8.  The account of Ishmael, 25:12-18

Theme:  In Fulfillment

1. On occasion brief genealogies are recorded in Genesis.  What purposes does the account of Ishmael serve at this point in Genesis?

2. Why should we know the region that Ishmael's descendants inhabited?

Conclusion:  Will This be the Last We Hear of Ishmael?

9.  The account of Isaac, 25:19-35:29

Theme:  From One to Many

A.  The Birth of Esau and Jacob, 25:19-34

Theme:  My Kingdom for a Course!

1. The first mention of Sarah informed us that she was barren (11:30), and we saw what happened.  Since Rebekah is now called barren, what emphasis, especially considering Isaac's response to his wife's circumstances for 20 years, should we see in procreation?

2. Scripture does not intimate how Yahweh spoke to Rebekah, but He does reveal His intervention into the "normal" routine of man's life.  According to custom, the eldest son would receive the service of the younger son; that right was called the law of primogeniture.  How will God upend that practice?  Having seen God challenge our perception of life in the previous chapters, what might He be planning at this point?

3. Though the account is rather terse, what apparent roles do Isaac and Rebekah play in the growth of their sons?  What is the best way to handle the different ways in which we feel about our children?

4. Chapters 12-22 demonstrated that God intended to pass His promise through a specific person, Isaac, despite man's various interventions.  What promises would be passed from Abraham to Isaac to the next generation?  How does Yahweh use Esau's action to unfold His work?  How does Esau's action denigrate Yahweh's promise?  What warning does Esau's action hold for us?  Read Hebrews 12:16-17.

5. Read Romans 9:10-16.  Paul asks if God is unfair in choosing Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau.  If God acted "fairly," or strictly on the basis of justice, whom would He choose?  In fact, on what basis does God choose to deal with us?

6. Read Psalms 127 and 128, Colossians 3:12-17 and Ephesians 5:21-6:4.  What makes a Christian home?  What does forgiveness have to do with making a home truly Christian?  What is the best way to handle our differences and difficulties?

Conclusion:  Esau should have kept the fork.