The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

Genesis 25:1-18 With Genesis chapter 25, we come to the last chapter of the life of the great patriarch of the faith, Abraham.  For more than a century, he had been on a pilgrimage of faith with the Lord God in the Promised Land of Canaan.  It was wonderful to learn how Abram (his original name) stepped out of Ur of the Chaldees to being his spiritual journey with God, but it is even more impressive to find that, more than a century later, he was still going strong for and with the Lord!  It is one thing to begin well with God, but it is even a better thing to finish well.   In this lesson, "The Pilgrimage Ended," we discuss the deaths of both Abraham (25:1-11) and Ishmael (25:12-18).

"I will go" were the three most significant words Rebekah ever spoke!  They formed the prompt and definitive answer to the question posed by Abraham's servant regarding her willingness to become the bride of his master's son (Isaac).  Rebekah had come to a quick and firm conviction that the call of God on her life was to be Isaac's wife.  She never met Isaac, but she committed herself to him based on the words about him from his father's servant (Eliezer). The beautiful love story of Isaac and Rebekah goes much deeper than the surface level of the account.  It presents us with a marvelous picture - in many ways - of the great marriage arranged in Heaven by God the Father, Who sent His faithful Servant, the Holy Spirit, to call out a Bride (the Church) for His only begotten, beloved Son, the Lord Jesus.

Incredible analogy-prophetic type of Christ and His Bride, the Church is presented in the account of how Abraham sent his faithful servant Eliezer to secure a bride (Rebekkah) for his son, Isaac.  You must hear!

Genesis 24:1-33  Chapter 24 of Genesis is the longest chapter in the Bible.  It not only contains a delightful LOVE STORY, but presents a critical event in the history of man's redemption.  The picture (type) of Christ presented in and through Isaac did not end with Mount Moriah.  There are fascinating parallels between "The Quest for Isaac's Bride" (this lesson) and the calling out by the Spirit (represented by Abraham's faithful servant Eliezer) of Christ's Bride, the Church! This is a great study - you do NOT want to miss the details!  Even though you may think you already know the account, you are going to learn something NEW!

Genesis 23:1-20 In Genesis chapter 23, we learn how a believer can maintain a godly testimony even in the midst of dealing with the death of a loved one.  By Abraham's example as he coped with the death of his life-partner, we learn there is a time to express sorrow and deal with grief, but there is also a time to show responsibility and not be so overcome with grief that the believer presents a poor testimony of his/her faith.   One of the most critical times in a believer's life to demonstrate the difference his/her faith in Jesus Christ makes is at the time of death! In this lesson, we discuss a "Tribute to Sarah," the "Tears of Abraham," the great "Testimony of Abraham," and a business "Transaction with Ephron" (as Abraham secured a final resting place for his beloved wife).

Genesis 22:15-24 This is the conclusion of a "mountain peak" chapter of Scripture (Genesis 22)!  One of the greatest principles of the Bible, taught from cover to cover, is that blessings follow obedience.  This truth was certainly made evident following Abraham's obedience in offering up Isaac - even though he did not need to carry through with that assignment (it was a God-given "test").  Among the blessings, Abraham received further confirmation from God about the covenant promises given him earlier.   Learn why Isaac is not mentioned in Genesis 22:19, when he came down from Moriah with his father, and why he is not mentioned again until he appears to meet his bride (Rebekah) in chapter 24!  It is another amazing prophetic type of Christ, but one most people miss!  Be sure you don't!

Genesis 22:7-14 This is the continuation of Lesson 49 ("Clear Vision"); we left off  with Abraham and his son Isaac alone on Mount Moriah (leaving the two servants at the base of the Mount).  To this point, Isaac's faith had not been tested, for he did not know what the Lord requested of his father.  How would he respond when he learned he was to be "the lamb for the burnt offering" (22:7b)?   There is an incredible prophecy given by Abraham in this passage of Scripture - Genesis 22:8.  Every Christian needs to know and understand the depth of that prophecy!  It is also important to know and understand why Isaac was never going to actually BE the sin-sacrifice and why he was replaced with a ram.   Did Abraham understand "the Gospel" of the future from this experience?  Yes.  Jesus tells us he did (John 8:56).  You may also want to also listen to our podcast Lesson 11 under the tag "CHRIST in GENESIS" entitled "The Gospel of Moriah".  

Genesis 22:1-6  This is the great message of "The Gospel on Moriah"!  In this lesson, we are on "holy ground" for it is one of the clearest events foreshadowing the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Calvary in the entire Bible!  Genesis chapter 22 is one of the "mountain peaks" of revelation concerning the redemptive work of the beloved Son of God - and it is through Abraham's obedient willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac!  Also pictured in this marvelous true account is the Lord's resurrection on the third day.  Listen and learn about Abraham's "Great Test," his "Great Love," and his "Great Faith" (see Lesson #50).

Genesis 21:22-34  In this lesson, Abraham has his second encounter with Abimelech (a Philistine king).  It was much different than their first meeting four years earlier, which had been a humiliating experience for Abraham (he was rightly reproved by the king for lying about his relationship with Sarah).  This second encounter found Abraham in a much improved spiritual condition.  The two make a peace treaty, which is ratified with sacrifices, witnesses, and promises.  The treaty lasted 70 years; interestingly the one who broke it was Isaac, and he did so by repeating the sin of his father - he lied about his relationship with Rebekah!  Amazing.

Genesis 21:11-21 One of the most difficult separations Abraham faced in his life (and he faced many) was his separation from Ishmael, his illegitimate son born by Sarah's Egyptian handmade, Hagar.  The separation was necessary for the accomplishment of God's purposes for both Isaac and Ishmael, so Abraham obeyed by casting out both Hagar and Ishmael, even though it broke his heart. It is wonderful to learn how the Lord God took care of Ishmael (and Hagar) and blessed him!  It is also interesting to learn how the Apostle Paul used the separation of Hagar and Ishmael from Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac as an allegory involving Law and grace (Galatians 4:21-31)!  A lot to discover in this deep lesson!