Bible Study Online Article

In the last article we'd learned, that after 127 years, Abraham's wife Sarah -- had passed away. And after this had happened, Abraham would immediately seek out a burial place for her.

Abraham's efforts, would lead to him making a land purchasing agreement, with the son of Zohar -- who was known as Ephron.

This land purchasing agreement, dealt with Abraham claiming ownership of a field -- that was located in Machpelah, which was found near Mamre.

Know that this will be the field, that Abraham would end up burying his wife Sarah in a cave, that would be known as "The Cave of Machpelah."

Now when it comes to The Cave of Machpelah, know that, in today's modern times -- the place is also known as the "The Tomb of the Patriarchs."

However, with that being stated, we now move forward when it comes to our journey. For we now find, that sometime had passed, after Abraham was finally able to bury his wife Sarah. Also know, that it's at this time, that we now find Abraham to be about 140 years old. And needless-to-say, Abraham knew that the Lord had blessed him greatly. For the Lord had blessed him in every way, that Abraham knew to be possible. But also know, that it would be at this time, that Abraham would begin to reflect on his life overall -- for he knew, that his time on this earth, was coming close to an end.

And it's also at this moment, that Abraham began thinking about his son Isaac. For we find, that at this stage from within his life -- Abraham would find himself deeply concerned? And the reason why he was concern, dealt with the fact, that Isaac (who at the time, was about 40 years of age) had not yet married. And it's also at this point, from within humanity's history, that it was custom that men should be married, by at least their thirtieth birthday.

And because of this cultural tradition, Abraham ended up calling his chief servant over. Understand that this would be the servant, that was in charge of all, that Abraham had. Now this particular chief servant, is not named at this particular moment. But keep in mind, that most Bible scholars, believe that this servant was indeed -- Eliezer of Damascus. Know that this viewpoint, stems from this particular passage:

"But Abram said, 'O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?'" -- (Genesis 15:2)

Be that as it may, after Eliezer had came before Abraham, the great patriarch would say these words to him: "Put your hand under my thigh. I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of Canaanites, among whom I am living, but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac." -- Genesis 24:2-4

Now keep in mind, the reason why Abraham would put Eliezer, his chief servant -- on such an important task? Dealt with the fact, that Abraham had also, became very concern -- when it came to the Canaanite people. For Abraham knew, that the Canaanites' were seen in the eyes of the Lord as sinners, for they had developed a reputation of wickedness and idolatry.

Now understand, that when it came to the Canaanites -- Abraham didn't want to take the chance, of having his family name tainted, by having his descendants intermingling with them. For you must keep in mind, that the Canaanites were also the civilization, that God had cursed -- back during the days of Noah: "Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves will he be to his brothers." -- (Genesis 9:25)

Also remember, that Canaan was the son of Ham, who was also the grandson of Noah. And remember, that the other two sons that Noah had, were Shem and Japheth. Also remember, that Abraham had eventually came from the family line of Shem. So it would make sense, that Abraham would have this notion, that it would be good for him -- to stay with the family linage that God had originally blessed:

"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the slave of Shem. May God extend the territory of Japheth; may Japheth live in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his slave." -- (Genesis 9:26-27)

However, understand that it was for these reasons, that Abraham would instruct Eliezer -- to go out into his country amongst his own relatives, in order to get a wife for his son Isaac. Now the country that Abraham is referring to, would be the one that God had called him out of originally? For the name of this country, is Mesopotamia. And this would be the place, that the "city of Ur" was found to be located within -- which was somewhere, within its southern parts.

Now keep in mind, that right before Abraham's wife Sarah had passed, Abraham did receive some good news concerning his brother Nahor? And according to the report that he'd received, Milcah the wife of Nahor, had bore him eight sons. Now keep in mind, that those sons were having families of their own during this time as well. So this would somewhat explain why Abraham, had felt confident, when it came to him sending Eliezer on this particular mission.

But Eliezer had some concerns of his own, and because of this, he decided to let his master know: "What if the woman is unwilling to come back with me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the country you came from?"

Now after hearing what Eliezer had to say, Abraham would reply: "Make sure that you do not take my son back there. The Lord, the God of heaven who brought me out of my father's household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, 'To your offspring I will give this land.' The Lord will send His angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there. If the woman is unwilling to come back with you, then you will be released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there." -- Genesis 24:6-8

Notice how the above passage reveals, that there's a good chance that Abraham had felt -- that Isaac could somehow, be negatively influence by the wicked and idolatrous practices, of the very place... that he, himself, had came out of -- which was known as the city of Ur. For it was also, like I stated earlier, located within the Mesopotamia region. And this is why Abraham, didn't want Isaac going to the Mesopotamia region -- when it came to meeting the woman, that Eliezer would find for him, if the woman didn't want to come back with Eliezer, in order to meet Isaac.

For Abraham believed, that if Isaac was around people that he was more familiar with... and around surroundings, that he was more accustom too -- then their influence, would be even greater than the Canaanites. For Abraham knew, that his country men and relatives -- could cause Isaac to possibly take up residence, from within that country. And this would be a huge mistake on Isaac's part, for his relocation would put him far away, from the land that God had promised Abraham and his seed.

For we must understand, that if Isaac were to leave the land of Canaan... he would eventually find himself operating outside of God's "Promise Covenant" -- you know, the one that He had made, through His faithful servant Abraham. Simply put, this would not be a wise thing for Isaac to do, and Abraham didn't want to put his son, in such a position to begin with.

So after hearing all of this, Eliezar placed his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham, and swore on oath to him concerning this matter. For he'd promised Abraham, that he would do everything that was being asked of him, when it came to finding a wife for Isaac.

"I am God Almighty walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers. As for Me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram, your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.

"I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, were you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God." -- (Genesis 17:1-8)

Now that Abraham has given his chief servant an important mission when it comes to finding his son Isaac a wife. We'll see if Eliezar's mission will be successful or not. For we'll also learn, if this mission will be easy, or very difficult for Eliezar -- when it comes to finding a woman, that will not only satisfy Isaac's expectations, but Abraham's as well?

God Creates the Earth

The Sons of God - The Daughters of Men

The Introduction of Abraham

**YOUR CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES - WOULD BE HERE**

The Birth of Esau & Jacob

Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty

Jacob - Wrestles with God

Joseph the Favorite Son

Joseph the Overseer of Egypt

The Unveiling of Joseph

16) Abimelech Angry with Abraham

17) The Birth of Isaac

18) Hagar & Ishmael - Sent Away

19) Hagar the Fighter

Added to Page 19) Hagar the Mother of a Great Nation

20) Abraham & The Well of Oath

21) Abraham & The Great Sacrifice

22) The Death of Sarah

23) <-CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE - PAGE->

24) The Discovery of Rebekah

25) Rebekah gets Permission to Leave

26) Isaac meets Rebekah

27) The Last Years of Abraham

28) The Twelve Rulers of Ishmael

29) The Birth of Esau & Jacob