Biographical Study - ELIEZER

IRVIN JOHN O.
SALEGON
AIM – I
METHODS OF BIBLE STUDY
THE BIOGRAPHICAL METHOD OF BIBLE STUDY:

OLD TESTAMENT
1. CHARACTER NAME
Eliezer of Damascus (Abraham’s Servant)
2. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Genesis 15:2; Genesis 24
3. FIRST IMPRESSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS

Eliezer of Damascus is the long-time steward of the patriarch Abraham. He
played an important role in finding a wife for his young master Isaac. Along with
the process of finding a wife for Isaac, his faithfulness and wisdom were
displayed. Also, he was able to prove that the God of Abraham and Isaac hears
and answers prayers.
4. OUTLINE OF HIS LIFE

I. Entrusted by Abram
A. in the absence of an heir (Gen. 15:2)
B. for his stewardship (Gen. 15:2)
II. Long-time in service
A. eldest servant of the house of Abraham (Gen. 24:2)
B. in-charge of everything (Gen. 24:2)
III. Instructed with an important mission
A. to find a wife for Isaac among Abraham’s kindred (Gen. 24:4)
B. to avoid marrying a daughter of the Canaanite (Gen. 24:3)
IV. Earnest in his mission
A. ask his master for the what ifs (Gen. 24:5-8)
B. made an oath to fulfill his duty (Gen. 24:9)
V. Zealous prayer life
A. turned to God in prayer for guidance (Gen. 24:11-14)
B. waited on God’s confirmation regarding Rebekah (Gen. 24:21)
C. thanked the Lord for the answered prayer (Gen. 24:26,52)
VI. Exhibit loyalty
A. testified the greatness of his master (Gen. 24:34,35)
B. stayed true to his oath (Gen. 24:37-41)
C. professed his faith to the Lord God of Abraham (Gen. 24:42-48)
VII. Returned victoriously
A. returned with Rebekah, a wife for Isaac (Gen. 24:49-65, 67)
B. returned with good news (Gen. 24:66)
5. GENERAL INSIGHTS
A. Why do you think God allowed this person to be mentioned in the Bible?
Because –
 He was Abraham’s choice of heir if he and Sarah remained childless
(Gen. 15:2)
 He was a good example of a faithful steward (Gen. 24:2)
 He believed, prayed, and worshipped the Lord God of his master
Abraham (Gen. 24)
 He emphasized the importance of prayer asking the will of God (Gen.
24:12-14)
B. What were his aims and motives?

As a long-time trusted steward of his master Abraham, Eliezer purposed in
his heart to:
 fulfill the request of his master Abraham
 find God’s perfect will for the future wife of his young master Isaac
 never return empty-handed
C. Did he believe in the sovereignty of God?

Yes. This was evident with his response to the need. Instead of relying on his
own observation and wisdom in finding a wife for Isaac, he resorted to prayer
believing that God, the Lord God of his master Abraham, is in control of
everything. He believed on God to guide him on how to choose the best wife
for his young master.
D. What type of person was he? What made him the way he was?
Eliezer is a faithful servant. This was shown with his dedication to fulfill his
duty to his master Abraham. By making an oath, he solemnly pledged to
Abraham to find the right wife for Isaac.
E. What kind of prayer life did he have?

Eliezer’s prayer life is influenced by the faith of his master Abraham.
Spending his entire life as a steward and being up-close with his master, he
also witnessed and experienced God’s faithfulness and provision to Abraham
in the land of Canaan. This possibly reminded him to go to God in prayer in
the most important commandment of his master.
F. Was he a good steward?

Yes. This was exemplified through his faithfulness, choices made, and
accomplishments.
6. CHARACTER QUALITIES IDENTIFIED
 Good Stewardship (Gen. 15:2; 24:2)

 A Servant (Gen. 24:2)
 Thoughtfulness (Gen. 24:5)
 Submissiveness (Gen. 24:9)
 Trustworthiness (Gen. 24:10)
 Man of faith (Gen. 24:12-14)
 Patience (Gen. 24:21)
 Reverence (Gen. 24:34-37)
 Dedication (Gen. 24:33)
 Generosity (24:53)
 Uncompromising (Gen. 24:56)
 Courteousness (Gen. 24:66)
7. BIBLE TRUTHS ILLUSTRATED IN HIS LIFE
 Mark of a good steward – it is not successful service or the accolades

received that is valued by God, but faithful work. Being faithful in carrying
out smaller duties and responsibilities is a proof of a good steward. (Luke
16:10; Luke 12:35-38, 42; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; 1 Peter 4:10)
 Cultivate a prayer life – never be ashamed to present our requests to God
believing that He is able to help us in times of need. And when God
answers our prayers, don’t forget to thank Him, as Eliezer did. (Luke
17:17; Phil. 4:6)
 Conditions to answered prayer – abiding in His will and walking with Him
in obedience. (Psalm 66:18)
 Just like how Eliezer spoke the greatness of his master and of his riches,
let us seek, as servants of Christ, to attract others not to ourselves but to
Him. (Gal. 2:20; Matt. 25:21,23)
8. SUMMARY OF LESSONS LEARNED FROM HIS LIFE
Eliezer of Damascus was a trusted servant of Abraham and even considered him
an heir if Isaac was not born. His commendable stewardship lies in his
faithfulness in accomplishing his duties in the best of his ability.
Another takeaway area in the life of Eliezer is his prayerful service. Instructed
with an important task to find a wife for Isaac, he committed himself to prayer,
asking God for guidance. When the answer came, he worshipped and returned
thanks to God.
No matter how outstanding Eliezer is as a servant, he did not forget that he is a
representative of his master. One of his goals is to draw Rebekah and her family
to the greatness of his master and of his riches.
9. PERSONAL APPLICATION
Upon studying the life of Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, I need to follow his example
of a good steward – being faithful in any given duties and responsibilities no
matter how small it is, and having a prayerful service. In line with this study, I will
commit myself to God, as a Christian who is called to serve, to carry out to the
best of my ability the tasks committed to me for the purpose of glorifying Him in
my life. Also, before accomplishing my tasks, I will commit myself in prayer
acknowledging God for His help and thanking Him in advance for His sustaining
grace throughout the course of my service.

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IRVIN JOHN O.

THE BIOGRAPHICAL METHOD OF BIBLE STUDY:

3. FIRST IMPRESSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS

4. OUTLINE OF HIS LIFE

B. What were his aims and motives?

C. Did he believe in the sovereignty of God?

E. What kind of prayer life did he have?

F. Was he a good steward?

 Good Stewardship (Gen. 15:2; 24:2)

7. BIBLE TRUTHS ILLUSTRATED IN HIS LIFE

 Mark of a good steward – it is not successful service or the accolades

8. SUMMARY OF LESSONS LEARNED FROM HIS LIFE

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