Beyond The Basics

Isaac embarks on his own faith journey when he encounters a famine just like Abraham did. How will he respond when he faces opposition in the wilderness? Sources: Sauter, M. (2023, April 16). Who Were The Philistines, And Where Did They Come From?. Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/who-were-philistines-where-did-they-come-from/ Guzik, D. (2018c). Study Guide for Genesis 26. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-26.cfm Armstrong, S. (2012, May 21). Genesis 2011 - lesson 26B. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_26b Armstrong, S. (2012, May 29). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 27A. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_27a

After wrapping up Abraham's legacy, Isaac and Rebekah give birth to twins. God tells Rebekah that the younger son will be the chosen son to carry the promised Seed. But we have a problem: he just seems so... snake-y. Sources: American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise. (1998). Edom. Jewish Virtual Library. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/edom Armstrong, S. (2012, April 23). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 25B. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_25b Guzik, D. (2018). Study Guide For Genesis 25. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-25.cfm Meaning of the Number 60 in the Bible. Biblestudy.org. (n.d.). https://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/60.html Meaning of the Number 20 in the Bible. Biblestudy.org. (n.d.-a). https://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/20.html Armstrong, S. (2012, April 29). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 25C. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_25c

A relatively straightforward story about a man looking for a bride for his son reveals much more about God's long term plan when examined closely in this episode. Sources: Guzik, D. (2018). Study Guide for Genesis 24. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-24.cfm Gonzalez, N. (2017, June 23). Do Camels Store Water in Their Humps?. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/do-camels-store-water-in-their-humps Armstrong, S. (2012, March 11). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 24B. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_24b Armstrong, S. (2012b, March 18). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 24C. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_24c

Sarah is dead so Abraham needs to find a place to bury her. He purchases a field from the Hittites but there's much more going on here than meets the eye. Abraham is looking toward a greater future through the simple act of burying his dead. Sources: Guzik, D. (2018). Study Guide for Genesis 23. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-23.cfm Armstrong, S. (2012, February 28). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 23. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_23 Wiersbe, W. W. (2010). Genesis 23. In Be Obedient: Learning the Secret of Living by Faith: OT Commentary, Genesis 12-25. essay, David C. Cook. Retrieved July 6, 2023, from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis+23&version=ESV.

Abraham takes a three day long journey to Mount Moriah to sacrifice his only son Isaac at the command of God. How could God command him to do such a thing? This question as well as the many parallels to Jesus will be explored. Sources: Guzik, D. (2018d). Study Guide for Genesis 22. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-22.cfm Speiser, E. A. (1964b). The Ordeal of Isaac. In The Anchor Bible: Genesis (p. 162). essay, Doubleday & Company, Inc. Ewing, W. (2004). Moriah, Land Of. In Bibleatlas.org. Bible Hub. Retrieved June 19, 2023, from https://bibleatlas.org/mount_moriah.htm. Armstrong, S. (2012f, February 20). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 22B. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_22b Riskin, S. (2011, November 8). The Begats of Abraham’s Brother. Jewish Telegraphic Agency. https://www.jta.org/2011/11/08/ny/the-begats-of-abrahams-brother Armstrong, S. (2012e, February 12). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 22A. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_22a Patton, A. (2020). Why Did God Ask Abraham to Sacrifice Isaac?. BibleProject. https://bibleproject.com/articles/why-did-god-ask-abraham-to-sacrifice-isaac/

More family drama ensues when Isaac is weaned and this time, Hagar is sent packing for good. But who is it who appears to her in the wilderness? And what does her journey foreshadow? Sources: Swedenborg, E. (2002, February). Spiritual Meaning of Hundred. Bible Meanings. http://www.biblemeanings.info/Words/Number/Hundred.htm Speiser, E. A. (1964). Birth of Isaac And Expulsion of Hagar. In The Anchor Bible: Genesis (p. 155). essay, Doubleday & Company. Guzik, D. (2018c). Study Guide for Genesis 21. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-21.cfm Armstrong, S. (2012c, January 23). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 21A. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_21a Armstrong, S. (2012d, January 29). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 21B. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_21b Steinmeyer, N. (2022, February 14). Tel Be’er Sheva, City of the Patriarchs. Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-sites-places/tel-beer-sheva-city-of-the-patriarchs/

Abraham deceived Abimelech, the king of Gerar, into thinking Sarah was just Abraham's sister. So naturally, Abimelech took Sarah as his wife. But wait! Didn't God just tell Abraham and Sarah they would have a child within the year? But now Sarah is another man's wife and we have a serious problem on our hands. Sources: Armstrong, S. (2012b, January 8). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 20. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_20 Guzik, D. (2018b). Study Guide for Genesis 20. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-20.cfm

Do certain sins contribute more to moral decline than others? Also, Lot misses his opportunity to intercede for his city, we see the cost of living in compromise, and more. Sources: Guzik, D. (2018). Study Guide for Genesis 19. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-19.cfm Armstrong, S. (2011, December 4). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 19A. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_19a Armstrong, S. (2011b, December 12). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 19B. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_19b Armstrong, S. (2011c, December 18). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 19C. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_19c Armstrong, S. (2012, January 1). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 19D. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_19d

Three men appear at Abraham's doorstep. Who were they and why were they there? Then, we are shown a model for intercession that we can use even today. Sources: Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 18.” Blue Letter Bible, 2018, www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-18.cfm. Accessed 30 May 2023. Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 18B.” Verse by Verse Ministries International, 13 Nov. 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_18b. Accessed 30 May 2023.

God appears to Abraham and makes three pronouncements. Both Abraham and Sarah receive name changes and the sign of circumcision is given. The relationship between circumcision and baptism is discussed in depth. Sources: Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 17.” Blue Letter Bible, 2018, www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-17.cfm. Accessed 25 May 2023. Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 17B.” Verse by Verse Ministries International, 31 Oct. 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_17b. Accessed 25 May 2023.

Abram and Sarai resort to some pretty awful actions in order to get their son that God promised, which results in a pregnant slave girl on the run. The first half of the chapter should reveal how we deal with disappointment and the second half should reveal how we respond to God when he asks us to do something difficult. Sources: Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 16.” Blue Letter Bible, 2018, www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-16.cfm. Accessed 23 May 2023. Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 16A.” Verse by Verse Ministries International, 9 Oct. 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_16a. Accessed 24 May 2023. Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 16B.” Verse by Verse Ministries International, 17 Oct. 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_16b. Accessed 24 May 2023.

In this episode, Abram has a very strange encounter with God which results in a covenant between God and Abram. What are these strange images of a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch? Sources: Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 15B.” Verse by Verse Ministries International, 3 Oct. 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_15b. Accessed 23 May 2023. Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 15.” Blue Letter Bible, 2018, www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-15.cfm. Accessed 23 May 2023. Mackie, Tim, and Jon Collins. “Avon - Iniquity.” Bible Project, bibleproject.com/explore/video/avon-iniquity/. Accessed 23 May 2023. Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 15B.” Verse by Verse Ministries International, 3 Oct. 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_15b. Accessed 23 May 2023.

Genesis 14 is split in two halves. Each half gives us a different picture of Jesus: First, as a Kinsmen-Redeemer, and second, as a Priest-King. Sources: Stephen, Armstrong. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 14A.” Verse by Verse Ministries International, 12 Sept. 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_14a. Accessed 19 May 2023. Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 14.” Blue Letter Bible, 2018, www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-14.cfm. Accessed 19 May 2023. Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 14B.” Verse by Verse Ministries International, 19 Sept. 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_14b. Accessed 19 May 2023.

Abraham and Lot return from Egypt and they immediately begin arguing over land. We explore how each one handles the situation. Sources: Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 13.” Blue Letter Bible, 2018, www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-13.cfm. Accessed 18 May 2023. Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 13.” Verse by Verse Ministries International, 5 Sept. 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_13. Accessed 18 May 2023.

God called Abram to leave his family and his city to become the seed-bearer for the coming Messiah. Abram obeyed and received an eightfold promise from God. Immediately, a famine came to test Abram's faith. He left the land of Canaan for the land of Egypt which would have lasting effects on his life. Sources: Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 12.” Blue Letter Bible, 2018, www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-12.cfm. Accessed 13 May 2023. Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 12B.” Verse by Verse Ministry International, 22 Aug. 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_12b1. Accessed 17 May 2023. Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 12C.” Verse by Verse Ministry International, 29 Aug. 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_12c. Accessed 17 May 2023.

Humans once again reveal their arrogance and pride towards God by building a tower to make a name for themselves. In fact, God shows them mercy, though it doesn't look like what we would expect. Sources: Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 11A.” Verse by Verse Ministries, 31 July 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_11a. Accessed 10 May 2023. Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 11.” Blue Letter Bible, 2018, www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-11.cfm. Accessed 10 May 2023. Mackie, T. & Collins, J. (Hosts). (2023, May 08). A Symptom Of Human Violence [Audio Podcast]. BibleProject Podcast. Bible Project. https://bibleproject.com/podcast/symptom-human-violence/

The sons of Shem, Ham and Japheth are explored through their generations. This sets the stage for all the major and minor nations seen throughout the rest of the Bible. Sources: Day, J. (2013). The Table of Nations: The geography of the world in genesis 10. TheTorah.com. Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-table-of-nations-the-geography-of-the-world-in-genesis-10 1368. gibbor. Bible Hub. (2004). Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1368.htm Guzik, D. (2018). Study Guide For Genesis 10. Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-10.cfm Armstrong, S. (2011, July 24). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 10. Verse By Verse Ministry International. Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_10

God's covenant with Noah is broken down in detail. Then, another human disappoints us in our search for the Coming Seed. All this and more in Genesis chapter 9. Sources: Schwartz, R. (1998). Jewish Dietary Laws (Kashrut): The Vegetarian Teachings Of Rav Kook. Jewish Virtual Library. Retrieved May 1, 2023, from https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-vegetarian-teachings-of-rav-kook Armstrong, S. (2011, July 4). Genesis 2011. Verse By Verse Ministries. Retrieved April 29, 2023, from https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_9a Armstrong, S. (2011, July 12). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 9B. Verse By Verse Ministry International. Retrieved May 1, 2023, from https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_9b Mackie, T. (n.d.). Noah To Abraham: Exploring Genesis 6-12. Bible Project. Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 9.” Blue Letter Bible, 2018, www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-9.cfm. Accessed 4 2023.

The flood waters finally recede! We can learn much from Noah's actions after he leaves the ark, especially from his sacrifice to God and how we can offer sacrifices in the same way. Sources: Bible Hub. (n.d.). 2142. zakar. Strong's Hebrew: 2142. זָכַר (Zakar) -- remember. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://biblehub.com/hebrew/2142.htm Guzik, D. (2018). Study Guide For Genesis 8. Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved April 15, 2023, from https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-8.cfm Gedwiser, M. (2016, November 4). He Sent Out The Raven. The Lehrhaus. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://thelehrhaus.com/scholarship/he-sent-out-the-raven/ Armstrong, S. A. (2011, June 20). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 8. Verse By Verse Ministry International. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_8 Mackie, T. (n.d.). Noah To Abraham: Exploring Genesis 6-12. Bible Project. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/tbp-web/media/Noah%20to%20Abraham/Noah-Abraham_Session%20Notes.pdf

As Noah gathers the animals for the ark, they are portrayed in stark contrast to the people on the earth in the previous chapter. God's authority to judge the earth is discussed as well as the flood's parallels to baptism. Sources: Armstrong, S. (2011, June 6). Genesis 2011 - lesson 7A. Verse By Verse Ministry International. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_7a Guzik, D. (2018). Study Guide For Genesis 7. Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-7.cfm