Genesis 20 – Abraham and Abimelech
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Abraham journeys to Gerar and, as before, says Sarah is his sister.
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King Abimelech takes Sarah, but God warns him in a dream, revealing she is Abraham’s wife.
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Abimelech returns Sarah untouched, rebukes Abraham, but gives him gifts and land.
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Abraham prays for Abimelech, and God heals Abimelech’s household.
Key theme: God protects Sarah and His covenant promise despite Abraham’s fear and failure.
Genesis 21 – Birth of Isaac and Covenant with Abimelech
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God fulfills His promise: Sarah gives birth to Isaac in her old age.
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Isaac is circumcised on the eighth day.
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Hagar and Ishmael are cast out at Sarah’s request, but God reassures Abraham and cares for them in the wilderness.
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God promises Ishmael will also become a great nation.
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Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant at Beersheba, affirming peaceful relations.
Key theme: God keeps His promises—Isaac is the child of promise, but God still blesses Ishmael.
Genesis 22 – The Testing of Abraham
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God tests Abraham, commanding him to offer Isaac as a burnt offering on Mount Moriah.
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Abraham obeys, but an angel stops him at the last moment.
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A ram is provided as a substitute sacrifice.
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God reaffirms His covenant blessings because of Abraham’s faith and obedience.
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The chapter ends with the genealogy of Nahor, Abraham’s brother.
Key theme: Foreshadowing of Christ—Isaac as the beloved son offered, but a substitute provided.
Genesis 23 – Death and Burial of Sarah
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Sarah dies at 127 years old in Hebron.
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Abraham mourns and negotiates with the sons of Heth to purchase the cave of Machpelah from Ephron.
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Abraham insists on paying full price (400 shekels of silver).
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Sarah is buried in the cave of Machpelah, Abraham’s first piece of land ownership in Canaan.
Key theme: Abraham secures a permanent burial place in the promised land, showing his faith in God’s promises.
? Summary Thought:
These chapters show God’s faithfulness to His covenant—protecting Sarah, giving Isaac, testing Abraham’s obedience, and securing a foothold in the promised land. They highlight God’s sovereignty, Abraham’s growing faith, and the foreshadowing of Christ as the ultimate sacrifice.
