Genesis 25:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Isaac, the child of the covenant, was born when Abraham reached the age of one hundred (cf. Gen. 21:5), signifying that the blessing promised to his lineage extends through his seed to all nations and culminates in the eternal homeland yet to come. Abraham lived in the promised land for a century (cf. Gen. 12:4 and Gen. 25:7), illustrating that all who are made descendants of Abraham through faith are called to live as sojourners within the Church, nurturing the hope of a heavenly inheritance. Furthermore, Isaac cultivated the land in Gerar, a name that translates to "dwelling place of the wanderer," and that year he reaped a hundredfold of barley (Gen. 26:6, 12). This reflects the truth that as we depart from our earthly bodies for the life everlasting, we receive the rewards for our faithful endeavors as wandering heirs of the promise during our time in this world.

The passage of time indicates that Abraham did not pass away until he witnessed the birth of his grandchildren through Isaac, Jacob, and Esau. Abraham became the father of Isaac at the age of one hundred and lived a total of 175 years. When Isaac married Rebekah, he was 40 years old, making Abraham 140 at that time. Isaac fathered Esau and Jacob during his sixtieth year, which made Abraham 160 years old; he had fifteen years remaining in his life to reach the full span of his 175 years. Therefore, Abraham not only witnessed the birth of his grandchildren but also experienced their teenage years, finding comfort in their presence.