Story 14: Ish'ma-el And Ha'gar Sent Away l

   The coming of I'saac into the home of A'bra-ham and Sa'rah was not without moments of trial and sorrow. There was already in the household of A'bra-ham, as previously related, a son of Ha'gar, the Egyptian maid. The boy was greatly loved by his father A'bra-ham, who had grown to think of him almost as the Divinely promised heir. Twelve years before the birth of I'saac there had been a serious quarrel between Sa'rah and Ha'gar, and only the intervention of God had restored Ha'gar and her son back to the household. Now that Sa'rah had a son of her own the jealousy would be revived, with each mother looking with suspicion and envy upon the other concerning the future of the two boys. Since Ish'ma-el was twelve years old when I'saac was born, Ha'gar would naturally expect him to be his father's heir.
   When I'saac was about three years old, according to a custom of that age, a great festival was held in honor of his becoming weaned. For the first time the child was permitted to eat the food which was to form his regular diet from that time on. Neighbors and friends were to join the festivities, and it was an occasion of great joy and happiness.
   Ish'ma-el was now about fifteen years old, and for the past three years had looked upon  I'saac with growing suspicion and envy, taunting the younger son with bitter, sarcastic remarks. He seems to have been a rough, unruly lad who scorned the quiet, gentle habits of I'saac, and his conduct toward his half-brother was rude, indiscreet, and vulgar. On this occasion he was probably jealous of the honor being paid to I'saac in the festivities.
   Sa'rah felt Ish'ma-el's  unbecoming attitude toward her son was not only the expression of his envy, but was the result of Ha'gar's influence and training. Her pent up envy burst forth in sharp anger. She went to A'bra-ham and demanded that Ha'gar and Ish'ma-el be sent away, saying that she did not wish her son to be reared with this rough lad.
   Sa'rah realized that Ish'ma-el's jeers and ill-mannered mocking had a deeper meaning than mere impoliteness in speech. She felt that his attitude was connected with the birthright, and that he would use violence if necessary to defend what he thought was his rightful heritage. Her quick temper may have led her to call for the removal of a rival to her son's succession and title to his father's inheritance, but in her words the way was opened for the LORD to overcome evil with good, hence she may unknowingly have uttered a Divine decree.

Story 13: The Birth Of I'saac ll

It was the beginning of a Divine supernatural agency which would continue to operate throughout the history of the chosen people of God. He was not only the child of the Covenant, but the supernatural element in his birth was a sign of the Divine in the development and fulfillment of the Covenant of Redemption for man.
   Greatest of all, the miraculous birth of I'saac was prophetic of a still greater supernatural birth which was to take place in the future A'bra-ham'ic family. It foretold the miracle by which God would bring "His first-begotten" into the world. As in the case of I'saac, the birth of Jesus was announced long before it took place, the name was given prior to the birth, and the birth occurred at a time appointed by God. In both cases the beginning of a greater Is'ra-el in the world was marked by a miraculous birth.
   Sa'rah's visitation recalls that Ma'ry, the Mother of Je'sus, though there were differences. Sa'rah gave birth when she was old and the natural faculties of child-bearing were dead, while Ma'ry was little more than a child herself. Sa'rah's child was to be the father of natural Is'ra-el; the Son of Mary was to be the founder of spiritual Is'ra-el.
   The birth of I'saac was the occasion for the first cradle hymn of history, the song of Sa'rah being the first of its kind of literature. It was a hymn of wonder and joy in supreme acknowledgment of the gift of God, and a song in which her relatives and friends heartily joined in singing. It was a song of the greatness that was to come for her son, and of the hope for countless descendants.

Story 13: The Birth Of I'saac l

   Soon after the destruction of Sod'om and the other cities of the Jor'dan plain A'bra-ham removed from that part of the land and settled in a place called Ge'rar, in the southwestern part of Ca'naan near the great sea. This land was occupied by a strong, war-like people known as Phi-lis-tines, and their king was named A-bim'e-lech. Although it had been twenty-four years since A'bra-ham had misrepresented his wife as his sister in order to protect her from the king of Egypt, the reproach which he suffered on that occasion should have remained fresh in his memory. Out of fear of A-bim'e-lech, however, A'bra-ham was guilty once again of the same deception.
   Just as the deception planned by A'bra-ham had failed once before, so it failed again. A-bim'e-lech  had decided to take Sa'rah as one of his wives, But before he was able to carry out his plan the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, warning him not to take Sa'rah because she was the wife of A'bra-ham. A-bim'e-lech then called A'bra-ham into his presence, bestowed rich presents and grants of land, and asked that the prophet of God pray for him. Both A'bra-ham and Sa'rah stood severely reproached before God, in which state they humbly accepted the thanks of the heathen king and made their home within his country.
   In answer to a special prayer of intercession by A'bra-ham the Lord healed A-bim'e-lech and his family of a serious ailment, and blessed them with many children. A-bim'e-lech then bestowed still greater favors upon A'bra-ham, who was also blessed more and more by the Lord until he became very prosperous and highly regarded in the land of Ge'rar.
   Some months after A'bra-ham's removal to this part of Ca'naan the promised son was born to Sa'rah, and he was called I'saac as previously directed by the Angel of God. His birth was regarded by all as no ordinary work of nature, but as the direct result of God's mercy. It was also accepted as a mark of Divine preference, and as a prophecy of the future greatness of A'bra-ham's descendants. The miraculous birth was also the reward of faith, for A'bra-ham and Sa'rah had believed in God against all human hope. Although their faith had been severely tried by long waiting and natural difficulties, it was fully rewarded in God's good time and His own marvelous way.
  

Story 12: The Rain Of Fire On Sod'om And Go'mor'rah lll

   Lot's wife could not bear the thought of giving up all that they had left behind in Sod'om. Her heart clung to her home, her worldly possessions, and her former companions. She halted in their flight to look back longingly upon the city, her heart filled with memories of the life she had found so happy. As she stood there, lost in revery, smoke and ashes began to spread all over the plain, and suddenly she was petrified with fear. Standing erect and motionless, gazing toward Sod'om, her body was turned into a pillar of salt,-an everlasting monument of warning against turning back when one is on the road to salvation.
   The Lord then caused a rain of fire to fall upon Sod'om and Go'mor'rah; destroying also the neighboring towns of Ad'mah and Ze'bo-im; only the little town of Zo'ar escaped the calamity.
   From his mountain home nearby the faithful A'bra-ham looked out upon the plains below. The once fertile and smiling lands were now a flaming furnace, and the former prosperous and wealthy cities had become a vast heap of charred ruins, The idle luxury of the day before had been turned into utter desolation. The heart of A'bra-ham was stirred deeply, but he humbly acknowledged the righteousness of God in all His ways.
   In the meantime Lot and his two daughters had feared for their lives in Zo'ar, and had fled to the mountains of Mo'ab to the east, where they took shelter in a cave. Here took place the most shameful incident of Lot's career, and his name passed from the pages of sacred history. When his two daughters realized that all the descendants of their father had perished in the flames of Sod'om, they took what seemed to be the only means of preserving their father's line. They made Lot drunk with wine, induced him to commit the crime of incest, and gave birth to the sons from whom there sprang the Mo'ab-ites and Am'mon-ites. We shall learn more about them in later chapters.
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Story 12: The Rain Of Fire On Sod'om And Go'mor'rah ll

   The people of Sod'om had seen the Angels as they went about the streets of the city, but did not know that they were Angels because they were in the appearance of men. Attracted by the superior bearing of the two strangers within their city, some of the most depraved people looked upon them with evil intentions. They stealthily watched the Angels as they entered the house of Lot, planning to seize them at the first opportunity. Finally they demanded that Lot bring out his guests and let them be mistreated by the mob. When Lot refused their demands they turned upon him with jeers and scorn, accusing him of taking too much authority for one who was only a sojourner within their city, and threatening to break down the door and take the two visitors by force.
   The Sod'om-ites were bold unashamed in their evil intentions, and no arguments or resistance which Lot could offer would prevent them from carrying out their wicked purposes. They rushed the door which Lot had closed and attacked him violently. Now the Angels had made their special visit to Lot because he had kept himself free from the more vicious sins of Sod'om; though he had done wrong by associating with wicked neighbors, he was still counted among the righteous. He was grieved by the evils of Sod'om, and had often rebuked the people for their disgraceful deeds. The Lord therefore wished to spare him from the terrible disaster that was soon to fall upon Sod'om.
   When Lot's life was in danger by the attack of the people who sought the strangers in his home the two Angels opened the door and drew him to safety. The Angels then caused the angry mob to be smitten with blindness, and the confusion became so great that the Sod'om-ites could not even find the door of Lot's house.
   The Heavenly messengers then informed Lot that the Lord was preparing to rain fire and brimstone upon Sod'om and Go'mor'rah, bringing utter destruction to both cities, and they suggested that he take all his kinsmen and property out of the city at once. When Lot brought the news to his sons-in-law they scoffed at his warning, refusing to heed the call of God for safety.
   Lot was then told to take his wife and the two daughters who still lived in his home and flee to the surrounding mountains. Instead of obeying at once, Lot permitted business matters and selfish interests to delay his going. The love of such worldly things as gold and silver seemed more important at the moment than the safety of his family. The Angels therefore seized him by the hand and led the family out on the road toward the mountains.
   As Lot and his family fled from Sod'om he became fearful that he could not reach a place of safety in the mountains. He then pleaded with the Angel who was guiding him to spare the little town to the northeast that was later called Zo'ar, and allow him to reside there with his family. When the Lord agreed to this request Lot and his wife and two daughters turned their steps toward the little town.

Story 12: The Rain Of Fire On Sod'om And Go'mor'rah l

   This chapter takes us back to the wicked cities of the plains of Jor'dan, and to Lot and his family. During the years that had passed since Ab'ram saved the king of Sod'om and many of his people from conquest by the king of E'lam the city had fallen deeper and deeper into sin. Lot had chosen to remain in Sod'om, and his family had become entangled in the evils of this unrighteous city.
   Having finished their mission to A'bra-ham and his wife, the three Angelic visitors started on the journey to Sod'om, accompanied for part of the way by A'bra-ham. Presently the leader of the group lingered in conversation with A'bra-ham, while the others continued the march towards Sod'om. The latter two Angels had been sent to Sod'om to announce its approaching destruction under the judgment of God. Remembering the faith of A'bra-ham and his kindly interest in Lot and his family, the Lord said "Shall I hide from A'bra-ham what I am going to do?" So close had been the relation between God and A'bra-ham that he was called "the friend of God." To such a friend the Lord was willing to reveal His purpose concerning the overthrow of a city in which there flourished the worst forms of immorality known in the history of the world.
   The Lord therefore took His friend into full confidence, telling him that the time of judgment had come, and that the sins of Sod'om must be punished. A'bra-ham then offered an earnest prayer in the hope of sparing Sod'om. He said to the Lord: "If there can be found as many as fifty righteous people in the city, wilt thou spare it for the sake of these fifty?"
   When the Lord agreed to spare the city if fifty righteous people could be found there, A'bra-ham pleaded: "Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five?" After the Lord agreed to this condition A'bra-ham succeeded in having the required number of righteous people reduced, first to forty, then to thirty, then to twenty, and finally to ten. Beyond this number A'bra-ham did not dare to go, but was content with the Lord's assurance that the city would not be destroyed if there could be found only ten who were righteous.
   In spite of the heroic efforts of A'bra-ham to save the city, not even ten righteous people could be found, and the judgment of God was duly carried out.
   The two Angels who had left A'bra-ham and the Lord in conversation went on into the city of Sod'om, walking through the city on a tour of observation, and trying to find at least ten good men and women. Instead of finding the good people whose presence would have saved the city from destruction, the Angels were forced to look upon the worst forms of wickedness and vice. No matter where they looked, they could find nothing but pride, luxury, and self-indulgence; everywhere the people gave themselves up to worldly pleasures and disgraceful conduct of the worst kind. Finally they came to the house of Lot and found him sitting at the gate of Sod'om, where he acted as a magistrate. True to the training which he had received from his uncle A'bra-ham, and mindful of the customs of hospitality, Lot rose up and greeted the strangers courteously. He welcomed them to his home, treated them with kindness, and made them a feast.
  

Story 11: Ish'ma-el's Birth And The Visit Of Angels To Ab'ram lll

   Soon after this third renewal of the Covenant with God, A'bra-ham was sitting at the door of his tent in true Oriental fashion, resting from the heat of the day; ready to greet any passing traveler, and to invite strangers of respectable appearance to pause and share a meal with him. When three men of striking countenance and superior bearing approached the tent, A'bra-ham hastened to meet them, bowed courteously and invited them to tarry with him for dinner. His urgent invitation was accepted, and a bounteous meal was prepared for them by Sa'rah.
   The courteous behavior of A'bra-ham toward these strangers, his humble bearing toward persons whose superiority evidently impressed him, his gracious hospitality , and the reverent manner in which he listened to them, all gave proof of his lovable and deeply religious nature. With noble humility he claimed no merit for his kindly service, with true courtesy and forethought he made the distinguished guests feel at ease in his home, and in a deeply religious spirit he thanked the Lord for this opportunity of doing a good deed.
   At this time A'bra-ham did not know that the three passing strangers were Heavenly messengers. One of them appears to have been the Lord in the form of a man, probably the "Angel Je-ho'vah," which was a name for the Lord in His earthly appearances during ancient times. This leader of the group talked freely with A'bra-ham, speaking with him further about God's promise to send the promised heir to him and Sa'rah.
   When Sa'rah overheard the words of the Heavenly guest concerning the promise of God that she should become the mother of a son, though advanced in age and greatly lessened in strength, Sa'rah simply could not believe what she heard. She burst into laughter, not from a spirit of wickedness or impiety, but from sheer astonishment. Such a happening was so contrary to the usual laws of nature that she could not see how it could take place.
   The time had come when Sa'rah should become a party to the Covenant of God, and this may have been the reason for the Angelic visitor to speak as he did where Sa'rah could overhear the conversation. She must be told of the miracle that was soon to take place in her life, and her doubts must be overcome. It was not enough that she be told of the miracle by her husband; God Himself must make known to her the wonderful prospects, and her unbelief and fear must be overcome by a message direct from the Heavens,
   In range of Sa'rah's hearing, and especially for her benefit, the Angel of the Lord therefore said to A'bra-ham: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" In such words he called attention to the Almighty God with whom all things are possible, and Sa'rah's doubts and fears were transformed into victorious faith.
   In later history Sa'rah was praised as a model for womanly virtue and subjection. Her name appears in the notable list of the heroes and heroines of faith. She found favor with God, and all her unbelief was removed from her faithful heart. In due time the promised son was born, and Sa'rah became the mother of Is'ra-el, and of kings, princes, and nations.