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SIBLING RIVALRY IN THE HOME

by Ken Trivette

Scripture: GENESIS 21:9-12


Sibling Rivalry In The Home
Ken Trivette
Genesis 21: 9-12


1. Dr. James Dobson, in his book, The Strong- Willed Child, writes:

''If American women were asked to indicate the most irritating feature of child rearing, I'm convinced that sibling rivalry would get their unanimous vote. Little children (and older ones too) are not content just to hate each other in private. They attack one another like miniature warriors, mobilizing their troops and probing for a weakness in the defensive line. They argue, hit, kick, scream, grab toys, taunt, tattle, and sabotage the opposing force.''1

2. Every parent with more than one child knows about sibling rivalry. They know about children fighting among themselves. Having 3 sons, I have had to break up a few fights around my house through the years.

3. In the verses before us we see a case of sibling rivalry that was so serious it resulted in one of the children having to leave home. Yet as we look at the story we see a spiritual allegory of a case of sibling rivalry that involves us all and an illustration of a separation that is necessary in our case as it was Abraham's.

1.THE SONS IN THE FAMILY!

1. The story tells us to two brothers: Ishmael and Isaac. In verse 8, reference is made to the weaning of Isaac. Jewish children were usually weaned at about age three, so Isaac at this time was at least 3 years old. Ishmael was born when Abraham was 86, 50 Ishmael would have been around the age of seventeen.

2. In the book of Galatians we find that these two brothers are used by God in the New Testament to serve as an example of the two natures of a Christian.

3. We read in Galatians 4:22-24, ''For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. [23] But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. [24] Which things are an allegory....''

4. God used both the brothers and their mothers; Sarah ...

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