God Tests Abraham

Genesis 22:1–14
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The word tempt (v. 1) could better be translated test. God does not temp anyone with evil (James 1:13) but in certain instances He does test. God intended to try Abraham’s love to see if he loved God more than his son, to try his faith in his promise concerning descendants. Abraham gave instant unquestionable obedience. Think of how Abraham must have felt when God said, “Take now thine son, thine only son, Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him upon the mountains” (v. 2). God had told Abraham to send Ishmael away (Gen. 21:12-18), and now He tells him to sacrifice his son Isaac. The big question was, would he try to hold on to the boy or would he obey and return him to the Lord? In other words how far would Abraham go in obedience?

He rose early in the morning (v. 3). They had to journey about fifty miles from Beersheba to Mount Moriah which was a three day journey (v. 4). When they arrived on Mt Moriah Abraham told the two servants to stay with the donkey while he and Isaac went on further to worship and after that “we” will come back to you (v. 5). They went on together with the wood, the coals and a knife (v. 6). When Isaac questioned his dad about where the lamb was for the sacrifice Abraham said, “the Lord will provide a lamb” (vv. 7-8).

The main point of this passage  is the portraying of an obedient servant worshiping God in faith at great cost, and experiencing God’s provision (vv. 9-14). It also reveals Isaac’s faith in submission. Over the years Abraham had learned to trust God and he knew he was dependable. Again and again He had declared, “In Isaac shall thy seed be called.” It was inconceivable to Abraham that Isaac could die before he had children. Even if he were to be slain, Abraham reasoned that God would have to raise him from the dead. The fact that God intervened so drastically showed that He had not intended for Abraham to go through with the sacrifice (v. 12).

Application

As a true worshiper of God I should hold nothing back from Him but obediently give Him what He asks, trusting that He will provide.