The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

Genesis 16:1-16

This is the sad account of the conception of Ishmael, and how Abraham wrongly heeded the suggestion of his wife to conceive an heir through her Egyptian handmade Hagar.  

In our discussion of this event, we look at: (1) The Scheme Proposed, (2) The Scheme's Problems (Hagar's pride, Sarah's anger, and Abraham's lack of leadership), and (3) the Servant Pursued (Hagar's wilderness encounter with the pre-incarnate Christ).

This is an important lesson about waiting on God and not taking matters into our own hands, "in the flesh".  This serious mistake committed by Abraham has consequences that still disrupt the peace of our world today in the on-going animosity between the sons of Ishmael and the sons of Isaac.

Genesis 15:1-21 

Following his physical battle against Chedorlaomer (king of the four-king coalition) and his spiritual battle against the temptations of Bera (King of Sodom), Abraham was concerned the wicked invaders he humiliated by defeating them with his much smaller band of men might return in vengeance.  He was getting old and still had no child or land, as per God's promises (12:2-7).  Lot returned to live in Sodom (a great disappointment), and Abraham was drained, physically and emotionally.  He needed some divine assurance, and the Lord delivered!  He graciously answered every one of Abraham's concerns.

In this powerful lesson, we discuss (1) A Mighty Shield (the first of God's great "I AM" statements), (2) A Multitudinous Seed, (3) A Monumental Statement (the doctrine of justification by faith is set forth for the first time), and (4) A Mysterious Ceremony (to seal the Abrahamic Covenant).

Genesis 14:17-24 

It is often the case for a believer to encounter a great temptation and/or danger after winning "a battle".  Abraham experienced a miraculous victory over a powerful four-king coalition from the East (which had just defeated a five-king confederation near the Dead Sea).  He outrageously rescued Lot from captivity, but as he was returning home from the physical battle, he was unexpectedly faced with a spiritual battle.  He was tempted with great wealth and acclaim by the King of Sodom.

But, in God's providence, Abraham first encountered "the King of Salem" (meaning "Peace"), who is also called "Melchizedek," which means "King of righteousness"!  This mysterious man (the pre-incarnate Christ?) brought bread and wine (first mention of these elements in Scripture) for Abraham and his men.  Melchizedek was "the Priest of the Most High God" - the very first Priest mentioned in Scripture!  

We discuss 5 interesting truths concerning Melchizedek:  His Provision,  His Priesthood, His Proclamation, Abraham's Payment (to Him), and His Person (identity).  This is intriguing, to say the least!

The lesson concludes with a detailed discussion of Abraham's meeting with the King of Sodom (named Bera) and how Abraham (like Christ) resisted temptation!

Genesis 13:5-18

This lesson provides us with a sharp contrast between Uncle Abram and nephew Lot.  Both men had journeyed down to Egypt (out of God's will), but one returned wiser, while the other returned worldlier.  Abram learned his lesson, through Divine chastisement and by way of great humiliation, to walk by faith in God's Word.  He learned not to use circumstances or even self-preservation as his guides (although he would later slip in this area by repeating his sin about Sarah).  Evidently, Lot did not learn any significant spiritual lessons while in Egypt.  When Abram departed Egypt, there was no place for Egypt in his heart.  On the other hand, when Lot left Egypt, he took "Egypt" with him in his heart.

Genesis 12:10-13:4

We continue Abram's journey of faith with God as he traveled from the land of promise (Canaan) to Egypt (picture of the world).  In the situation we discuss in this lesson, we (hopefully) learn from Abram's mistakes and his lie!  The four main divisions of our look at what some would call a "backsliding experience" are: (1) the famine, (2) the falsehood, (3) the failure, and (4) the return to fellowship!

It never pays to step out of God's will by devising our own schemes on how to handle difficult situations.  It never pays to doubt God in times of trials, and self-preservation is never an excuse for disobedience!  Time spent "in Egypt" is wasted time!  These are just some of the important spiritual lessons learned from Abram in this lesson.