The Son of Promise

Ephraim Frank

Israel

September 26, 2008

Chapter XVII

The Son of Promise

“But it is not that the word of Elohim has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called.’ That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of Elohim; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. For this is the word of promise: ‘At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son’” (Romans 9:6-9 emphases added).

In order to continue to follow the line of the firstborn, and the transition from an individual firstborn to a firstborn nation, it is paramount that we not confuse YHVH’s plan for the salvation of mankind with that of the establishing of His Kingdom Order, in spite of the fact that these two are intricately connected. Thus the "son of promise" is not to be confused with Yeshua, as is often the case. Paul is very clear, "and Sarah shall have a son".

YHVH appeared before Abraham in the form of a man, along with two other persons. In the course of the visitation, the promise of the son was reiterated. The fact that YHVH deigned to visit him, must have built up Abraham’s faith. But as if that were not enough, the Creator also specified a date, and pointed out that the conception of the promised son was tantamount to His very presence. Here is what He said to Abraham: “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son" (Genesis 18: 10 emphasis added). Certainly this was a miracle in the making! YHVH was going to intervene in a dead womb and bring forth life. Although both Abraham and Sarah laughed at the prospect, the formation of Isaac was totally dependent upon the Spirit of the Creator and Sustainer of Life, and upon His response to the faith of one man – that of our father Abraham. Paul makes reference in his writings to this mystery child, who was born according to the Spirit:

"But he [Ishmael] who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he [Isaac] of the freewoman through promise…But, as he [Ishmael] who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him [Isaac] who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now…" (Galatians 2:23; 29).

YHVH told Abraham that in one year's time Sarah would have the child of promise. And what a year that was! It began by the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. At the time Abraham was living so close to the fire and to the sulfur-filled air, that he was forced to move to Gerar in the Negev (situated between Kadesh and Shur). There is no indication that Abraham had any information as to the fate of his nephew Lot and family, although his plea bargaining with YHVH may have been somewhat of an assurance that YHVH would spare his brother’s son, which He of course did. That deliverance resulted in the birth of two other firstborn in the family of Terah - Moab and Ammon. Later, after becoming nations, these two would join some of Abraham's other firstborn (according to the flesh) and try to destroy Israel as the first-born nation (ref. Psalm 83).

In Gerar the father of the faith again handed his wife over to another man, the local ruler - Abimelech. It was for no other reason than the one that had compelled him to hand her over to Pharaoh; that is, to save his own neck. At the same time YHVH was about to teach yet another king the same lesson which He had taught Pharaoh. YHVH came to Abimelech in a dream warning him that he would die, along with his entire household, should he not give back Abraham’s wife. At the same time YHVH also told Abimelech that Abraham was one of His prophets (ref Genesis 20:7). We also find out at this point that Sarah was indeed Abraham's sister, albeit a half sister from a different mother (ref Genesis 20:12). The whole affair was concluded by Abimelech blessing Abraham materially, just as Pharaoh had done.

The stage was now set for the 'son of the promise' to come on the scene. His father was the recipient of great wealth and of a promise of peace by the local monarch. The Abrahamic family was now settled down, awaiting the birth of the miracle child whose progeny was destined to influence humanity in multiple ways.

At a latter point in the history of the seed, the Apostle Paul made the following observation: "As it is written, 'I have made you [Abraham] a father of many nations' in the presence of Him whom he believed -- Elohim, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he [Abraham] became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, 'So shall your descendants be'" (Romans 4:17-18).

The above statement highlights the covenant of multiplicity that YHVH was already in the process of bringing into being, from the dead and barren womb of Sarah.

Shabbat Shalom

Ephraim