Bible Study Guides – Isaac and Jacob

October 16, 2011 – October 22, 2011

Key Text

“By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.” Hebrews 11:20.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 195–203; The Great Controversy, 615–622, 634.

Introduction

“Let us urge our petitions as did Jacob; and we shall find that importunate prayer will bring us precious victories.” The Review and Herald, May 27, 1884.

1 THE OBEDIENT LOVE OF ISAAC

  • When Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac, what was the son’s response? Genesis 22:9.

Note: “The patriarch assured Isaac that his affection for him was not diminished, and that he would gladly give his own life to save that of his son. But God had chosen Isaac, and His requirement must be fulfilled to the letter. Abraham told his son that the Lord had miraculously given him to his parents, and now He had required him again. He assured him that the divine promise, ‘In Isaac shall thy seed be called’ [Genesis 21:12], would be fulfilled; that doubtless God would raise him to life again from the dead.

“Isaac at first heard the purpose of God with amazement amounting to terror. But he considered the matter fully. He was the child of a miracle. If God had accepted him as a worthy sacrifice, he would cheerfully submit. Life was dear, life was precious, but God had appointed him, Isaac, to be offered up as a sacrifice. He comforted his father, by assuring him that God had conferred honor upon him, in accepting him as an offering; that in this requirement he saw not the wrath and displeasure of God, but special tokens that the Lord loved him, in that he required him to be consecrated to himself in sacrifice.

“He encouraged the almost nerveless hands of his father to bind the cords which confined him to the altar. …

“Isaac felt that it was a privilege to yield his life as an offering to God. If the Lord could accept him, he felt that he was honored.” The Signs of the Times, April 3, 1879.

2 THE MARRIAGE OF ISAAC

  • What lessons are to be learned from Isaac’s faith exercised in the choice of his wife? Genesis 24:1–4, 10–19, 63, 66, 67.

Note: “Evil associates include more than the immoral and profane. Connection with one who is known to be irreligious is contrary to God’s order, and cannot fail to draw the soul away from Him. Those who have not the fear of God before them, who are not seeking to live in obedience to him, although they may be moral, intellectual, apparently refined, fashionable, wealthy, are not the ones for Christians to form a marriage alliance with. Howe–ver agreeable their society may be, however entertaining their conversation, the word of God is plain upon the point; the Christian should not connect with them.

“Those who enter the marriage relation while unconverted should not after conversion leave their unbelieving companions. Whatever their religious character may be, they must remain faithful, kind, and true toward them; yet they should acknowledge the claims of God above any earthly relationship, serving him with fidelity, even though inconvenience, trials, and persecutions may arise for the sake of Christ and the truth. His persevering fidelity to truth and duty may be a sanctifying influence upon the unbelieving companion. But marriages formed understandingly with unbelievers are forbidden by the word of God. … Satan has the victory; temptation has not been resisted, and in nine cases out of ten both parties are lost to Christ. …

“Young men and women sometimes manifest great independence upon the subject of marriage, as though the Lord had nothing to do with them, or they with the Lord, in that matter. They seem to think that it is purely a matter of their own, which neither God nor their parents should in any wise control, that the bestowal of their affections is a matter in which self alone should be consulted. Such make a serious mistake; and a few years of marriage experience generally teaches them that it is a miserable mistake. …

“Isaac had been trained in the fear of God to a life of obedience. And when he was forty years old, he submitted to have the God-fearing, experienced servant of his father choose for him. He believed that God would direct in regard to his obtaining a wife. …

“Isaac’s case is left on record, as an example for children in after generations, especially those who profess to fear God.” The Signs of the Times, April 10, 1879.

3 CONTRASTING TWINS

  • How was Isaac’s faith tested, then rewarded, after his marriage? Genesis 25:20–26.
  • Describe the contrast between Esau and Jacob. Genesis 25:27–34. How and why are we to avoid the example of Esau? Hebrews 12:14–17.

Note: “The circumstances of Esau’s selling his birthright represents the unrighteous, who consider that the redemption purchased for them by Christ of little value, and sacrifice their heirship to Heaven for perishable treasures. Many are controlled by their appetite, and rather than to deny an unhealthy appetite, will sacrifice high and valuable considerations. If one must be yielded, the gratification of a depraved appetite, or the high and heavenly blessings which God promises only to the self-denying and God-fearing, the clamors of appetite, as in the case of Esau, will generally prevail, and for self-gratification, God and Heaven will be virtually despised. Even professed Christians will use tea, coffee, snuff, tobacco and spirits, all of which benumb the finer sensibilities of the soul. If you tell them they cannot have Heaven, and these hurtful indulgences, and that they should deny their appetites, and cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh, and the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord, they are offended, look sorrowful, and conclude that if the way is so strait that they cannot indulge in their gross appetites, they will not walk any longer in it.

“Especially will the corrupt passions control the mind of those who value heaven of so little worth. Health will be sacrificed, the mental faculties enfeebled, and heaven will be sold for these pleasures, as Esau sold his birthright. Esau was a reckless person. He made a solemn oath that Jacob should have his birthright. This case is left on record as a warning to others.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, 116, 117.

  • Give examples of the way Scripture refers to Jacob. Psalms 22:23; 47:4; 78:5–8; 105:6–12. Though he failed to recognize it before, what was Isaac eventually to realize about Jacob? Hebrews 11:20, 21.

Note: “Isaac lived many years after he gave Jacob the blessing, and was convinced by the course of his two sons, that the blessing rightly belongs to Jacob.” The Signs of the Times, April 17, 1879.

4 A VICTORIOUS MAN

  • Though serious flaws marred Jacob’s record, what significant events did cause him to shine brightly nonetheless, to be a victorious father of faith? Genesis 32:24–30; 35:1–5.

Note: “Jacob had chosen the inheritance of faith. He had endeavored to obtain it by craft, treachery, and falsehood; but God had permitted his sin to work out its correction. Yet through all the bitter experience of his later years, Jacob had never swerved from his purpose or renounced his choice. He had learned that in resorting to human skill and craft to secure the blessing, he had been warring against God. From that night of wrestling beside the Jabbok, Jacob had come forth a different man. Self-confidence had been uprooted. Henceforth the early cunning was no longer seen. In place of craft and deception, his life was marked by simplicity and truth. He had learned the lesson of simple reliance upon the Almighty Arm, and amid trial and affliction he bowed in humble submission to the will of God. The baser elements of character were consumed in the furnace fire, the true gold was refined, until the faith of Abraham and Isaac appeared undimmed in Jacob.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 208.

  • Why was Jacob’s name changed? Genesis 35:9, 10. What opportunity is before us for such a change to be ours? Revelation 2:17; 3:12.

Note: “Jacob’s persevering faith prevailed. He held fast the angel until he obtained the blessing he desired, and the assurance of the pardon of his sins. His name was then changed from Jacob, the supplanter, to Israel, which signifies a prince of God.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 119.

“His [Jacob’s] name was changed from one that was a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his victory.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 198.

“His [Jacob’s] name was changed, to correspond to the change in his character.” The Review and Herald, March 28, 1899.

“You each need a new and living experience in the divine life in order to do the will of God. No amount of past experience will suffice for the present nor strengthen us to overcome the difficulties in our path. We must have new grace and fresh strength daily in order to be victorious.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 541.

5 AN EXAMPLE FOR US

  • How are we to follow in the footsteps of Jacob? Psalm 84:8.

Note: “We do not know what faith really is until we try to exercise it. We all need more of that firm, persevering faith that Jacob manifested while wrestling with the angel on that eventful night. Few realize how severely his faith was tested at that time. He had separated himself from all earthly friends, that he might be alone with God. All who made life dear to him were exposed to danger and death. The bitterest drop in his cup of anguish was the thought that his own sin had brought this great peril upon his wives and children, who were innocent of the sin of which he was guilty. He had decided to spend the night in humiliation and prayer. God could soften the heart of his brother. God was his only refuge and strength. In a desolate place, infested by robbers and murderers, he bowed in deep distress upon the earth. His soul was rent with anguish, and with earnest cries mingled with tears he made his prayer before God.” Historical Sketches, 131.

“It was through faith and prayer that Jacob, from being a man of feebleness and sin, became a prince with God. It is thus that you may become men and women of high and holy purpose, of noble life, men and women who will not for any consideration be swayed from truth, right, and justice. All are pressed with urgent cares, burdens, and duties, but the more difficult your position and the heavier your burdens, the more you need Jesus.” The Ministry of Healing, 511.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What qualities of Isaac should we be eager to cultivate?

2 How can a marriage be more successful even before it is contracted?

3 Most are familiar with the method by which Jacob got his birthright from his father (see Genesis, chapter 27). What would have happened if he and his mother had not been so quick to snatch up what they thought of as their only chance?

4 In what ways should our prayer life reflect that of Jacob’s?

© 2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.