# Of the oracle and blessing which Isaac received, just as his father did, being beloved for his sake. explained — The City of God

> Chapter companion for The City of God by Augustine of Hippo.

## What happens

This chapter discusses the oracle and blessing given to Isaac, similar to those received by his father Abraham. It recounts how Isaac, during a famine, was instructed by God not to go to Egypt but to dwell in Gerar, where God promised to bless him and multiply his seed for Abraham's sake. The chapter also reflects on Isaac's chastity, his fear for his wife's beauty, and the comparison between the merits of Abraham and Isaac, emphasizing that faith and obedience are paramount over continence or marriage.

## Themes in this chapter

### True Worship and the One God

God's direct communication with Isaac and the fulfillment of His promises highlight the theme of true worship and obedience to the one God.

### Sin, Grace, and Redemption

The chapter contrasts human fear and weakness (Isaac's deception) with God's grace and faithfulness, underscoring the need for redemption.

### Morality and Virtue vs. Pagan Corruption

Discusses chastity, marriage, and continence, comparing the virtues of Abraham and Isaac, and emphasizing that faith and obedience are superior to mere continence.

## Character check-ins

### Isaac

Receives an oracle and blessing from God, similar to his father Abraham; remains faithful and obedient, content with his one wife.

### Abraham

His faith and obedience are the reason God blesses Isaac; his merits are considered greater than Isaac's.

### Abimelech

King of the Philistines to whom Isaac goes during the famine.

## Key lines

> And there was a famine over the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; but dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of.

A famine occurred, different from the one in Abraham's time, so Isaac went to King Abimelech of the Philistines in Gerar. The Lord appeared and instructed him not to go to Egypt but to stay in the land God would show him.

_This passage recounts God's direct command to Isaac during a famine, emphasizing obedience and trust in divine guidance._

> In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because that Abraham thy father obeyed my voice, and kept my precepts, my commandments, my righteousness, and my laws.

All nations will be blessed through your offspring because your father Abraham obeyed me and followed my commands and laws.

_God reiterates the covenant promise to Isaac, attributing the blessing to Abraham's faithfulness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters