I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Genesis 24-25.

    I find it interesting that Abraham was vehement that Isaac should not return to the land of his ancestors. Especially in light of the fact that Abraham’s father had moved away from there. I think we often overlook the fact that Rebekah’s grandfather, Abraham’s brother, did not leave Ur with Abraham and their father. This story tells us there was something about the people and culture whom Abraham had left behind which he valued, but there was also something which he felt from which it was important to separate himself and his children. When I think about this I reach the following conclusion. Abraham found something lacking in the culture of those around him, something which Isaac would have been influenced by if his wife was one of them. He, also, found something lacking in the culture of the land of his ancestors, something Isaac would only be influenced by if he lived among them. Abraham wanted Isaac to have a wife who shared his values, but did not want him to live among those who preached those values but did not live them (my interpretation of Laban).