Genesis: Study 8
Tonight we will discuss, in detail, the covenant between God and Abram (the Abrahamic Covenant). What was God’s promise to Abram? What is the difference between a promise and a covenant? What is Abram’s initial reaction in this chapter to what God has promised him? How can we relate this situation to our own lives? In addition, we will cover the story of the birth of Ishmael in tonight’s session. We will look at the situation between Abram, Sarai and Hagar in both a historical/cultural sense and in an ethical sense so that the full impact of this section of Genesis can be understood.
Pronunciation of terms/names and their meanings:
El-roi (el-raw-ee) – the God who sees
Ishmael (eesh-mah-el) – God hears
Beer Lahai Roi (beh-ehr la-ha-ee raw-ee) – the well of the Living One who sees me
Genesis 15:1-21 (The Abrahamic Covenant)
Questions for Discussion
How would you describe Abram’s tone as he speaks with God at the beginning of this chapter? Does he have the right to speak the way he does to the Lord? Why does God seem to tolerate this tone from Abram? If the voice of God spoke directly to you and you recognized it for what it is, would you have the audacity to question the Lord as Abram does?
Describe the positions of both God and Abram within the covenant relationship.
What is the significance of the ceremony involving the cutting in half of the various animals? Why is this process an important aspect of the covenant agreement?
Why does God place Abram into a deep sleep immediately before telling him of the future oppression of his people? Some of the words used to describe this trance-like state in different translations of the bible are “horror”, “terrifying”, and “darkness”. Why do you believe these words are used to describe what Abram experienced in this situation?
What exactly is God’s covenant with Abram?
Genesis 16:1-16 (The Birth of Ishmael)
Questions for Discussion
What is the historical background surrounding the situation between Abram, Sarai and Hagar? How is this situation a reflection of the cultural practices of the people of the ancient
Even bearing in mind the cultural context regarding this section of Genesis, does this arrangement seem fair to Hagar? If you were put in her place, would you not feel some resentment towards your mistress?
Who names Ishmael - the angel of the Lord, or Abram? Why does God make a promise to Hagar that is amazingly similar to the one he gives Abram in the previous chapter?
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