What Can We Learn From the Triumphs and Failures of Biblical Fathers?

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

I’m thankful the Lord tells us about the failures of some of the biblical characters. If we didn’t know about their struggles and sins, we would think they were perfect. This could make us feel like we could never be successful at obeying God.

These accounts were given to us as an example (1 Corinthians 10:11). We can learn from all the triumphs and failures of biblical fathers. The same lessons can apply to mothers, as well.

Here are few examples of how our ancient ancestor’s parenting mistakes brought consequences, but also how God’s mercy and grace brought redemption.

Abraham – God changed his name from Abram to Abraham which means “father of many nations.” The Lord promised to make a nation from Abraham through a son his wife, Sarah, would conceive. Unfortunately, the couple’s impatience brought a son from Sarah’s maid, Hagar.

Sarah did bear a son. The consequence of Abraham and Sarah’s disobedience formed the rivalry between Ishmael and Isaac that still burns strong today between Israel and the Arab nations.

But God’s promise still stood firm. Isaac and his descendants grew into the nation of Israel from where our Savior, Jesus Christ, appeared.

Our impatience can draw us out of God’s will. His timetable is not the same as ours. He has a plan, and we are instructed to follow His instructions. But He still redeems our mistakes to bring good out of evil (Romans 8:28).

Isaac and Jacob – Both these branches of Abraham’s family tree showed favoritism toward one of their sons. Isaac preferred Esau, Jacob favored Joseph. These displays of affection planted the seed of animosity in the hearts of brothers. Jacob deceived his father and had to leave home.

Esau and Jacob’s strife continued throughout their lifetime (except for the short period in Genesis 33:1-20). Rebekah's part in Jacob's deception resulted in her never seeing her son again.

God’s blessing remained on Jacob and he was renamed Israel. He grew into a prosperous man in the company of his uncle, Laban. But he also was partial to one of his sons, Joseph. Jealousy drew the other brothers to sell Joseph into slavery.

Joseph’s years in Egypt revealed God’s power and promise as he was elevated to the second in command of the country. Because he was there, his wisdom from the Lord saved the surrounding nations from starvation.

Favoritism over one child can cause strife and jealousy. We can learn from these two fathers how blessing all our children can enhance our family life. Each child is born with differing abilities and desires. When we develop these traits our kids can thrive and live in the purpose God called them to.  

 David – The shepherd turned king was a brilliant warrior and a man who knew how to worship God, but he didn’t seem to participate in the upbringing of his children. Part of that was probably because of the culture of the time where the women raised the children until they were grown.

When David’s son Amnon raped his own half-sister, Tamar, David was angry (2 Samuel 13). But the Bible doesn’t tell us that David did anything to punish Amnon. This caused more rage to grow in the heart of Absalom, Tamar’s full brother. Two years later Absalom took vengeance against Amnon and killed him. Absalom also attempted a coup against his own father.

When wrong is allowed to go unpunished, this can tell our offspring that there are no consequences to sin. Quick correction can avoid a bucketful of pain later.

Eli – This priest of the Lord had two sons who did evil in the sight of the Lord (1 Samuel 2:22–36). They abused the sacrifices, were corrupted by greed, and visited prostitutes at the door of the tabernacle. Eli did finally reprimand them, but apparently not enough to make an impression on them. God took the priesthood from Eli’s family forever. His two sons died, as did Eli.

As with David’s lack of retribution for Amnon’s sin, Eli didn’t correct his sons enough. The nation of Israel suffered due to these ungodly priests and they died as did their father.

God redeemed the priesthood through Samuel. Listening to the Lord can help us know how to correct and discipline. We can know that God restores the years the locust has eaten when we turn to Him (Joel 2:25–26).

Joseph – Jesus’s earthly father is one man we don’t read anything negative about. Even though he assumed Mary had committed adultery, he still didn’t want to expose her to public shame and stoning. His example of obedience through an assignment no one else on earth ever had or ever will shows us how faithful he was to God.

This would be an instance that showing favoritism toward one child would be expected. Knowing Jesus was the perfect Son of God would certainly have brought about an awkward dilemma when the other children misbehaved, but Jesus didn’t.

Joseph fulfilled his assignment, and when we obey the word of the Lord, we can too.

God’s Plan for Us

As we approach the day we set aside to honor our dads, we can use these biblical examples to show us that even though failure may prevail, God is good and doesn’t give up on us. His mercy endures forever. His plan is not for us to live in regret and condemnation, but through the success of His love.

For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessings on your offspring; They will spring up among the grass like the willows by the watercourses. (Isaiah 44:3 NKJV)

What can we learn from the triumphs and failures of biblical fathers? (click to share on X)

This week I will give away a copy of Julie Lavender's book, Raising Good Sons. I will draw a name from all those who comment from Thursday, June 5 until Wednesday, June 11 at midnight.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts, and have a Happy Father’s Day!

Image by Ilham Nor from Pixabay