Early Jewish History, Genesis 12—50   

By Covenant, Abraham Became the First Jew 

1. Called of God; Covenant Instituted (Genesis 12:1-5; 15:1-21) 

2. Covenant Sign Commanded (Genesis 17:1-14) 

3. Abraham Tested Regarding the Covenant (Genesis 21:1-8; 22:1-19) 

INTRODUCTION

The central expression of the Biblical covenant is heard in the phrase, “I will be your God, and you will be My people.” When human beings sinned, the covenant provided the way for God to restore relationship with them. Thus, God alone initiates a covenant. In this context, God’s covenant is always called “My covenant” (Ex. 19:5), indicating His covenant is not negotiated between equal parties. It begins with a promise from God; as a result, the individual(s) is expected to demonstrate exclusive loyalty to God. 

So it was with God’s covenant with Abraham. God promised to make him into a great nation, to bless him, to make his name great, to bless those who blessed him, to curse those who cursed him, and to bless the families of the earth through him (Gen. 12:2-3). In return, Abraham was required to leave his native country and follow God faithfully.   

1. Called of God; Covenant Instituted  

A. Called of God (Genesis 12:1-5) 

• Why did God require Abraham to leave his homeland? 

B.  Covenant Instituted (Genesis 15:1, 5-6, 9-10, 17-18) 

Bound by a Promise 

The Biblical idea of covenant is closely associated with our understanding of marriage. The union of marriage indicates two people deliberately choose to enter into a personal relationship that is bound by the promises of steadfast love, absolute faithfulness, and dedicated devotion. 

2. Covenant Sign Commanded 

A.  “Father of Many Nations” (Genesis 17:1-8)

• Why do you suppose God had not yet fulfilled His promise of an heir to ninety-nine-year-old Abraham? 

B.  The Sign of Circumcision (Genesis 17:9-10)

• According to Genesis 17:14, what would happen to a Jewish man who refused to be circumcised? Why? 

Depending on God 

     It is a dreadful truth that the state of having to depend solely on God is what we all dread most. It is good of Him to force us; but dear me, how hard to feel that it is good at the time.―C. S. Lewis 

3.  Abraham Tested Regarding the Covenant 

A.  The Birth of Isaac (Genesis 21:1-7) 

B.  Abraham’s Great Test (Genesis 22:1-3, 7-9) 

• How does God sometimes test His followers today? How have you been tested by God? 

C.  The God Who Provides (Genesis 22:10-14)

Until God Provides 

     When God’s people believe and pray, the Lord will provide, but we must learn to wait on Him with faithful, obedient hearts until the answer comes.―Jim Cymbala 

LIVING COVENANT 

     Abraham’s entire story is defined by the testing of his faith and by God’s provision. God had given him a promise, but not without various tests of Abraham’s faith. First, he had to separate from his father’s household; second, he had to separate from his son Ishmael. On Mount Moriah, Abraham’s faith experienced an ultimate test. Between the testing and the provision is the requirement of intense obedience and faith in God. Faith, therefore, is the readiness to answer the commands of God no matter the personal cost.

Adopted from the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary 2023-2024.