EGW WritingsGalatians 4

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 36—Apostasy in Galatia

AA 383.1

While tarrying at Corinth, Paul had cause for serious apprehension concerning some of the churches already established. Through the influence of false teachers who had arisen among the believers in Jerusalem, division, heresy, and sensualism were rapidly gaining ground among the believers in Galatia. These false teachers were mingling Jewish traditions with the truths of the gospel. Ignoring the decision of the general council at Jerusalem, they urged upon the Gentile converts the observance of the ceremonial law.

AA 383.2

The situation was critical. The evils that had been introduced threatened speedily to destroy the Galatian churches.

AA 383.3

Paul was cut to the heart, and his soul was stirred by this open apostasy on the part of those to whom he had faithfully taught the principles of the gospel. He immediately wrote to the deluded believers, exposing the false theories that they had accepted and with great severity rebuking those who were departing from the faith. After saluting the Galatians in the words, “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,” he addressed to them these words of sharp reproof:

AA 384.1

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Paul’s teachings had been in harmony with the Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit had witnessed to his labors; therefore he warned his brethren not to listen to anything that contradicted the truths he had taught them.

AA 384.2

The apostle bade the Galatian believers consider carefully their first experience in the Christian life. “O foolish Galatians,” he exclaimed, “who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”

AA 384.3

Thus Paul arraigned the believers in Galatia before the tribunal of their own conscience and sought to arrest them in their course. Relying on the power of God to save, and refusing to recognize the doctrines of the apostate teachers, the apostle endeavored to lead the converts to see that they had been grossly deceived, but that by returning to their former faith in the gospel they might yet defeat the purpose of Satan. He took his position firmly on the side of truth and righteousness; and his supreme faith and confidence in the message he bore, helped many whose faith had failed, to return to their allegiance to the Saviour.

AA 385.1

How different from Paul’s manner of writing to the Corinthian church was the course he pursued toward the Galatians! The former he rebuked with caution and tenderness, the latter with words of unsparing reproof. The Corinthians had been overcome by temptation. Deceived by the ingenious sophistry of teachers who presented errors under the guise of truth, they had become confused and bewildered. To teach them to distinguish the false from the true, called for caution and patience. Harshness or injudicious haste on Paul’s part would have destroyed his influence over many of those whom he longed to help.

AA 385.2

In the Galatian churches, open, unmasked error was supplanting the gospel message. Christ, the true foundation of the faith, was virtually renounced for the obsolete ceremonies of Judaism. The apostle saw that if the believers in Galatia were saved from the dangerous influences which threatened them, the most decisive measures must be taken, the sharpest warnings given.

AA 385.3

An important lesson for every minister of Christ to learn is that of adapting his labors to the condition of those whom he seeks to benefit. Tenderness, patience, decision, and firmness are alike needful; but these are to be exercised with proper discrimination. To deal wisely with different classes of minds, under varied circumstances and conditions, is a work requiring wisdom and judgment enlightened and sanctified by the Spirit of God.

AA 386.1

In his letter to the Galatian believers Paul briefly reviewed the leading incidents connected with his own conversion and early Christian experience. By this means he sought to show that it was through a special manifestation of divine power that he had been led to see and grasp the great truths of the gospel. It was through instruction received from God Himself that Paul was led to warn and admonish the Galatians in so solemn and positive a manner. He wrote, not in hesitancy and doubt, but with the assurance of settled conviction and absolute knowledge. He clearly outlined the difference between being taught by man and receiving instruction direct from Christ.

AA 386.2

The apostle urged the Galatians to leave the false guides by whom they had been misled, and to return to the faith that had been accompanied by unmistakable evidences of divine approval. The men who had attempted to lead them from their belief in the gospel were hypocrites, unholy in heart and corrupt in life. Their religion was made up of a round of ceremonies, through the performance of which they expected to gain the favor of God. They had no desire for a gospel that called for obedience to the word, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. They felt that a religion based on such a doctrine, required too great a sacrifice, and they clung to their errors, deceiving themselves and others.

AA 387.1

To substitute external forms of religion for holiness of heart and life is still as pleasing to the unrenewed nature as it was in the days of these Jewish teachers. Today, as then, there are false spiritual guides, to whose doctrines many listen eagerly. It is Satan’s studied effort to divert minds from the hope of salvation through faith in Christ and obedience to the law of God. In every age the archenemy adapts his temptations to the prejudices or inclinations of those whom he is seeking to deceive. In apostolic times he led the Jews to exalt the ceremonial law and reject Christ; at the present time he induces many professing Christians, under pretense of honoring Christ, to cast contempt on the moral law and to teach that its precepts may be transgressed with impunity. It is the duty of every servant of God to withstand firmly and decidedly these perverters of the faith and by the word of truth fearlessly to expose their errors.

AA 387.2

In his effort to regain the confidence of his brethren in Galatia, Paul ably vindicated his position as an apostle of Christ. He declared himself to be an apostle, “not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead.” Not from men, but from the highest Authority in heaven, had he received his commission. And his position had been acknowledged by a general council at Jerusalem, with the decisions of which Paul had complied in all his labors among the Gentiles.

AA 388.1

It was not to exalt self, but to magnify the grace of God, that Paul thus presented to those who were denying his apostleship, proof that he was “not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.” 2 Corinthians 11:5. Those who sought to belittle his calling and his work were fighting against Christ, whose grace and power were manifested through Paul. The apostle was forced, by the opposition of his enemies, to take a decided stand in maintaining his position and authority.

AA 388.2

Paul pleaded with those who had once known in their lives the power of God, to return to their first love of gospel truth. With unanswerable arguments he set before them their privilege of becoming free men and women in Christ, through whose atoning grace all who make full surrender are clothed with the robe of His righteousness. He took the position that every soul who would be saved must have a genuine, personal experience in the things of God.

AA 388.3

The apostle’s earnest words of entreaty were not fruitless. The Holy Spirit wrought with mighty power, and many whose feet had wandered into strange paths, returned to their former faith in the gospel. Henceforth they were steadfast in the liberty wherewith Christ had made them free. In their lives were revealed the fruits of the Spirit—“love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” The name of God was glorified, and many were added to the number of believers throughout that region.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 36—Paul’s Timeless Letter to the Galatians

TT 200.1

Through the influence of false teachers, heresy and sensualism were gaining ground among the believers in Galatia. These false teachers were mingling Jewish traditions with the truths of the gospel. The evils introduced threatened to destroy the Galatian churches.

TT 200.2

Paul was cut to the heart. He immediately wrote to the deluded believers, exposing the false theories that they had accepted.

TT 200.3

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you in the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel—not that there is another gospel, but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed.” The Holy Spirit had witnessed to his labors; therefore he warned his brethren not to listen to anything that contradicted the truths he had taught.

TT 200.4

“O foolish Galatians!” he exclaimed, “Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?” Refusing to recognize the doctrines of the apostate teachers, the apostle endeavored to lead the converts to see that they had been grossly deceived, but that by returning to their former faith in the gospel they might yet defeat the purpose of Satan. His supreme confidence in the message he bore helped many whose faith had failed, to return to the Saviour.

TT 201.1

How different from Paul’s manner of writing to the Corinthian church! The Corinthians he rebuked with tenderness; the Galatians, with words of unsparing reproof. To teach the Corinthians to distinguish the false from the true called for caution and patience. In the Galatian churches, open, unmasked error was supplanting the gospel. Christ was virtually renounced for the ceremonies of Judaism. The apostle saw that if the believers were to be saved from the dangerous influences which threatened them, decisive measures must be taken.

TT 201.2

In his letter Paul briefly reviewed incidents connected with his own conversion and early Christian experience. By this he sought to show that it was through a special manifestation of divine power that he had been led to see the great truths of the gospel. Through instruction from God Himself Paul was led to admonish the Galatians in so positive a manner. With settled conviction and absolute knowledge, he clearly outlined the difference between being taught by man and receiving instruction direct from Christ.

TT 201.3

The men who had attempted to lead the Galatians from the gospel were hypocrites, unholy in heart and corrupt in life. Through the performance of a round of ceremonies they expected to gain the favor of God. They had no desire for a gospel that called for obedience to the word, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. A religion based on such a doctrine required too great a sacrifice, and they clung to their errors.

TT 201.4

To substitute external forms for holiness of heart and life is still pleasing to the unrenewed nature. It is Satan’s studied effort to divert minds from the hope of salvation through faith in Christ and obedience to the law of God. The archenemy adapts his temptations to the inclinations of those whom he is seeking to deceive. In apostolic times he led the Jews to exalt the ceremonial law and reject Christ; at the present time he induces professing Christians to cast contempt on the moral law and to teach that it may be transgressed with impunity. Every servant of God must withstand firmly these perverters of the faith and expose their errors.

TT 202.1

Paul ably vindicated his position as an apostle, “not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead.” From the highest Authority in heaven, he received his commission, and his position had been acknowledged by a general council at Jerusalem. Those who sought to belittle his calling and work were fighting against Christ, whose grace and power were manifested through him. The apostle was forced, by the opposition of his enemies, to take a decided stand in maintaining his authority, not to exalt self, but to magnify the grace of God.

TT 202.2

Paul pleaded with those who had once known the power of God to return to their first love of gospel truth. He set before them their privilege of becoming free in Christ, through whose atoning grace all who make full surrender are clothed with the robe of His righteousness. Every soul who would be saved must have a genuine, personal experience in the things of God.

TT 202.3

The apostle’s earnest words were not fruitless. Many whose feet had wandered into strange paths returned to their former faith. Henceforth they were steadfast in the liberty wherewith Christ had made them free. God was glorified, and many were added to the number of believers throughout that region.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 87, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 87, 1900, par. 1

I am asked concerning the law in Galatians. What law is the schoolmaster to bring us to Christ? I answer: Both the ceremonial and the moral code of Ten Commandments.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 61, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 61, 1911, par. 7

Let all take special heed to the instruction given in the whole of Galatians. We feel intensely the necessity of these things. We are especially to bear the message to all fathers and mothers who are neglecting home duties. Study your Bibles.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 3—Man’s Sin and the “Fullness of the Time”

HLv 20.3

“When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son.” Galatians 4:4. The world was ripe for the coming of the Deliverer. The nations were united under one government. One language was widely spoken. From all lands the Jews of the dispersion gathered to Jerusalem to the annual feasts. As these returned to the places of their sojourn, they could spread throughout the world the tidings of the Messiah’s coming.

From the Heart

God Fulfilled His Promises, August 1

FH 225.1

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son. Galatians 4:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 30, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 30, 1893, par. 22

The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. The Messenger of the covenant, the Sun of Righteousness, came to our earth. “When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son” in the likeness of sinful flesh. [Galatians 4:4; Romans 8:3.] Hear, O heavens, and be astonished; O earth! The appointed Instructor, the divine Teacher, has come to our world. He was the Majesty of Heaven, the King of glory. The deep necessity of the human race called for a remedy for sin, and the eternal Word comes to our world from the bosom of the Father. In Him mercy and truth have met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other. We were granted a probation in which to become fitted for heaven, and we are to look upon the earth as the trial ground, the school, where we are to be educated and disciplined and trained for the higher life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 14, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 14, 1897, par. 2

“When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son.” [Galatians 4:4.] Hear, O heavens, and be astonished, O earth. The heaven-appointed Teacher appears, and He is no less a personage than the Son of the Infinite God. Unroll the scroll, and read of Him. Moses declared to the children of Israel, “The Lord said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass that whosoever will not hearken unto my words, which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.” [Deuteronomy 18:17-19.] Here is the prediction announcing the distinguished arrival. His words were not to be disregarded, for His authority was supreme, and his power invincible.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 148, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 148, 1903, par. 27

“When the fulness of time was come, God sent forth His Son.” [Galatians 4:4.] “Hear, O heavens,” and “be astonished, O earth!” [See Isaiah 1:2.] The long-looked-for Instructor appeared and proved to be no less than the Son of God Himself. He was the “sent of God.” He was one with the Father. But He clothed His divinity with humanity and came to this earth to reveal what God designed humanity to be, had sin never existed.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Star of Hope, July 4

JNN 198.2

The rebellion of Israel against the law and authority of God, caused their destruction. The honor God had given them of being thus conducted by His Son, increased their sin. The charges of the Jews that Christ did not regard the law of Moses, was without the least foundation. Christ was a Jew, and, to the hour of His death upon the cross, observed the law binding upon the Jews. But when type met antitype, at the death of Christ, then the offering of the blood of beasts became valueless. Christ made the one great offering in giving His own life, which all their former offerings had foreshadowed, which terminated the value of all the sacrificial offerings of the Jewish law.

Christ Triumphant

Hope Delayed But Not Terminated, January 28

CTr 34.1

When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son ... to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. Galatians 4:4, 5, NRSV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 87, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 87, 1903, par. 3

God’s chosen people, the nation whom He redeemed from Egyptian bondage and to whom He committed His oracles, left their allegiance and joined the forces of Satan. “When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son to redeem them that were under the law.” [Galatians 4:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 197, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 197, 1903, par. 3

But “when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, ... to redeem them that were under the law, that they might receive the adoption of sons.” [Galatians 4:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 96, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 96, 1904, par. 5

The whole agency of evil is working to oppose God. The spirit that led to the apostasy in heaven is in unceasing activity in all parts of the world. Satan flatters his subjects with the assurance that their forces will be sure to conquer. Before the first coming of Christ, it seemed as if the world were wholly given into the control of the enemy. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, ... to redeem them which were under the law, that they might receive the adoption of sons.” [Galatians 4:4, 5.] All heaven was interested in this great event. At the appointed time the Instructor appeared. Who was He? The Son of God Himself, the eternal Word. He came to give the world an evidence of the love of God by dying for the fallen race. He gathered to His own pure, sinless soul the penalty resting upon the sinful race and offered Himself as a sacrifice.

God’s Amazing Grace

At God’s Appointed Time, January 3

AG 11.1

When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, ... to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:4, 5.

Maranatha

The First Coming of Jesus, January 1

Mar 9.1

When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, ... to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:4, 5.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 58—The Coming of a Deliverer

PK 700.2

Century after century passed away; finally the voices of the prophets ceased. The hand of the oppressor was heavy upon Israel. As the Jews departed from God, faith grew dim, and hope well-nigh ceased to illuminate the future. The words of the prophets were uncomprehended by many; and those whose faith should have continued strong were ready to exclaim, “The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth.” Ezekiel 12:22. But in heaven’s council the hour for the coming of Christ had been determined; and “when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, ... to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Galatians 4:4, 5.

Reflecting Christ

A Teacher Sent From God, January 2

RC 16.1

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son ... to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:4, 5.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 3—“The Fullness of the Time”

DA 31.1

“When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, ... to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Galatians 4:4, 5.

From Splendor to Shadow

The Time of Christ’s First Coming Specified

SS 361.2

Century after century passed away. Finally the voices of the prophets ceased. As the Jews departed from God, hope well-nigh ceased to illuminate the future. Those whose faith should have continued strong were ready to exclaim, “The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth.” Ezekiel 12:22. But in heaven’s council the hour for the coming of Christ had been determined. “When the time had fully come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman.” Galatians 4:4, 5, RSV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 176, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 176, 1899, par. 3

“When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a women, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” [Galatians 4:4, 5.] The star of hope rose upon our world, and its brightness increased as our Saviour increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 232, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 232, 1903, par. 26

And “when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, ... to redeem them which were under the law, that they might receive the adoption of sons.” [Galatians 4:4, 5.]

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Camp Meeting Message on True Education

1SAT 286.2

[Galatians 4:6-10, quoted.] The observance of holidays in this country is a great evil. We want not to give sanction to the days and many traditions that are brought in. We need not pay any heed to them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 41a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 41a, 1896, par. 23

“Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His only begotten Son into your hearts, and your voice crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days and months and times and years.” [Galatians 4:6-10.] The observance of holidays in this country is a great evil. We want not to give sanction to the days and many traditions that are brought in. We need not pay any heed to them.

Sons and Daughters of God

Become God’s Sons, and Heirs Through Christ, December 3

SD 344.1

Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 146, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 146, 1901, par. 3

Our mission is a very sacred and important one, but we have come to place more confidence in human judgment than in the Lord God of Israel. Therefore, God says, “I am afraid of you.” [Galatians 4:11.] He desires His work to move harmoniously. There is a great work to be done. Before I left my home in Cooranbong, there were many nights when it was impossible for me to sleep. The burden upon my soul was very great. I did not want to leave my home unless I had a special assurance that the Lord God of Israel was my Helper and my God. I have had this assurance. On my journey to this place from California, the Lord was especially near me, and notwithstanding my feebleness and suffering, I filled every appointment save one. I am more thankful to God than I can express that He has so graciously protected me. Since I have come here, He has given me strength, and I put my dependence upon Him. I have no strength in myself. I desire to move in the counsel of God.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 20—Exalting the Cross

AA 208.2

Paul’s manner of life while among the Galatians was such that he could afterward say, “I beseech you, be as I am.” Galatians 4:12. His lips had been touched with a live coal from off the altar, and he was enabled to rise above bodily infirmities and to present Jesus as the sinner’s only hope. Those who heard him knew that he had been with Jesus. Endued with power from on high, he was able to compare spiritual things with spiritual and to tear down the strongholds of Satan. Hearts were broken by his presentation of the love of God, as revealed in the sacrifice of His only-begotten Son, and many were led to inquire, What must I do to be saved?

From Trials to Triumph

The Cross and Righteousness by Faith

TT 110.2

Paul’s life among the Galatians was such that he could afterward say, “I beseech you, be as I am.” Galatians 4:12. He was enabled to rise above bodily infirmities and present Jesus as the sinner’s only hope. Those who heard him knew he had been with Jesus. He was able to tear down the strongholds of Satan. Hearts were broken by his presentation of the love of God revealed in the sacrifice of His only-begotten Son.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 5, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 5, 1897, par. 24

The Lord has given me messages of warning for His people, which I have, with much burden and pain of soul, communicated to you. I have been awakened at midnight, and in the small hours of the morning, to write you things which your blind eyes could not discern. “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” [Galatians 4:16.] The message God has given has affected some zealously, but not all well. You do not see, you do not realize the necessity of seeking the Lord earnestly, and fervently, and perseveringly until you know that Christ is formed within you, the hope of glory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 30a, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 30a, 1892, par. 30

When the apostle Paul stood in doubt of the Galatians, such was his great anxiety and burden of soul on their account that he said, “My little children, for whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” [Galatians 4:19.] Once he had felt intense desire of soul on their account, that they should receive the knowledge of Christ. Now he sees them, some in error, some halting, some in lasciviousness; and he says, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you unto the grace of Christ unto another gospel.” “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth crucified among you?” [Galatians 1:6; 3:1.]

Patriarchs and Prophets

Appendix

PP 759.3

The statement in Exodus 12:40, that “the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years,” gives the impression that the Israelites, from Jacob’s entry into Egypt to the Exodus, actually spent 430 years in the country of the Nile. That this impression cannot be correct is obvious from Paul’s inspired interpretation presented in Galatians 3:16, 17, where the 430 years are said to cover the period beginning when God made His covenant with Abraham until the law was promulgated at Sinai. Paul seems to refer to the first promise made by God to Abraham when he was called to leave Haran. Genesis 12:1-3. At that time the 430 years began, when Abraham was seventy-five years old (chapter 12:4), while the 400 years of the prophecy of Genesis 15:13 began thirty years later, when Abraham was 105 and his son Isaac five years old (Chapter 21:5). At that time Ishmael, who “was born after the flesh persecuted him [Isaac] that was born after the Spirit” (Galatians 4:29; Genesis 21:9-11), beginning a time of affliction of Abraham’s seed which intermittently would be continued until the time of the Exodus. Isaac had not only troubles with his half brother Ishmael, but also with the Philistines (Genesis 26:15, 20, 21); Jacob fled for his life from Esau (Genesis 27:41-43), and later from Laban (Genesis 31:21), and then was again in jeopardy from Esau (Genesis 32:8); Joseph was sold into slavery by his brethren (Genesis 37:28), and the children of Israel were oppressed by the Egyptians for many decades (Exodus 1:14).