Episode 141: The Ten Tests of Abraham and Sarah (David Seely & Jo Ann Seely)

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 Center (2026)
• "The Cry of the Widow, the Fatherless, and the Stranger: The Covenant Obligation to Help the Poor and Oppressed," in God's Word in Our Hearts: Learning from the Old Testament, Religious Studies Center (2025)
• Approaching Holiness: Exploring the History and Teachings of the Old Testament, Religious Studies Center (2021)
• Ascending the Mountain of the Lord: Temple, Praise, and Worship in the Old Testament, Religious Studies Center (2013)
• "Jesus the Messiah: Prophet, Priest, and King," in Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, Religious Studies Center (2002)

Click here to learn more about Jo Ann Seely and here to learn more about David Seely