GOD HAS BROUGHT ME LAUGHTER

Genesis 20:1-21:34, Key Verse: 21:6

Part I: Abraham and Abimelech (20:1-18)

1. Skim through 20:1-18. Who was Abimelech and how did Abraham lie to him? What does this show about Abraham? What happened? How did God rebuke Abimelech? How did Abimelech respond to God’s rebuke? What can you learn from God who helps Abraham?

Part II: Isaac and Ishmael (21:1-21)

2. Read verses 1 through 7. What does Isaac's birth teach us about God? How did Abraham obey God in the time of God's blessing? What does verse 5 tell about this child? What was Sarah's testimony at Isaac's birth (6, 7)? What can you learn from God who makes us laugh?

3. Read verses 8-13. What happened on the day Isaac was weaned? What did Sarah tell Abraham to do? How did Abraham react? Yet, what was God's direction about this matter (12, 13)? Why can't Isaac and Ishmael grow or live together? What promises did God give Abraham concerning about Ishmael?

4. Read verses 14-21. What did Abraham do? How could he do that? Why was this turning point in his life of faith? How did God bless Abraham's faith and obedience?

Part III: The Treaty at Beersheba (21:22-34)

5. Skim through 22-34. Why did Abimelech come to Abraham? How did Abraham respond? What did he do after this event? What did Abraham recognize through this event?