As God promised, Abraham had offspring as numerous as stars in the sky (15:5). He became a father of many nations by Keturah (17:4), including tribes in Sheba and Dedan in Arabia (3), as well as the Midianites (4), among whom Moses would find shelter in his exile from Egypt (Ex 2:15). Our God is so faithful to every promise! He has promises for us in his Son Jesus Christ. We need eyes to see it!

Abraham received these blessings wisely. He kept Isaac as his heir, but loved and cared for all his other children, sending them away with gifts (5-6). Abraham died at 175, having led life to the full, completing God’s purpose (18:19). God is pleased to bless us. Let’s ask God’s help to learn how to bear his blessing and pass it to the next generation.

God blesses Isaac to continue in Abraham’s stead (11). Isaac dwells in Beer-Lahai-Roi, a special place in his family’s history (16:14; 24:62; 25:11). While revealing Abram’s failure, it highlights God’s grace and presence, watching over first Hagar, then Ishmael, and now Isaac. What about Ismael? God blesses Ishmael with twelve rulers just as he promised to Abraham (17:20).
Application: Father, your faithfulness to Abraham assures me of your faithfulness to me through Jesus Christ. Please help me bear it that you may bless my children after me and raise a thousand generations who love you by keeping your words.
One Word: Wisely bless the next generation