Genesis 26:1-6 - Homiletics

A good man's perplexity.

I. THE CONTEMPLATED JOURNEY .

1. Its projected destinations . Egypt. Renowned for fertility, the land of the Pharaohs was yet no proper resort for the son of Abraham, the heir of Canaan, and the friend of God. It was outside the land of promise; it had been to Abraham a scene of peril, and it was not a place to which he was directed to turn. Considerations such as these should have operated to deter Isaac from even entertaining the idea of a pilgrimage to Egypt. But the behavior of this Hebrew patriarch is sometimes outdone by that of modern saints, who not simply project, but actually perform, journeys, of pleasure or of business, across the boundary line which separates the Church from the world, into places where their spiritual interests are endangered, and that too not only without the Divine sanction, but sometimes in express violation of that authority.

2. Its ostensible occasion . The famine. A severe trial, especially to a flock-master. It was yet by no means an exceptional trial, but one which had occurred before in the experience of the inhabitants of Canaan, and in particular of his father, and might possibly recur to himself, just as life's afflictions generally bear a singular resemblance to one another ( 1 Corinthians 10:13 ; 1 Peter 4:12 ). It was not an accidental trial, but had been appointed and permitted by that Divine wisdom without whose sanction no calamity can fall on either nation or individual, saint or sinner ( Deuteronomy 32:39 ; Psalms 66:11 ; Amos 3:6 ). And just as little was it purposeless, being designed to initiate Isaac in that life discipline from which no child of God can escape ( Acts 14:22 ; Hebrews 12:11 ; James 1:2 , James 1:3 ).

3. Its secret inspiration . Unbelief. Jehovah, who had given the land to Isaac, could easily have maintained him in it notwithstanding the dearth, had it been his pleasure not to pro vide a way of escape. Had Isaac not at this time been walking somewhat by sight, it is probable his thoughts would not have turned to Egypt. Most of the saint's doubtful transactions and dangerous projects have a secret connection with the spirit of unbelief which causes to err.

II. THE DIVINE INTERPOSITION .

1. Prohibiting . "Go not down into Egypt." That Jacob subsequently went down to Egypt in obedience to Divine instructions is no proof that Isaac would have been blameless had he gone down without them. Abraham did so, but it is not certain that God approved of his conduct in that matter. Besides, though it could be shown that Abraham incurred no guilt and contracted no hurt by residence in Egypt, it would not follow that his son might venture thither with impunity and without sin. Hence the proposed journey was interdicted. So God in his word debars saints from going down to the unspiritual and unbelieving world to endamage or imperil their souls' higher interests.

2. Prescribing . "Dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: sojourn in this land." It is always safest for the saint in seasons of perplexity to wait for and to follow the light from heaven. Sufficient guidance God has promised, through his Spirit, by his word, and in his providence, to enable gracious ones who wait upon his teaching to detect the path of duty and the place of safety.

3. Promising . For Isaac's encouragement the various promises of the Abrahamic covenant are repeated, renewed, and confirmed to himself for his father's sake; embracing promises of the Divine presence—" I will be with thee"—and the Divine blessing—"and will bless thee;" in which latter are comprehended the inheritance,—"all these countries,"—the seed.—" I will make thy seed to multiply,"—and the universal salvation—"in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed," which had been promised and guaranteed to Abraham by oath. So has God given to believers "exceeding great and precious promises" for Christ's sake, because of the covenant made with him, on the ground of the obedience rendered, and for the merit of the sacrifice presented, by him.

III. THE FILIAL OBEDIENCE . "Isaac dwelt in Gerar," having removed thither in compliance with the Divine instructions. Like Abraham's, Isaac's obedience was—

1. Minute , exactly following the Divine prescription.

2. Prompt , putting into immediate execution the Divine commandment.

3. Patient , remaining in the land of the Philistines till God in his pro vide nce indicated it was time to remove. So should Christ's followers obey.