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Isaac - Planted crops in that land (Genesis 26:12)

SON OF PROMISE

God had promised Abraham a great number of children. While waiting for a long time, Abraham heeded his wife's suggestion to abide by the traditions of the time and acquire a son from Sarah's Egyptian handmaid. But God had another plan in mind, and he made it clear that the son of promise would be given through Sarah (Genesis 17:15-21). Ishmael's presence in the family caused conflict both before his birth (Genesis 16:4-6) and after Isaac's birth (Genesis 21:9-13).

WITNESS TO HIS FATHER'S FAITH

God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Isaac's faith in his father (Genesis 22:4-8) is evident in this episode, which speaks clearly about Christ's sacrifice. Despite being a boy, he didn't escape from Abraham, just as Christ willingly gave Himself for us. He learned that God sees and provides (Genesis 22:14).

A WIFE AND CHILDREN OBTAINED BY FAITH AND PRAYER

Abraham's faith in God and His promises was displayed when he directed his servant to search for an non-Canaanite wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:5-7). The servant prayed for guidance from the Lord (vv.12-14). Isaac didn't have a direct role in this search, but he did pray (vv.62,63). This was a demonstration of Isaac's faith. Isaac, like his father before him, had to wait for the arrival of his children. He prayed with great intensity to see the fulfillment of the promise (Genesis 25:20-21). He didn't make the same mistake as his father in trying to "fulfill" the promise by using other means.

DO NOT GO DOWN TO EGYPT

In a time of famine, God explicitly commanded Isaac not to go down to Egypt (Genesis 26:1-6). Isaac was the only patriarch who did not leave the borders of the Promised Land. Isaac's faith may appear passive compared to Abraham's, but it requires persistence to endure difficult situations.

SOWING AND QUARRELS

Isaac resided in Gerar during the famine, and in the same way as Abraham, he lied about his wife. Contact with this people was an occasion of sin for him. After clearing the misunderstanding, Isaac remained in the land and sowed as well as grazed (Genesis 26:12). The Lord's blessing on his life caused jealousy and spitefulness among the local community (Genesis 26:13-17). Isaac's response demonstrates his patience and steadfastness (Genesis 26:18-22). God’s second revelation to Isaac at this difficult time confirmed the promises made to Abraham (Genesis 26:23-25). Those who have the Lord’s promises must not struggle to keep them, but remain firm even if this means suffering injustice (1 Corinthians 6:7; Matthew 5:38-42; Romans 12:17-21).

THE BLESSING ACKNOWLEDGED

Those who had previously driven Isaac away were now eager to make a covenant with him (Genesis 26:26-33). The presence of the Lord with Isaac was evident to them through Isaac's patient approach to facing challenges and digging his father's wells again. The blessing of the Lord was plain to see, and it showed that the promises made to Abraham were being fulfilled (Genesis 25:11).

BY FAITH ISAAC BLESSED JACOB AND ESAU

Isaac’s faith is highlighted in Hebrews 11:20 through the blessing he gave to his sons. Despite Jacob's deception, Isaac knew that the promise had yet to be fulfilled and by faith passed the baton to his son.