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Genesis 26 · a question people ask

Abraham kept God's "commandments" and "laws" before the Law of Moses. Which ones?

In the text

Genesis doesn't list them. The verse begins, "because Abraham obeyed my voice" (26:5), the same Hebrew wording (with "you" in place of "Abraham") the LORD's angel spoke after Abraham had "not withheld" his son: "because you have obeyed my voice" (22:16-18). Genesis records commands God gave Abraham and his obedience: "Leave your country" (12:1) and "So Abram went" (12:4); circumcision (17:10), done "the same day" (17:23); and the command to offer Isaac (22:2-3). Hebrews says, "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed" (Hebrews 11:8).

The verses

“because Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my requirements, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.””
Genesis 26:5 · World English Bible
“and said, “‘I have sworn by myself,’ says the LORD, ‘because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son, that I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your offspring greatly like the stars of the heavens, and like the sand which is on the seashore. Your offspring will possess the gate of his enemies. All the nations of the earth will be blessed by your offspring, because you have obeyed my voice.’””
Genesis 22:16-18 · World English Bible
“Now the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, and your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who treats you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram went, as the LORD had told him. Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.”
Genesis 12:1-4 · World English Bible
“This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you. Every male among you shall be circumcised.”
Genesis 17:10 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Genesis 26

Genesis 26: Room for us

The LORD gave Isaac the promise he had sworn to Abraham, and the Bible's first uses of the words for commandments, statutes and laws describe how Abraham obeyed. Isaac repeated his father's "She is my sister", was blessed a hundredfold, and kept digging wells until the LORD made room at Rehoboth. His neighbors said, "We saw plainly that the LORD was with you."

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions