Isaac’s Approach to Economic Recession in Genesis 26:1-4, 12-16 in the Context of Nigerians’ Search for Greener Pastures Abroad

Abstract

The phenomenon of migration has been recorded to be a part of human history. Humans migrate for different reasons, such as economic, social, religious, academic, and security purposes. The Bible contains accounts of humans who migrated for similar reasons. One of such persons was Isaac. In Genesis 26: 1-4, Isaac migrated from the land of Canaan to dwell among the Philistines because of the economic recession in Canaan. The study examined Isaac’s approach to economic recession in his days with a view to examining and reflecting on the Nigerian society. This study explored the responses of individuals, society and government in Nigeria to the issue of economic recession. The study adopted historical and exegetical methods. It was discovered that in the Bible times, before and during the time of Isaac, there were cases of economic recession and there was movement of humans as a response to this challenge. This is also the case in Nigeria today. There are strong indications that many Nigerians emigrate in search for greener pastures due to the economic downturn in the country. Findings indicated that visa applications by Nigerians to embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United Arab Emirates have increased in the past 12 months. The goal of this paper is to educate Nigerians that migration is not always the only solution to economic recession, there are other ways out, but it takes insight, innovation, divine guidance and direction to discover and access them. This study, therefore, recommended that, for Nigeria to drastically discourage her citizens from moving out of the country, she should ensure security of lives and properties, and provide better jobs so as to create a safe and conducive environment for her citizens.