Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionAbraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis. One of the pivotal moments in Abraham's life is the birth of his son Isaac, which is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his wife Sarah. Promise of Isaac The promise of a son to Abraham and Sarah is first mentioned in Genesis 17. God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising that he will be the father of many nations. Despite their old age, God assures Abraham that Sarah will bear him a son. Genesis 17:19 states, "But God replied, 'Your wife Sarah will indeed bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.'" Fulfillment of the Promise The birth of Isaac is recorded in Genesis 21. At this time, Abraham is 100 years old, and Sarah is 90. The miraculous nature of Isaac's birth underscores the fulfillment of God's promise. Genesis 21:1-3 narrates, "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised. And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him." Significance of Isaac's Birth Isaac's birth is significant for several reasons. It marks the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant, which is central to the narrative of the Israelites. Isaac is the child through whom God's promises to Abraham are to be realized, including the promise of numerous descendants and the inheritance of the land of Canaan. The birth of Isaac also serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and power. Despite the natural impossibility due to Sarah's barrenness and advanced age, God's promise is fulfilled, demonstrating that nothing is too difficult for the Lord. Sarah's Reaction Sarah's reaction to the birth of Isaac is one of joy and amazement. Her laughter, which initially was one of disbelief when she first heard the promise (Genesis 18:12), turns into a laughter of joy and fulfillment. Genesis 21:6-7 records her words: "Sarah said, 'God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.' She added, 'Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.'" Covenantal Implications Isaac's birth is not only a personal joy for Abraham and Sarah but also a pivotal event in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Isaac is the child of promise, and through him, the lineage leading to the Messiah is established. The covenantal implications of Isaac's birth are profound, as they set the stage for the future nation of Israel and the coming of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham. Conclusion The birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah is a foundational event in biblical history, illustrating God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His covenantal promises. Isaac's birth is a testament to the miraculous power of God and serves as a key moment in the narrative of the people of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 21:2,3For Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. Nave's Topical Index Galatians 4:22-30 Library What Kings Reigned in Assyria and Sicyon When, According to the ... Of Isaac, who was Born According to the Promise, Whose Name was ... From Abraham to Egypt. Abraham --The Father of the Faithful. In Process of Tithe, that is to Say, in the Tenth Generation after ... Abraham's Four Surrenders Abraham and Isaac. Genesis xxii. Almost at the Same Time, when Abraham was Now a Hundred Years Old. ... Concerning Isaac the Legitimate Son of Abraham. Of Abraham's Obedience and Faith, which were Proved by the ... Resources How old was Abraham when he died? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God command Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? | GotQuestions.org How many sons did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Abraham: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek Abraham: Age of, at Different Periods Abraham: Ancestors of, Idolatrous Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron Abraham: He Purchases a Place for Her Burial, and Buries Her in a Cave Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom Abraham: How Regarded by his Descendants Abraham: Independence of, in Character Abraham: Lives in Gerar; Deceives Abimelech Concerning Sarah, his Wife Abraham: Lives in Ur, But Removes to Haran Abraham: Provides a Wife for Isaac Abraham: Sarah, his Wife, Dies Abraham: Sends Hagar and Ishmael Away Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac Abraham: Witnesses the Destruction of Sodom Miscegenation: Forbidden by Abraham Related Terms Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) |
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