Adult Bible Study: Genesis

Genesis 23

Theme:  Aliens and Strangers in the Land

1. Very little is devoted to the actual death of and mourning for Sarah.  Why does the story slow down so much as Abraham deals for the grave site?  Why is it important that Sarah be buried in the land of Canaan?

2. What does Abraham's covenant with Abimelech (21:22-34) and his purchase of the cave (23:3-16) tell us about his relationship to the other inhabitants of the land?  What might this suggest about our relationship to others who are not Christians?

Conclusion:  Even in Death

Genesis 24

Theme:  What About the Next Generation?

1. In our mobile society it is not unusual for families to be separated by great distances.  Why was Abraham adamant about Isaac living in Canaan (24:3)?  What does this indicate about Abraham's faith in God's promises (Genesis 12:2-3)?

2. Abraham's servant journeyed to a land inhabited by people with whom he might not be familiar.  To confirm the success of his travels, the servant sought a sign.  Why would the response sought by the servant be an appropriate "sign" and suggest a woman of generous character (24:12-21, especially v.21)?  Why note Rebekah's other features (24:15,16)?  Why do you think that Laban was so excited about the gifts given to his sister (24:30,31)?  What purpose does the repetition of the servant's initial meeting with Rebekah to Laban serve (24:38-50)?

3. At a university in South Carolina, ethnic intermarriage as well as cross-ethnic dating is strongly discouraged.  What precedent did Abraham set when he insisted that his servant find Isaac a wife from among his own people (24:4)?  What was probably the reason for carefully avoiding

intermarriage with the Canaanites (24:3)?  Is there some merit to the argument that Christians should marry other Christians and not people of other faiths?  Why or why not?  What help does 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 lend to the argument?  Read 1 Corinthians 7:10-18.  What might be some of the concerns of marrying an unbeliever?  A person of another denomination?

4. Why is the system of parental arrangement of marriage almost unknown in our society?  Would it work today?  If your parents had selected your spouse, would they have picked the person you married?  Why?  Do you think that it is a good idea that parents to assist their children in choosing spouses?  What things might be good to look for in someone before marriage?

5. Is anything about Genesis 12:2-3 mentioned in this chapter?  How does Hebrews 11:13 help us conclude the chapter?

Conclusion:  Isaac married Rebekah

Genesis 25:1-11

Theme:  What About The Promise?

1. Inheritance is usually divided between the descendants.  Why does Isaac, mentioned as the only heir, receive the entire inheritance (25:5)?  What would be the purpose of sending away the sons of his second wife Keturah (25:6)?  How does this relate to the promise of Genesis 12:2-3?

2. What is the significance of 25:11?

Conclusion:  The Promise is Handed Down