The Continuity of Hope

Genesis 25:7–11 (NASB95) 

7These are all the years of Abraham’s life that he lived, one hundred and seventy-five years. 8Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people. 9Then his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre, 10the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth; there Abraham was buried with Sarah his wife. 11It came about after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac lived by Beer-lahai-roi. 

Abraham’s life ended at 175 years, described as a good old age, full of years, and marked by God’s favor. Isaac and Ishmael came together to bury their father in the cave of Machpelah, the only land Abraham owned in Canaan. The text says Abraham was “gathered to his people.” This phrase means more than burial. It points to a belief that death brings a reunion with those who have gone before. Ancient Jewish tradition saw this as a sign of continued existence after death, a hope that the faithful would be joined with their ancestors in the presence of God. 

The Old Testament often uses “gathered to his people” to refer to the patriarchs and leaders of Israel. It suggests that death is not the end, but a transition to a new reality with God and the family of faith. The New Testament builds on this hope. Jesus teaches that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are alive to God, not lost in death. He says God is the God of the living. The writer of Hebrews explains that Abraham and the faithful looked forward to a better resurrection. The hope of reunion and resurrection, first glimpsed in the lives of the patriarchs, finds its fulfillment in Christ, who promises eternal life to all who trust Him. 

Once again, we see the Good News, the Gospel, in Genesis and the Old Testament. 

After Abraham’s death, God’s blessing passes to Isaac. The story moves forward, showing that God’s promises do not end with one generation. The inheritance is both material and spiritual. God’s faithfulness continues, and His people live with hope that reaches beyond the grave. 

Today, we belong to a great family of faith, joined to those who have gone before and those who will come after. In Christ, we have the assurance of resurrection and eternal life. Let us live with hope, a hope that continues through every generation because of what our Lord Christ has accomplished.