This article first gives a survey of scholarship on the study of Genesis 12, Genesis 20, and Genesis 26, passages where Abraham and Isaac claim that Sarah (12:11-16; 20:2-3) and Rebekah (26:6-11) were their sisters. Next, it develops suggestions that have been considered only in passing by a few scholars, and that is that some type of diplomatic marriage may be involved in the stories.
Could it be that the blessings given to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 are direct answers to the curses of Genesis 3:14-19? This essay considers whether Genesis 12 is the antidote of Genesis 3.
What is the best way to read the story of Jephthah and his daughters in Judges 11:29-40? This essay sees a combination of intertextuality and literary context as the best tools for a good understanding of the text. The author argues that Jephthah is presented as an inversion of Abraham.
This article is a detailed study of James 2:14-26. Its main argument is that the purpose of that chapter is practical and pastoral rather than polemical. The author provides a detailed exposition of the text, noting its context, shape, and genre. The examples of Abraham and Rahab form two focal points.
What is the relationship between the promises of God for Abraham and the way the New Testament makes use of the Old Testament narratives? This article wants to affirm that the New Testament's use of these promises is in line with the original intentions of God with Abraham to be a blessing to the nations.
Did God make one or three or perhaps even more covenants with Abraham? Do Genesis 12, Genesis 15, Genesis 17, and Genesis 22 refer to different covenants? This article argues that the Lord made a single covenant with Abraham and later supplemented that covenant by adding name changes, requirements, and promises.
The dynasty of David is central to the Bible's message of salvation. In Chapter 2 the author focuses on the book of Ruth to demonstrate God’s faithfulness in preserving the house of David in order to fulfill his promises to Abraham.
Duguid depicts Genesis 11:27-32 as “the preparation of Abraham and Sarah.” He offers an exposition on this passage that helps readers to apply it to their own lives.
This article concerns the covenant that God makes with Abraham after he returned from defeating the the kings of the east. It is an account that continued to unfold how the seed of the woman will triumph over the seed of the serpent. In Genesis 15, God strengthens the promise of this seed, although there is nothing yet to prove that the seed will come. The only thing Abraham holds on to is the promise of God.
The author goes through the life of Abraham, in order to demonstrate how his faith in God is an example for those who believe today. Those who believe will take hold of the promises by faith and also get to receive the title of being Abraham's children, even though they have not obeyed the Law of Moses, and have sinned against God.
Kaiser reflects on the significance of the covenant promise God made to Abraham.
Beale notes the cultic affinities drawn between the garden of Eden and the temple of Israel. The word pair usually translated as "cultivate" ('abad) and "keep" (shamar) occur together in the Old Testament elsewhere referring only either to Israelites "serving" God and "guarding" (keeping) God's Word, or to priests who "keep" the "service" (or "charge") of the tabernacle.
This map shows some of the ancient nations and state groups of the time of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
This map provides a picture of some of the travels of the patriarchs Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph through Canaan, as is recorded in Genesis.
This map provides a closer look at the cities and states in Mesopotamia, the region where Abraham lived before God called him to go to Canaan.
What did the world of the Ancient Near East look like? This map shows major cities, rivers and mountains, and important regions (such as Mesopotamia and the Levant) which are related to the earliest biblical accounts of human history. The region where the cities are most concentrated - stretching from Mesopotamia, the Levant (Palestine) and up to the upper regions of the Nile River - is also called the Fertile Crescent.
Looking at Hebrews 11:8-10, this article shows how Abraham's faith rested in God's promises, patience and sovereignty. It is a call to believers to emulate such faith in a world where Christians are pilgrims.
Looking at Genesis 22, this article shows how true fear of God leads to obedience, even when things may not make sense to us. Through Abraham's obedience in being willing to sacrifice his son, this fear of God is made visible.
