Lesson 5 - The Covenant with Abraham & God's Oaths

Question 1

What are the promises God made to Abraham?

Answer 1

1. Land and a Nation

“Go to the land that I will show you…” (Genesis 12:1). This covenant was fulfilled by Moses.

2. Kingship and a Name

“…I will bless you and make your name great…” (Genesis 12:2). This covenant was fulfilled by David.

3. Blessing for all Nations

“…and in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed…” (Genesis 12:3). This covenant was fulfilled by Jesus.

Question 2

What did God do throughout Abraham’s lifetime, and who in the future is related to what God did?

Answer 2

God will reinforce each promise with a covenant oath (sacred and sworn declaration by God) during Abraham’s lifetime.

He fulfilled the Land and a Nation promise with Moses.

He fulfilled the Kingship and a Name promise with David.

He fulfilled the Blessing for all Nations promise with Jesus.

Question 3

What is being foreshadowed by God walking in between the halves of the animals?

Answer 3

Those who swear this oath essentially swear, “If I break this oath, may it be my blood spilled on the ground instead of this animal.”

God walks between the pieces even though humanity is likely to break the covenant. Therefore, he is raising the bar of the covenant by going through it Himself instead of Abraham [Genesis 15:17-21]

This is a prefigurement to Jesus’ crucifixion, where His blood is spilt.

Question 4

How was God’s Oath: Kingship and a Name reinforced?

Answer 4

Abraham and Sarah lost faith leading to Ishmael’s birth (Abraham & Hagar’s son)

Thirteen years after Ishmael’s birth, God’s covenant with Abram is renewed [Genesis 17:1-8], and God changes his name from Abram to Abraham.

Sarai’s name is changed to Sarah and God promises that Sarah will give birth to a child and form her there will be many descendants[Genesis 17:15-16]

Question 5

Was Isaac a little boy or a young adult at the time?

Answer 5

He was a young adult (30 -33 years old) judging by how he was carrying wood.

Question 6

How is the sacrifice of Isaac a type of Christ-like sacrifice?

Answer 6

Isaac
- A father offers his beloved son
- The son submits to the father’s will
- Isaac carriers the wood for his own sacrifice
- God himself provides the sacrifice (a ram instead of Isaac)

Christ
- The Father offers his beloved Son
- The Son submits to the Father’s will
- Jesus carries his own wooden cross
- God himself provides the perfect sacrifice