About this episode

David and Jo Ann Seely discuss the ten tests of Abraham and Sarah, exploring their roles as models of covenant discipleship.

Isaiah 51:1–2 instructs us to, "Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you." In this episode, David and Jo Ann Seely unpack their article "The Ten Tests of Abraham and Sarah," uncovering how Abraham and Sarah emerge as models of covenant discipleship. The Seelys explore how these tests developed in scriptural commentary, highlight Sarah's often-overlooked trials, and discuss connections to the Book of Abraham. From this episode, we can gain a deeper understanding of how ancient traditions can illuminate the covenant path and enrich our own discipleship. Publications: "The Ten Tests of Abraham and Sarah" in Abraham and His Family in Scripture, History, and Tradition: Proceedings of the Conference Held May 3 & 10, 2025 at Brigham Young University , The Interpreter Foundation (2025) "'Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you' (Isa. 51:2): The Ten Tests of Abraham and Sarah," 2026 BYU Religious Education Symposium in Honor of Sidney B. Sperry, Tender Mercies and Loving-Kindness: The Goodness of God in the Old Testament , Religious Education (2026) Tender Mercies and Loving-Kindness: The Goodness of God in the Old Testament , Religious Studies…

People in this episode

Guests: David Seely, Jo Ann Seely

Topics covered

• covenant discipleship
• Abraham
• Sarah
• scriptural commentary
• ancient traditions
• Book of Abraham

Keywords

• Abraham
• Sarah
• covenant
• discipleship
• scripture
• tests
• tradition
• Book of Abraham

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Interpreter Foundation

Books & works: The Ten Tests of Abraham and Sarah, Abraham and His Family in Scripture, History, and Tradition: Proceedings of the Conference Held May 3 & 10, 2025 at Brigham Young University, 'Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you' (Isa. 51:2): The Ten Tests of Abraham and Sarah, Tender Mercies and Loving-Kindness: The Goodness of God in the Old Testament, The Cry of the Widow, the Fatherless, and the Stranger: The Covenant Obligation to Help the Poor and Oppressed, God's Word in Our Hearts: Learning from the Old Testament, Approaching Holiness: Exploring the History and Teachings of the Old Testament

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