Early Rising: Isaac
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In the biblical narrative, early rising is often associated with diligence, obedience, and a readiness to fulfill God's commands. Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, is a patriarch whose life exemplifies these virtues. Although the Bible does not explicitly mention Isaac rising early in the morning, his life and actions reflect the principles associated with early rising.

Isaac's Life and Character

Isaac is a central figure in the Genesis narrative, known for his role in God's covenant with Abraham. As the promised child, Isaac's birth was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah in their old age (Genesis 21:1-3). Isaac's life is marked by moments of obedience and faith, mirroring the characteristics often associated with early rising.

Obedience and Diligence

Isaac's obedience is most notably demonstrated in the account of his near-sacrifice on Mount Moriah. In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham by asking him to offer Isaac as a burnt offering. The narrative highlights Abraham's early rising: "So Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took along two of his servants and his son Isaac" (Genesis 22:3). While the text focuses on Abraham, Isaac's willingness to participate in this journey and his submission to his father's will reflect a similar spirit of obedience and readiness.

Isaac's life also exemplifies diligence in his role as a patriarch. After the death of his father, Abraham, Isaac continues to manage and expand the family estate. In Genesis 26, Isaac reopens the wells that had been dug in the days of Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up. This act of reopening the wells demonstrates Isaac's commitment to preserving and maintaining the blessings and responsibilities entrusted to him.

Faith and Trust in God

Isaac's life is characterized by a deep trust in God's promises. This trust is evident in his marriage to Rebekah, which was orchestrated by God's providence. In Genesis 24, Abraham's servant is sent to find a wife for Isaac, and through prayer and divine guidance, Rebekah is chosen. Isaac's acceptance of Rebekah as his wife without hesitation reflects his faith in God's provision and timing.

Furthermore, Isaac's interactions with God, such as the reaffirmation of the covenant in Genesis 26:24, where the Lord appears to him and says, "I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of My servant Abraham" , underscore his reliance on God's promises.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly describe Isaac as an early riser, his life embodies the virtues associated with this practice. His obedience, diligence, and faith in God's promises serve as an example for believers, illustrating the importance of readiness and trust in fulfilling God's will. Isaac's account encourages a life of devotion and commitment to God's purposes, reflecting the spiritual discipline often symbolized by early rising.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 26:31
And they rose up betimes in the morning, and swore one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter x. The Preservation of Health.
... Early rising promotes cheerfulness; invigorates the system; and in many ... and if this
is done on rising in the ... Among them may be mentioned Sir Isaac Newton, John ...
/.../letter x the preservation of.htm

The Journal of John Wesley
... Wesley at Corfe Castle. A Methodist Isaac Newton. Wesley in the Fens. ... Two Hours with
Dr. Johnson. Wesley and Early Rising. Remarkable Escape from Prison. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/

The Heroic Women of Early Indiana Methodism.
... this very often made an extra dinner or extra supper, or an early or late ... Mrs. Isaac
Dunn, at Lawrenceburg; Mrs. Caleb A. Craft, at Rising Sun; Mrs ...
/.../the heroic women of early indiana methodism/the heroic women of early.htm

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... top of Mount Moriah kindling in the rising sun, and ... Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were
among the richest shepherds ... among them." The saints of that early age were ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm

Home Dedication.
... and silenced all its rising murmurs; for "Abraham rose up early in the morning,
and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with, him, and Isaac his son ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter x home dedication.htm

Abraham --The Father of the Faithful.
... cities of the plain, a great smoke was rising from them ... Lord told Abraham to take
his only son Isaac and offer ... he could not understand, he rose up early in the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iii abrahamthe father of.htm

The Testament of Abraham. Introduction.
... early lists of Apocryphal works, and some passages in early Christian writers ... with
the added circumstance of the calf rising up whole ... The dream of Isaac in Chap ...
/.../unknown/the testament of abraham/the testament of abraham introduction.htm

The Trials and visions of Devout Youth
... the head of the chosen family, since Isaac's death (Genesis ... let young hearts be true
to their early visions, whether ... of no ignoble sort, and rising higher than ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the trials and visions of.htm

The Holy Spirit is that Large River by which the Mystical ...
... banks overflows, how much more does the Spirit, rising above every ... Although you ought
to have come in early morning, nevertheless ... 1003] So Isaac, while walking ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xvi the holy spirit.htm

Introductory Notice to the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs
... They were now convinced that Abraham and Isaac and Jacob ... not uncommon in the days
of early Christians living ... in the transient beauty of his "heliacal rising"? ...
/.../introductory notice to the testaments.htm

Resources
What was early Christianity like? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the early church fathers? | GotQuestions.org

What is Hellenism, and how did it influence the early church? | GotQuestions.org

Early: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Early

Early Marriage

Early Rising

Early Rising: Abraham

Early Rising: Apostles

Early Rising: Christ Set an Example of

Early Rising: David

Early Rising: Gideon

Early Rising: Illustrates Spiritual Diligence

Early Rising: Isaac

Early Rising: Jacob

Early Rising: Joshua

Early Rising: Mary

Early Rising: Neglect of, Leads to Poverty

Early Rising: Practised by the Wicked, For: Deceit

Early Rising: Practised by the Wicked, For: Executing Plans of Evil

Early Rising: Requisite For: Devotion

Early Rising: Requisite For: Discharge of Daily Duties

Early Rising: Requisite For: Executing God's Commands

Early Rising: Samuel

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Early Rising: Illustrates Spiritual Diligence
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