TAKE NOW THY SON, THINE ONLY SON … AND OFFER HIM

Many a lesser man would have staggered in unbelief at such a command. Abraham had two sons but he had only one Isaac, and Isaac was the repository of all that Jehovah had promised him. There had been the promise of a seed as innumerable as the stars of the sky and the accompanying pledge of a land to dwell in, Gen. 15. 5, 7. However, Jehovah had said explicitly, ‘In Isaac shall thy seed be called’, Gen. 21.12. All that had been promised was to be fulfilled in and through Isaac. Then, as well as this, Isaac was Abraham’s beloved son. Ishmael was different. He was the son of Hagar the Egyptian bondwoman, born out side of the will of God and by the impatience of Sarah whereas Isaac was the child of promise, Gal. 4. 23.

What then was this, that the God who had miraculously given Isaac to them and invested His promises in him, should now demand him for a burnt offering? It was a most severe test of Abraham’s faith, but he did not doubt. He accounted that the promises made to him must be fulfilled and if he did sacrifice Isaac upon an altar, well, God was able to raise him from the dead and give him back again, Heb. 11. 19, and in a figure this was what happened.

Abraham was quick to obey. He rose early the next morning and, with Isaac and two of his servants, he began the three days journey to Moriah. Three days! There was ample time to think. What must his thoughts have been as they carried the wood and the knife? His faith did not waver. To the young men he said, ‘Abide ye here …I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you’.

Abraham’s name is inscribed in Hebrews 11 as an abiding testimony to the faithfulness of Jehovah to the faithful of His people. To those who trust Him and obey He remains ever the covenant-keeping God, true to His promises. He might test our faith at times, but it is in love if He does. It is for our good.

‘To all who believe, To all who obey, He keepeth His promise for ever’. [S. C. Kirk]