By now Abraham was old and well along in yearsAbraham's advanced age is significant in the biblical narrative, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises over a long period. He was around 140 years old at this point, emphasizing the longevity of the patriarchs. This age underscores the faithfulness and patience required in his walk with God. The cultural context of the time revered elders, associating age with wisdom and divine favor. Abraham's life journey, from Ur to Canaan, reflects a life of obedience and faith, setting a precedent for future generations. His age also signifies the nearing of the transition of covenantal blessings to the next generation, specifically through Isaac.
and the LORD had blessed him in every way
This phrase encapsulates the comprehensive nature of God's blessings upon Abraham. These blessings include material wealth, social status, and spiritual promises. Abraham's wealth is evidenced by his large flocks, herds, and servants, as seen in previous chapters. The blessing also extends to his family, with the birth of Isaac as the child of promise. Spiritually, Abraham is the recipient of the Abrahamic Covenant, which includes the promise of land, descendants, and being a blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:1-3). This covenant is foundational for the entire biblical narrative, pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ, through whom all nations would indeed be blessed. The phrase reflects God's faithfulness to His promises and sets the stage for the continuation of His plan through Isaac.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. At this point in Genesis, he is advanced in age and has experienced God's faithfulness throughout his life.
2.
The LORDThe covenant-keeping God who has blessed Abraham abundantly, fulfilling His promises to him.
3.
CanaanThe land where Abraham resides, which God promised to give to his descendants.
4.
IsaacAlthough not mentioned directly in this verse, he is the son of Abraham and the heir through whom God's promises will continue.
5.
Servant of AbrahamLater in the chapter, Abraham's servant plays a crucial role in finding a wife for Isaac, ensuring the continuation of God's covenant promises.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness Over TimeAbraham's life is a testament to God's faithfulness. Despite challenges and waiting, God fulfilled His promises. We can trust God to be faithful in our lives as well.
Blessings Beyond Material WealthThe blessings Abraham received were not just material but included spiritual and relational aspects. We should seek God's blessings in all areas of life.
The Importance of LegacyAbraham's concern for Isaac's future wife shows the importance of ensuring a godly legacy. We should consider how our actions today affect future generations.
Aging with PurposeAbraham's advanced age did not mean his purpose was complete. God can use us at any stage of life for His purposes.
Trust in God's TimingAbraham's life demonstrates that God's timing is perfect. We should be patient and trust in His plans for us.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 24:1?
2.How does Genesis 24:1 demonstrate God's faithfulness to Abraham in old age?
3.What role does God's blessing play in Abraham's life according to Genesis 24:1?
4.How can we seek God's blessings in our lives like Abraham did?
5.How does Genesis 24:1 connect to God's promises in Genesis 12:2-3?
6.What practical steps can we take to remain faithful as Abraham was?
7.How does Genesis 24:1 reflect God's faithfulness to Abraham throughout his life?
8.What does Genesis 24:1 reveal about the concept of divine blessing in old age?
9.How does Genesis 24:1 relate to the theme of God's promises in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 24?
11.What is the Bible's stance on age of consent?
12.What does 'make you a great nation' mean?
13.In Joshua 15:16–19, how can we reconcile the moral implications of offering a daughter as a reward for capturing Kiriath-sepher?
14.What does 'The Lord gives and takes away' mean?What Does Genesis 24:1 Mean
By now Abraham was old- Scripture says, “By now Abraham was old” (Genesis 24:1). God never hides the realities of aging; He highlights them to show His faithfulness across a lifetime.
- Earlier milestones help us feel the weight of this moment: at seventy-five Abraham left Haran (Genesis 12:4), at eighty-six Ishmael was born (Genesis 16:16), at ninety-nine God reaffirmed His covenant (Genesis 17:1). Now decades have passed.
- Old age in Scripture is often paired with honor and wisdom (Leviticus 19:32;Proverbs 16:31). Abraham’s gray hairs underline God’s sustained care.
and well along in years- The phrase intensifies the first statement. Abraham is not just elderly; he is “well along,” past the normal span of strength (cf.Psalm 90:10).
- This detail prepares us for the next events—finding a wife for Isaac—not by Abraham’s vigor but by God’s provision.
- In the broader narrative, God repeatedly works through human weakness: Sarah’s barrenness (Genesis 18:11), Moses’ slow speech (Exodus 4:10), Paul’s thorn (2 Corinthians 12:9). Here again, advanced age magnifies divine initiative.
and the LORD had blessed him in every way- “The LORD had blessed him” (Genesis 24:1) summarizes decades of covenant faithfulness:
• Material: “Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold” (Genesis 13:2).
• Familial: the long-promised son Isaac (Genesis 21:1-3).
• Spiritual: a close walk with God, evidenced by altars and intercessory prayer (Genesis 12:7-8; 18:22-33).
• Reputational: surrounding peoples recognized God’s hand on Abraham (Genesis 21:22-23).
- The blessing theme fulfillsGenesis 12:2-3—what God promised at the start He now brings full circle.
- “Every way” anticipates the ultimate blessing to all nations through Abraham’s offspring, culminating in Christ (Galatians 3:8,16).
summaryGenesis 24:1 captures a lifetime of divine faithfulness: Abraham has reached advanced age, underscoring human frailty; he is “well along in years,” highlighting that the upcoming search for Isaac’s wife rests on God, not on Abraham’s strength; and he stands as living proof that the LORD keeps His word, having been blessed “in every way.” The verse invites us to trust the same faithful God to sustain, guide, and fulfill His promises across our own years.
XXIV.
MARRIAGE OF ISAAC AND REBEKAH.
(1)Abraham was old.--As Isaac was thirty-seven years of age when Sarah died (Genesis 23:1), and forty at his marriage (Genesis 25:20), Abraham, who was a centenarian at Isaac's birth, wouldnowbe nearly 140. As he lived to be 175 (Genesis 25:7), he survived Isaac's marriage thirty-five years, and lived to see Esau and Jacob nearly grown up.
Verse 1. -
And Abraham was old and well stricken in age: - literally, [
lone into days (cf.
Genesis 18:11), being now about 140 (
videGenesis 25:20) -
and the Lord- Jehovah] not because the chapter is the exclusive composition of the Jehovist (Tuch, Bleek, Kalisch), but because the writer aims at showing how the God of redemption provided a bride for the heir of the promise (Hengstenberg) - had blessed Abraham in all things.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
By now Abrahamוְאַבְרָהָ֣ם(wə·’aḇ·rā·hām)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85:Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nationwas oldזָקֵ֔ן(zā·qên)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2204:To be or become oldand well alongבָּ֖א(bā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goin years,בַּיָּמִ֑ים(bay·yā·mîm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117:A dayand the LORDוַֽיהוָ֛ה(Yah·weh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelhad blessedבֵּרַ֥ךְ(bê·raḵ)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1288:To kneel, to bless God, man, to cursehimאַבְרָהָ֖ם(’aḇ·rā·hām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85:Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nationin every way.בַּכֹּֽל׃(bak·kōl)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every
Links
Genesis 24:1 NIVGenesis 24:1 NLTGenesis 24:1 ESVGenesis 24:1 NASBGenesis 24:1 KJV
Genesis 24:1 BibleApps.comGenesis 24:1 Biblia ParalelaGenesis 24:1 Chinese BibleGenesis 24:1 French BibleGenesis 24:1 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Genesis 24:1 Abraham was old and well stricken (Gen. Ge Gn)