Chapter 28 of 1163

GENESIS 22

Offering Isaac on the altar was the hardest test Abraham ever faced, but he came through victoriously because he trusted God (Heb. 11:17–19). He had experienced resurrection power in his own body (Rom. 4:19–21), so he knew what God could do. It was a test of faith, far more difficult than the previous tests involving Lot and Ishmael.

It was also a test of hope, for God’s plan of salvation for the world was wrapped up in Isaac. If Isaac died, how could the Jewish nation be built and the Savior be born? But Abraham had a living hope because he trusted in the living God (1 Pet. 1:3).

Certainly it was a test of love. In verse 2, you find the first use of the word love in the Bible. Abraham loved his son, but he loved God more. Isaac was God’s gift to Abraham, but the gift had to become a sacrifice to God. If the gift becomes more important than the Giver, it becomes an idol.

After He tests us, God reveals Himself to us in a new way (John 14:21–23). The name Jehovah-Yireh means “the Lord will see to it” or “the Lord will provide.” The ram was God’s provision for Isaac, and Jesus Christ is God’s provision for the whole world. In this experience, Abraham saw Christ by faith and rejoiced (John 8:56).

Why this “family news” in verses 20–24? To introduce us to Rebekah who will become the bride of Isaac (chap. 24). Isaac was a “living sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1–2), and God was working out His perfect will for him.

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