Genesis Chapter 22: The Offering of Isaac
Posted in Family on 27. Jul, 2010
This chapter is all about fear, obedience, and sacrifice. Right of the bat, God calls Abraham to take his son Isaac to the land of Moriah and offer him as a burt offering. Abraham got up early, saddled up with his son Isaac and two men, prepared the wood for the offering, and went to the place God told Abraham to go. Abraham found the spot God wanted to build an alter so he built one, bound Isaac to it, and prepared to sacrifice him. The angel of the LORD came down telling Abraham that he knows that Abraham fears God and that he will be blessed. Abraham names this place The LORD Will Provide.
Abraham’s actions tell me that he was an eager servant of God. When God called out for him at the beginning of the chapter, he answered back “here I am”. When God gave him instructions to sacrifice his only son he woke up early the next morning to get going! When his son Isaac asked about where the sacrifice was going to come from, he told him that the LORD would provide the sacrifice.
In the scripture, Abraham’s obedience to God’s command showed him to fear God.
Genesis 22:12 “He said, Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”
The LORD was pleased with this act and it said in the scripture that Abraham was to be greatly blessed.
Genesis 22:17 “indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”
The word “indeed” in verse 17 appears to re-iterate the LORD’s approval of Abraham and his actions. Abraham sought God’s approval. God was at the center of his heart. He feared God and was obedient to his word.
LORD, we ask that you guide our steps and show us your truth. Forgive us for our disobedience and give us the strength to follow you with an eager heart. In your son Jesus name we pray, AMEN!
