THERE is no doubt that Abraham, who showed such implicit obedience when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac, would bring up his boy with the thorough understanding that to obey God was the foundation of a successful, happy, joyous life.
In the twenty-sixth chapter of Genesis it is recorded that Isaac, being by famine driven out of the land where he had been dwelling, "went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar." It seems that while he was getting settled among new surroundings with their attendant temporary discomforts and struggles, the suggestion presented itself that he might be able to do better for himself if he would go down to Egypt. This temptation was quickly overcome, for we read that "the Lord appeared unto him" and advised him not to go down to Egypt, but to remain in the land of the Philistines.
We see how his early training in obedience enabled Isaac to make a quick decision, and without murmuring or arguing to give up his own plan of going to Egypt. Not only could he make a quick decision, but from all accounts he lost no time in getting settled where he was, by sowing seed and looking wisely and diligently after his affairs. Obedience to God always brings right fruitage; and it was not long before Isaac's number of servants and his possessions of herds and flocks increased and excited the envy of the Philistines.
