The Offering Of Isaac

INTRODUCTION:

In this chapter we study one of the most well know tests God ever put before anyone. This is the test of Abraham’s faith by God in the matter of offering Isaac as a burnt offering. The episode stands as an eternal picture of the mercies of God. It is also one of the most beautiful pictures of God offering His son Jesus as the atonement for sin.

Abraham’s offering is in bright contrast to one made by Jephthah, Judges 11. Jephthah spoke before he thought, and in so doing, made a rash vow. This offering made my Abraham was instigated by God and was acceptable unto Him. Jephthah lived with the foolishness of his vow the remainder of his life. Abraham live the remainder of his life knowing he was obedient unto the will of God.

The opinions vary from person to person regarding the actions of Jephthah and Abraham in that some think the actions of these two men were symbolic. Symbolic in that their actions and intentions did not actually require them to kill and burn the sacrifice. However, opinions mean nothing when we compared to Thus saith the Lord. If a study is made of the burnt offering, as given by God, there is no doubt that when a burnt offering was made, it was required that the sacrifice be killed and then burnt, Exo 29:15-18. Abraham killed the ram, why would anyone want to think the old patriarch would have done any less to his son? If the first thing out Jephthan’s front door had been a dog, guess what would have been sacrificed?

None of us are really tested until God tests the things we love against our love and obedience unto Him. Abraham’s faith was tested in the very thing that he loved and wanted most of all: a son from his loins!

I. TEST OF FAITH, Gen. 22:1-14.

After the events in chapter 21 God again calls on Abraham. In the latter portions of the past chapter, Abraham dug a well and planted a grove in Beer-sheba. It was there that he called on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

By planting a vineyard, Gen. 21:33, a beautiful picture is cast across eternity. Abraham is putting down roots. He is no longer a traveler and wanderer. The everlasting God made an everlasting covenant with him. This land belongs to the Jew forever, Jer 24:6-7, Isa. 64:22.

A. God Calls On Abraham Again.

It seems it is just one thing after the other. No sooner has Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael out of his life that he has problems with Abimelech. Just as he got that misunderstanding lined out, God calls on him to make a journey that will test his faith every step of the way.

1. The trying of Abraham’s Faith, James 1:12.

God called to Abraham and notice how obediently Abraham answered: “Here I am.” Abraham has learned many hard lessons and is by now humble and possess a willing spirit. The past difficulties he survived prepared him for this great test. He did not know what God was going to say to him, but he knew it would be all right.

2. No bargaining.

When God told Abraham in chapter 18 what He intended to do in Sodom, Abraham immediately interceded for the cities. When Sarah told Abraham to cast out Ishmael Abraham was grieved, Gen. 21:11. I believe Abraham and Sarah probably had a few words about this. It was not until God told him to not be grieved that he sent the two on their way.

However, in this particular situation Abraham made no intercessions. He did not tell anyone where they were going. He did not immediately tell anyone what they would do once they arrived.

Abraham kept all these things, v. 2, in his heart. He knew that as the head of the household he would be the one to slay his beloved son. Knowing all of this Abraham continued on the way doing what God told him to do.

Because Abraham kept these things unto himself and did not ask anyone what they thought about it is a classic example of how he typifies God the Father. Across the endless ages of eternity past, God knew exactly what He would do. However, knowing what He would do and how it would be done did not deter him from His plan, Isa 14:24 The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:

God the Father did the same with His son Jesus Christ. He purposed to bring about the Messiah and nothing would stop Him from performing His will.

There are some things wherein God was willing to bargain. This is illustrated where Abraham bargained with Him over a multitude of useless Sodomites. The Lord was willing to make concession with Rahab the harlot, Joshua 2. However, when it came to His plan of redemption, not even the pleading of His only beloved Son would change His heart and mind about Calvary, Mat 26:39.