Kay,
Excellent questions!
Can any doves speculate why:
God chose for His Son to be born of the tribe of Judah, when Judah was a son of Leah, instead of Jacob's wife Rachel whom he loved, and for whom he was forced to work an additional seven years?
The birthright always goes in order from the oldest to the youngest. However, the oldest two, Simeon and Levi, had sinned. As a result they were no longer qualified for the honor of receiving the birthright. (Which also demonstrates that one can lose the inheritance; it can be forfeited through disobedience). Thus they were passed over (though Levi was repentant, and as a result was offered the priesthood). Next in line for the birthright was Judah.
Also! Leah is a type of Israel, while Rachael represent the Church.
Why did God never change Isaac's name as He did Abram and Jacob?
Abraham had to learn to walk by faith before he could be honored with a name that signified he had learned such a walk. Isaac represents The Son of Inheritance. He is a type or foreshadow of Christ. To be consistent with the type, there would not be any need of changing in His name. His task was to please his father and to receive all that the Father had as an inheritance for Him. Jacob represents the incorporating work the Holy Spirit accomplishes in us, to break us of our old man. His name was wholly changed at Peniel, when his natural strength was broken. It was changed to Israel - a prince with God. As we are broken or emptied of self - the old man - more of Christ is deposited in us. As this occurs we take on His kingly characteristics. Hence the name change.
And why if Abram was changed to Abraham, and Jacob was changed to Israel--do we speak of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?
Why wouldn't we say the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel?
In answer to this question I will offer a few excerpts from my next book, "Secrets to Spiritual Power II," which should be out in 4 to 6 months. Of course, if you can't wait till then, you may be interested in "Secrets to Spiritual Power," which has been out for some time. It offers a lot of golden nuggets similar to what you have asked.
"Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob offer us palatable feasts of Christian experience. Subtle and elusive aspects of spiritual realities are hidden within the stories of each of these three men. Through Abraham we learn to know God as the Father„Ÿthe source of all spiritual blessings. Isaac teaches us about grace„Ÿhow the inheritance of a son is received. And Jacobfs is a life depicting the discipline we receive under the tutelage of the Spirit. Altogether they present the combined spiritual experiences each child of God will encounter as they journey with God to spiritual maturity.
"As the father of a people of faith Abraham was tasked with learning the fundamental lesson that God is the Father„Ÿthe originator and source„Ÿof all things pertaining to life and godliness. He is the fount of every spiritual blessing.
"Isaac was born into wealth. His whole life consisted of being groomed to receive the inheritance. The principle he presents is that of greceiving.h All that is held out to us from our Father-God comes through grace„Ÿit is simply received, as a gift. Though this is a difficult concept to embrace, it is, none the less, true: We do not progress into the wealth of God, we are born into it. The God of Isaac is at work to teach us, and instill in us, this vital principle„Ÿof receiving.
"Jacob is the personification of our tutelage under the Holy Spirit. The old man in us„Ÿthe self or natural man„Ÿmust be put under the subjection of the new man. As we are broken under the disciplining hand of the Holy Spirit two things simultaneously occur: Death is wrought into our old nature, and the spirit-life waxes strong."
"Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have a unique place in the providence of God. They have the privilege of teaching each of us as to gthe wayh Godfs people of faith must journey. In other words, the cumulative total of their experiences represents the three primary aspects of Godfs working in and through each of His people."
I wonder about things like this from time to time, so figured I should just start asking, in case anyone knows. So, I may pop up with other questions occasionally. I hope some of the Doves know the answers to these.
Baruch Haba Bashem Adonai!
Kay
I would recommend "Changed Into His Likeness," by Watchman Nee. It offers the best exposition available on the questions you raised.
Three men have a very special place in the recovery of man. They are honored through a title God uses which bears their names. God is known as g. . . the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, . . . This is my name for ever, . . . my memorial unto all generationsh (Exo.
3:15
, D).
Blessed Is One who is coming - the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Sentinel Kulp
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