Abraham’s Posterity
Genesis 25:12-34
I. Ishmeal’s Genealogy (vs. 12-18)
a. How many sons of Ishmael are listed in verses 12-15?
b. What is significant about this passage as it relates to Genesis 16:8-12?
c. How does Ishmael having twelve sons / princes fulfill God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 17:18-20?
d. Is it mere coincidence that Ishmael had twelve sons that became a great nation and Isaac’s son Jacob also had twelve sons that became a great nation?
e. The historical veracity of this genealogy corresponds with archeological evidence proving the reliability of the Bible. If the Scriptures prove reliable for these ancient facts what can we believe about the Scriptures for subsequent people, places, and events?
f. How old was Ishmael when he died?
II. Isaac and Rebekah (vs. 19-28)
a. How old was Isaac when he took Rebekah as his wife?
b. What problem do Isaac and Rebekah face in verse 21?
c. What positive action does Isaac take that shows he walks in the faith of his father?
d. Does God answer Isaac’s prayer?
e. What prophecy was revealed that would affect these boys?
f. How were Esau and Jacob different?
g. Did Isaac and Rebekah have favorites?
III. Esau Sells His Birthright (vs. 29-34)
a. What does Jacob use to swindle Esau?
b. Does it seem Esau valued his birthright?
c. Based on the prophecy in verse 23 was this a move toward fulfillment?
d. The blessing of God that had rested on Abraham was now on whom?
APPLICATION: How does the fulfillment of prophecy in this passage inform us about the Omniscience of God?
