Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered: Abraham, for a Son

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Biblical Context:

The account of Abraham's prayer for a son is a significant narrative in the Bible, illustrating God's faithfulness and the power of prayer. Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the book of Genesis, known for his unwavering faith and obedience to God. The promise of a son to Abraham and his wife, Sarah, is a pivotal moment in the biblical account, as it sets the stage for the establishment of the Israelite nation and the fulfillment of God's covenant.

Scriptural References:

1. Genesis 15:2-4 : "But Abram replied, 'Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?' Abram continued, 'Behold, You have given me no offspring, so a servant in my household will be my heir.' Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 'This one will not be your heir, but one who comes from your own body will be your heir.'"

In this passage, Abram expresses his concern to God about his lack of an heir. Despite his advanced age and Sarah's barrenness, God reassures Abram that he will have a son from his own body, affirming His promise.

2. Genesis 17:15-19 : "Then God said to Abraham, 'As for your wife Sarai, do not call her Sarai, for her name is Sarah. And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will become the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.' Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, 'Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?' And Abraham said to God, 'O that Ishmael might live under Your blessing!' 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.'"

Here, God reiterates His promise, changing Sarai's name to Sarah and declaring that she will bear a son, Isaac. Despite Abraham's initial incredulity, God confirms that the covenant will be established through Isaac.

3. Genesis 21:1-3 : "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."

This passage records the fulfillment of God's promise. Sarah conceives and gives birth to Isaac, demonstrating God's faithfulness in answering Abraham's prayer for a son.

Theological Significance:

The narrative of Abraham's prayer for a son and its fulfillment is a profound testament to God's sovereignty and the efficacy of prayer. It underscores the importance of faith and patience in waiting for God's promises to manifest. Abraham's experience teaches believers about the nature of divine timing and the assurance that God hears and answers prayers according to His perfect will.

Lessons for Believers:

· Faith in God's Promises: Abraham's account encourages believers to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. His faith serves as a model for Christians to rely on God's word and His ability to fulfill His promises.

· Patience and Perseverance: The long wait for Isaac's birth highlights the need for patience and perseverance in prayer. Believers are reminded that God's timing is perfect, and His answers come at the appointed time.

· God's Faithfulness: The fulfillment of the promise to Abraham and Sarah is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness. It reassures believers that God is true to His word and that His plans are for their ultimate good.

Abraham's answered prayer for a son is a cornerstone of biblical history, illustrating the profound relationship between God and His people, and the transformative power of prayer in the life of a believer.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am your shield, and your exceeding great reward.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Testament of Abraham. Version I.
... Then Isaac, having received the prayer from them, and having ... Sarah said with weeping,
My Lord Abraham, what is ... The chief-captain answered and said to her, Nay ...
/.../unknown/the testament of abraham/the testament of abraham version.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... And our Lord, in that excellent form of prayer which he ... objections he might have
made; but he answered not a ... Maker, we are told, verse 3, that "Abraham rose up ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

A Petulant Wish
... just moulded upon this petulant word of Abraham's momentarily failing ... fundamental
fallacy that the notion of prayer is to ... a man gets his wishes answered he has ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a petulant wish.htm

Home Dedication.
... a signal triumph over all the protestations of natural affection, and silenced all
its rising murmurs; for "Abraham rose up ... Her prayer was answered, and in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter x home dedication.htm

The Psalmist --Setting the Lord
... and, ere ever I am aware, already my prayer is answered, and my ... we cannot set Jesus
Christ before us in prayer and in ... as he also is a son of Abraham." Or, again ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/viii the psalmistsetting the lord.htm

Hymns and Spiritual Songs
... 4-7. Hymn 1:30. Prayer for deliverance answered, Isa. 26. 8-12 20 21. ... Hymn 1:129.
Submission and deliverance; or, Abraham offering his son, Gen. 22. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/

Imagination in Prayer
... create man?"""God created man," I am answered, "male and ... New Testament till you have
offered this prayer to God ... into the place of Adam, and Abraham, and Moses ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xx imagination in prayer.htm

The Baptism
... Never before have the angels listened to such a prayer. ... Lamb of God." Upon Mount
Moriah, Abraham had heard ... for a burnt offering?" The father answered, "My son ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 11 the baptism.htm

Abraham
... who knew what true prayer means"the prayer of the ... in all men's hearts"something which
ANSWERED to God's ... command us, far more clearly than he did Abraham. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon v abraham.htm

Prayer.
... all His majesty, He is one who heareth prayer; a being ... That question could only be
answered by the coming of our ... He revealed Him in part to Abraham, in part to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon iv prayer.htm