The story of Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, is central to the development of Judaism and Christianity. His lineage led to the birth of Jesus Christ, shaping the foundations of Christian faith. Meanwhile, Ishmael, Abraham’s son through Hagar, became the forefather of the Arab tribes, leading to the emergence of Islam. Despite their shared ancestry, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam developed distinct identities, often leading to theological and historical differences.

Isaac’s birth was seen as a miraculous fulfillment of God’s promise, as his mother Sarah conceived him at an advanced age. God reaffirmed the covenant with Isaac.

The Covenant with Isaac

In Genesis 17:19, God reassured Abraham, “Your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.”

Later, in Genesis 26, God reaffirmed the covenant directly to Isaac: “Live as an outsider in this land and I will be with you and bless you—for to you and your seed I give all these lands—and I will confirm my pledge that I swore to Abraham, your father.¹“

The covenants with Abraham and Isaac were fulfilled by establishing Isaac as the chosen heir, ensuring that God’s promises continued through his lineage. This fulfillment was significant in shaping the history of Judaism and Christianity, as Isaac’s descendants became the Israelites, leading to the eventual arrival of Jesus Christ.

The covenant with Isaac is rooted in the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac’s father. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abraham to leave his homeland and promises to make him a great nation, bless him, and make his name great. This promise is further elaborated in Genesis 15 and 17, where God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising numerous descendants and the land of Canaan as an everlasting possessions¹. God commanded Abraham (then called Abram) to leave his homeland as part of His divine plan to establish a new nation dedicated to monotheism. In Genesis 12:1, God told Abraham: “Leave your country, your people, and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” God directed Abraham to go to the land of Canaan, which is now part of modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.

Abraham obeyed and traveled from Ur of the Chaldeans (present-day Iraq) to Haran (modern-day Turkey), and then to Canaan, where God reaffirmed His covenant with him. This journey marked the beginning of the Israelite nation and the fulfillment of God’s promise⁴.

Reasons for Abraham’s Departure

1. Separation from Idolatry – Abraham’s homeland, Ur of the Chaldeans, was steeped in idol worship. God wanted him to break away from pagan influences.
2. Formation of a Chosen Nation – God promised to make Abraham’s descendants into a great nation, later known as Israel.
3. Blessing for All Nations – Through Abraham’s lineage, all peoples on earth would be blessed, a prophecy fulfilled in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
4. Faith and Obedience – Abraham’s journey was a test of faith, requiring him to trust God’s guidance without knowing his destination⁵.

Abraham’s departure marked the beginning of God’s covenant, shaping the future of the Abrahamic religions.

• A great nation (Israel) would emerge.
• The promised land (Canaan) would be given to his descendants.
• A blessing for all nations would come through his lineage (fulfilled in Christianity through Jesus).

The covenant was eventually passed on to Isaac’s son Jacob (later named Israel), who became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. This lineage shaped the Jewish people, leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe fulfilled the covenant’s ultimate promise.

Around the 17th–16th century BCE, Egypt experienced seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. This famine also affected Canaan, leading Jacob and his sons to seek food in Egypt. Another famine is recorded during Abraham’s time, prompting him to temporarily move to Egypt.

References

1. Bible Gateway contributors. Genesis 26, Tree of Life Version (TLV) [Internet]. Bible Gateway; [date of publication unknown] [cited 2025 May 1]. Available from: Genesis 26 TLV – Confirming the Covenant with Isaac – Bible Gateway
2. BibleHub contributors. The establishment of the covenant with Isaac [Internet]. BibleHub; [date of publication unknown] [cited 2025 May 1]. Available from: https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_establishment_of_the_covenant_with_isaac.htm
3. The Israel Bible contributors. Who really sold Joseph into slavery? [Internet]. The Israel Bible; [date of publication unknown] [cited 2025 May 1]. Available from: Who really sold Joseph into slavery? – The Israel Bible
4. What Christians Want to Know contributors. When God told Abraham to go, where did he travel? [Internet]. What Christians Want to Know; [date of publication unknown] [cited 2025 May 1]. Available from: When God Told Abraham to Go, Where Did He Travel?
5. Bible.org contributors. Understanding God’s call: Genesis 12:1-9 [Internet]. Bible.org; [date of publication unknown] [cited 2025 May 1]. Available from:1. Understanding God’s Call (Genesis 12:1–9) | Bible.org