Ge 22:1-19

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The offering of Isaac

(Gen 22:1-19)

Although Abraham probably knew that certain peoples of the ancient world at times sacrificed children to the gods, he was no doubt shocked when God told him to sacrifice Isaac.

It tested not only his obedience but also his faith, because once Isaac was dead, God could no longer fulfil his covenant promise of giving Isaac a multitude of descendants.

A conflict existed between obedience to God’s command and faith in his promise.

Nevertheless, Abraham obeyed, believing that God would provide the solution to this difficulty, even if it meant raising the sacrificed son back to life (Gen 22:1-8; cf. Heb 11:17-19).

Abraham passed God’s test: his obedience proved his faith. He did, in fact, sacrifice Isaac, though he did not kill him.

God provided an innocent substitute, and Isaac’s life was given back, as it were, from the dead (Gen 22:9-14; cf. Heb 11:19; James 2:21-24).

God pointed out how these events proved that obedience was the way to blessing. He then reassured Abraham of a multitude of descendants through Isaac (Gen 22:15-19).