Topical Encyclopedia Thankfulness, as a profound expression of gratitude, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and the life of Isaac, the son of Abraham, provides a unique perspective on this virtue. Isaac, one of the patriarchs of Israel, is often remembered for his role in God's covenantal promises and his life of faith and obedience. His expressions of thankfulness to God are woven into the narrative of his life, reflecting a deep trust in God's provision and faithfulness.Isaac's Birth and God's Promise Isaac's very existence is a testament to God's faithfulness and a cause for thankfulness. Born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, Isaac was the child of promise, through whom God would establish His covenant. Genesis 21:1-3 records, "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 him. And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him." The miraculous nature of Isaac's birth was a direct fulfillment of God's promise, prompting gratitude and worship from his parents, which Isaac would have been taught to emulate. The Binding of Isaac One of the most profound moments in Isaac's life is the account of the binding of Isaac, where Abraham's faith was tested. In Genesis 22, God commands Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. This narrative highlights Isaac's obedience and trust in God, as well as Abraham's unwavering faith. Although the text does not explicitly mention Isaac's thankfulness, the provision of the ram as a substitute sacrifice (Genesis 22:13-14) would have been a moment of profound gratitude for both father and son. The place was named "The LORD Will Provide," a testament to God's provision and a reminder of the thankfulness owed to Him. Isaac's Life and God's Provision Isaac's life was marked by God's continued provision and blessing, for which he expressed thankfulness. In Genesis 26, during a time of famine, God instructs Isaac to stay in Gerar rather than going to Egypt. Isaac obeys, and God blesses him abundantly. Genesis 26:12-14 states, "Isaac sowed seed in that land, and that year he reaped a hundredfold. The LORD blessed him, and he became richer and richer, until he was exceedingly wealthy. He owned so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him." Isaac's prosperity was a direct result of God's blessing, and his response was one of gratitude, as evidenced by his building of altars and calling on the name of the LORD (Genesis 26:25). The Well of Rehoboth Another significant event in Isaac's life that illustrates thankfulness is the digging of wells. In Genesis 26, Isaac's servants dig several wells, but they face opposition from the Philistines. Finally, they dig a well at Rehoboth, and there is no quarrel over it. Isaac declares, "Now the LORD has given us room, and we will be fruitful in the land" (Genesis 26:22). This statement reflects Isaac's thankfulness for God's provision of space and peace, recognizing that it was the LORD who had made room for them. Isaac's Blessing to Jacob In his later years, Isaac's blessing of his son Jacob, albeit under deceptive circumstances, also reflects a recognition of God's sovereignty and the continuation of His promises. The blessing, recorded in Genesis 27, is a testament to Isaac's understanding of God's covenantal faithfulness, which he had experienced throughout his life. Though the narrative is complex, it underscores the importance of God's promises and the thankfulness that accompanies the assurance of His continued guidance and blessing. Isaac's life, marked by moments of divine intervention and blessing, serves as a powerful example of thankfulness to God. His experiences remind believers of the importance of recognizing God's hand in their lives and responding with gratitude and worship. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 26:22And he removed from there, and dig another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land. Nave's Topical Index Library The Story of Abraham and Isaac A Petulant Wish Jacob, a Prince of God. The Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob Knowledge. Worship. Gratitude. Against Publishing the Errors of the Brethren. American Congregational Creeds. Table of Contents 'Then Shall the Lame Man Leap as an Hart' The Lamb of God in Scripture Resources What does the Bible say about thankfulness/gratitude? | GotQuestions.orgWhy doesn't the Lord's Prayer include thanksgiving? shouldn't all our prayers include expressions of thankfulness? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about ingratitude/unthankfulness? | GotQuestions.org Thankfulness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Thankfulness of Hypocrites, Full of Boasting Thankfulness: Abound in the Faith With Thankfulness: Come Before God With Thankfulness: Expressed in Psalms Thankfulness: Habitually offer Thankfulness: Jesus Set an Example of Thankfulness: Ministers Appointed to offer, in Public Thankfulness: Offer Sacrifices of Thankfulness: Resolve to offer Thankfulness: Saints Exhorted To Thankfulness: Saul, to the Kenites Thankfulness: should Always Accompany Praise Thankfulness: should Always Accompany Prayer Thankfulness: should be Accompanied by Intercession for Others Thankfulness: should be offered for all People Thankfulness: should be offered for all Things Thankfulness: should be offered for Appointment to Spiritual Service Thankfulness: should be offered for Christ's Power and Reign Thankfulness: should be offered for Deliverance from Indwelling Sin, Through Christ Thankfulness: should be offered for Faith Exhibited by Others Thankfulness: should be offered for Love Exhibited by Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Conversion of Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Gift of Christ Thankfulness: should be offered for the Goodness and Mercy of God Thankfulness: should be offered for the Grace Bestowed on Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Nearness of God's Presence Thankfulness: should be offered for the Reception and Effectual Working of the Word of God in Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Supply of Our Bodily Needs Thankfulness: should be offered for the Triumph of the Gospel Thankfulness: should be offered for the Zeal Exhibited by Others Thankfulness: should be offered for Victory Over Death and the Grave Thankfulness: should be offered for Willingness to offer Our Property for God's Service Thankfulness: should be offered for Wisdom and Might Thankfulness: should be offered in Everything Thankfulness: should be offered in Private Worship Thankfulness: should be offered in Public Worship Thankfulness: should be offered in the Name of Christ Thankfulness: should be offered: Always Thankfulness: should be offered: As the Remembrance of God's Holiness Thankfulness: should be offered: Before Receiving Food Thankfulness: should be offered: On Behalf of God's Servants Thankfulness: should be offered: Through Christ Thankfulness: should be offered: To Christ Thankfulness: should be offered: To God Thankfulness: should be offered: Upon the Completion of Great Undertakings Thankfulness: should Enter God's Gates With Thankfulness: The Heavenly Host Engage In Thankfulness: The Israelites, to Joshua Thankfulness: The People of the Island of Melita (Malta), to Paul Thankfulness: The Spies, to Rahab Thankfulness: The Wicked Averse To Thankfulness: To God of Abraham Thankfulness: To God of Abraham's Servant (Eliezar) Thankfulness: To God of Deborah Thankfulness: To God of Hannah Thankfulness: To God of Jehoshaphat's Army Thankfulness: To God of Jethro Thankfulness: To God of Joseph Thankfulness: To God of Melchizedek Thankfulness: To God of Miriam Thankfulness: To God of Rachel Thankfulness: To God of Samuel Thankfulness: To God of the Jews Thankfulness: To God of the Levites Thankfulness: To God of the People of Israel Thankfulness: To God of the Queen of Sheba Thankfulness: To God of the Sailors Thankfulness: To God of the Shepherds Thankfulness: To God: Before Receiving Food, by Jesus Thankfulness: To God: Blind Bartimaeus Thankfulness: To God: One of the Ten Lepers Whom Jesus Healed Thankfulness: To God: The Demon-Possessed Man Who Was Exorcized Thankfulness: To God: The Lame Man Healed by Peter Thankfulness: To God: The Man Who Was Paralyzed Thankfulness: To God: The Roman Centurion for his Boy Thankfulness: To God: The Woman Who Was Bent Over for Eighteen Years Thankfulness: To the Men of Jabesh-Gilead Related Terms |
    |