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ABRAHAM’S EVENING YEARS

Text: Genesis 24
14 February 2012

(I) ABRAHAM’S EVENING YEARS

1. He was old, well-advanced in age (Genesis 24:1a)

2. He had been greatly blessed by God (Genesis 24:1b)

(II) A TRUSTED SERVANT

1. His oldest servant (Genesis 24:2a)

2. He was chief steward who ruled over all that Abraham possessed (Genesis 24:2)

3. Eliezer

Described as “heir of my house” (Genesis 15:2)

(III) A SOLEMN OATH

1. The servant is to make a solemn oath (Genesis 24:3a)

a) To swear by the name of God

b) The LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of earth

2. Isaac is not allowed to marry Canaanite lady (Genesis 24:3b)

3. He must go to Abraham’s country of origin and there select a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:4)

a) Country specified

b) Family specified

(IV) VALID QUESTIONS

Eliezer raised two valid questions (Genesis 24:5)

1. What if the lady is not willing to come all the way to Canaan?

2. Should he bring Isaac out of Canaan to speak to his intended?

(V) A FIRM REPLY

1. Isaac must remain in the land of Canaan (Genesis 24:6)

2. Recalling God’s promises

a) He is the God of heaven (Genesis 24:7a)

b) He took Abraham out of his native country and brought him to Canaan (Genesis 24:7b)

c) He had given Abraham many promises concerning the Promised Land (Genesis 24:7c)

3. Assurance

a) He will send His angel before Eliezer (Genesis 24:7d)

b) He will provide a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:7e)

4. Worst case scenario

a) The lady will not come to Canaan (Genesis 24:8a)

b) Eliezer will be released from his oath (Genesis 24:8b)

(VI) ACCEPTANCE OF THIS ASSIGNMENT

1. Eliezer took a solemn oath (Genesis 24:9)

2. He will attempt to fulfil all that Abraham required of him

(VII) APPLICATION FOR TODAY

1. Role of parents in helping children to decide a life partner

a) In the days of Abraham

b) In modern times

2. Guidelines for parents

a) Believing in God’s guidance

b) Exercising wisdom