah is a direct answer to Isaac's prayer and serves as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants (Genesis 17:19). This event is pivotal in the continuation of the Abrahamic line, leading to the birth of Jacob and Esau, and ultimately the nation of Israel. It also prefigures the miraculous births in the Bible, such as the birth of Samuel to Hannah (1 Samuel 1:19-20) and the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1:31-35), highlighting God's intervention in human history to accomplish His redemptive purposes. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaacThe son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is a patriarch of the Israelites. In this verse, he demonstrates faith and reliance on God through prayer. 2. RebekahIsaac's wife, who was initially barren. Her eventual conception is a testament to God's faithfulness and power. 3. The LORDThe covenant-keeping God of Israel, who responds to Isaac's prayer, demonstrating His sovereignty and compassion. 4. PrayerThe act of communicating with God, which in this context, is a plea for divine intervention in Rebekah's barrenness. 5. ConceptionThe miraculous event following Isaac's prayer, highlighting God's ability to bring life and fulfill His promises. Teaching Points The Power of PrayerIsaac's example teaches us the importance of turning to God in prayer, especially in times of need. Prayer is a powerful tool for believers to seek God's intervention. Faith in God's TimingRebekah's eventual conception reminds us that God's timing is perfect. We must trust His plans, even when they seem delayed. God's SovereigntyThe passage highlights God's control over all circumstances, including human fertility. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over every aspect of life. Intercession for OthersIsaac's prayer on behalf of Rebekah encourages us to intercede for others, trusting that God hears and responds to our prayers for those we love. God's FaithfulnessThe fulfillment of God's promise to Isaac and Rebekah reinforces the truth that God is faithful to His word and His people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Isaac's response to Rebekah's barrenness challenge or encourage your own approach to prayer? 2. In what ways does this passage demonstrate God's faithfulness, and how can you apply this understanding to your current life situation? 3. How can the account of Isaac and Rebekah inspire you to trust in God's timing, especially when facing delays or unanswered prayers? 4. What are some practical ways you can intercede for others in your life, following Isaac's example? 5. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in this passage connect with other areas of your life where you need to trust His control? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 21The birth of Isaac to Sarah, who was also barren, parallels Rebekah's account, emphasizing God's power to fulfill His promises despite human limitations. 1 Samuel 1Hannah's prayer for a child and the subsequent birth of Samuel mirrors Isaac's intercession for Rebekah, showcasing the power of prayer and God's responsiveness. James 5:16This verse underscores the effectiveness of righteous prayer, as demonstrated by Isaac's successful intercession for Rebekah. People Abraham, Abida, Abidah, Adbeel, Aram, Asshurim, Asshurites, Bethuel, Dedan, Dumah, Eldaah, Enoch, Ephah, Epher, Ephron, Esau, Hadad, Hadar, Hagar, Hanoch, Havilah, Heth, Hittites, Isaac, Ishbak, Ishmael, Jacob, Jetur, Jokshan, Kedar, Kedemah, Keturah, Laban, Letushim, Letushites, Leummim, Leummites, Mamre, Massa, Medan, Mibsam, Mishma, Naphish, Nebaioth, Nebajoth, Rebekah, Sarah, Shuah, Tema, Zimran, Zoar, ZoharPlaces Assyria, Beer-lahai-roi, Egypt, Machpelah, Mamre, Paddan-aram, Shur DesertTopics Barren, Behalf, Child, Conceived, Conceiveth, Ear, Entreated, Entreaty, Granted, Isaac, Maketh, Prayed, Prayer, Pregnant, Rebecca, Rebekah, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 25:21 5296 disabilities
5704 inheritance, material
5720 mothers, examples
5724 offspring
5733 pregnancy
5744 wife
8610 prayer, asking God Genesis 25:21-22 8636 asking Genesis 25:21-23 5663 childbirth Genesis 25:21-26 5095 Jacob, life
5652 babies
5661 brothers
5739 twins Genesis 25:21-34 7530 foreigners Library Pottage Versus Birthright
Esau despised his birthright'--GENESIS xxv. 34. Broad lessons unmistakable, but points strange and difficult to throw oneself back to so different a set of ideas. So I. Deal with the narrative. Not to tell it over again, but bring out the following points:-- (a) Birthright.--What? None of them any notion of sacred, spiritual aspect of it. To all, merely material advantages: headship of the clan. All the loftier aspects gone from Isaac, who thought he could give it for venison, from Esau, and from …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Death of Abraham
'Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.'--GENESIS xxv. 8. 'Full of years' does not seem to me to be a mere synonym for longevity. That would be an intolerable tautology, for we should then have the same thing said three times over--'an old man,' 'in a good old age,' 'full of years.' There must be some other idea than that in the words. If you notice that the expression is by no means a usual one, that it is only …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Jacob and Esau
(Second Sunday in Lent.) GENESIS xxv. 29-34. And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
^A Matt. XII. 15-21; ^B Mark III. 7-12. ^a 15 And Jesus perceiving it withdrew ^b with his disciples ^a from thence: ^b to the sea [This was the first withdrawal of Jesus for the avowed purpose of self-preservation. After this we find Jesus constantly retiring to avoid the plots of his enemies. The Sea of Galilee, with its boats and its shores touching different jurisdictions, formed a convenient and fairly safe retreat]: ^a and many followed him; ^b and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Every Believer's Birthright.
On every hand a lack of something is being felt and expressed by God's people. Their Christian experience is not what they expected it would be. Instead of expected victory, it is oft-recurring, dreaded defeat; instead of soul satisfaction, it is soul hunger; instead of deep, abiding heart rest, it is disquiet and discontent; instead of advancing, it is losing ground. Is this all Christ meant when He said, "Come unto Me"? Is this life of constant disappointment the normal life of the Bible Christian? …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision D. Parable of the Lost Son. ^C Luke XV. 11-32. ^c 11 And he said, A certain man had two sons [These two sons represent the professedly religious (the elder) and the openly irreligious (the younger). They have special reference to the two parties found in the first two verses of this chapter --the Pharisees, the publicans and sinners]: 12 and the younger of them [the more childish and easily deceived] said to his father, Father, give me the portion of thy substance …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Conflict.
"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
(in the Wilderness of Judæa, and on the Banks of the Jordan, Occupying Several Months, Probably a.d. 25 or 26.) ^A Matt. III. 1-12; ^B Mark I. 1-8; ^C Luke III. 1-18. ^b 1 The beginning of the gospel [John begins his Gospel from eternity, where the Word is found coexistent with God. Matthew begins with Jesus, the humanly generated son of Abraham and David, born in the days of Herod the king. Luke begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the Messiah's herald; and Mark begins with the ministry …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to …
St. Augustine—On Patience Of the Effects of those Prerogatives.
From these prerogatives there will arise to the elect in heaven, five notable effects:-- 1. They shall know God with a perfect knowledge (1 Cor. i. 10), so far as creatures can possibly comprehend the Creator. For there we shall see the Word, the Creator; and in the Word, all creatures that by the Word were created; so that we shall not need to learn (of the things which were made) the knowledge of him by whom all things were made. The most excellent creatures in this life, are but as a dark veil …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 25:21 NIVGenesis 25:21 NLTGenesis 25:21 ESVGenesis 25:21 NASBGenesis 25:21 KJV
Genesis 25:21 Commentaries
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