OT Characters: Isaac

For more notes and resources check out Douglas' website.Hebrew words:Yitskhaq (Isaac) -- He laughs.Rivqah (Rebekah)'Esaw (Esau)Ya'aqov (Jacob) -- Sounds like "he deceives," or "he grasps the heel."Main thoughts:Isaac tends to value comfort and cuisine over principle. He is willing to compromise in order to avoid conflict.He is led more by his senses than by his mind; by impulses more than the Spirit.Although his father Abraham had conviction about marrying within the people of God, Isaac's conviction in this area (like his son Esau's) is weak.He is surrounded by relational conflict.In the end, he finally acknowledges God's sovereign choice, relinquishing hisright to determine who received the blessing. Hence the favorable verdict in Hebrews 11:20.Further study:Passages used or referred to:Genesis 17, 21, 22; 2 Chronicles 3:1 and 2 Samuel 24:16.Genesis 24; 25:6; 25:20-21, 23, 26; 26:12-13; 27:1ff; 27:46; 28:1ff, 6-9Hebrews 11:20Old Testament:Genesis 17, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 31, 32, 35, 46, 48, 49, 50Exodus 2, 3, 4, 6, 32, 33; Leviticus 26; Numbers 32; Deuteronomy 1, 6, 9, 29, 30, 34; Joshua 24; 1 Kings 18; 2 Kings 13; 1 Chronicles 1, 16, 29; 2 Chronicles 30; Psalm 105; Jeremiah 33; Amos 7.New Testament:Matthew 1, 8, 22; Mark 12; Luke 3, 13, 20; Acts 3, 7; Romans 9; Galatians 4; Hebrews 11; James 2.Some things we learn about God:God's marriage plan is based on spirituality, not Hollywood-style fantasy or romance.God expects us to wait patiently for his blessings -- even if it takes 20 years!God may improve us husbands' judgment through our wives. Sometimes a man will act more spiritually because of his wife!His purposes will prevail! It is not necessary to resort to short-cuts or compromises in order to receive God's promises. Let him work things out; we need not take matters into our own hands.Children's devotional idea:Read the story of Genesis 27.Blindfold "Isaac" (the parent might play this role).One child pretends to be another's sibling, using his/her clothes or other belongings in order to fool "Isaac."Take turns with the role-play.Talk about deception (trying to trick parents, brothers, or sisters). Emphasize that God will take care of us, and we don't need any tricks to receive his blessings.Key verses:24:67 -- A sound marriage is based on inward spiritual principles, not outward appearance.27:4 -- In effect, Isaac attempts to bypass God's plan.27:20 -- He (finally) accepts God's plan.Next lesson: Ishmael