Connecting Scriptures:  1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 11:17-19, John 3:16, Matthew 3:16-17, James 1:12-13, 1 Peter 1:6-7, James 2:20-24, John 19:17, John 1:29, Hebrews 6:13

If you ever read this chapter by itself, with no context or bigger view of scripture, it will seem cruel and confusing.  This is why using scripture references and understanding of God’s character is essential in todays reading.  This was a test, first and foremost.  It was also a picture of future events.  So, before we throw our Bible’s down in frustration know that God is always doing more than we can understand on the page.  It takes faith to read this and remember that God is Good, Faithful and that He takes no delight in our suffering, but seeks to lead us through— accomplishing much glory and growth for us.  Really, what I know from this chapter is that it was more of a, “just trust me in this Abraham, this is bigger than you…” circumstance.  I read and see so many moving parts about Christ and promises kept.  It is bigger, got it?      

We do not know how many years have past since Abraham had his first taste of God’s promises coming into fruition, we can only use context clues to see that some time had elapsed.  We see God calling Abraham and him answering, “Here I am.”, again and again.  It seems to me that this kind of interaction had not occurred for a while, thus Abraham’s eagerness.  He had been yearning for the voice of God, but surely never expected what this message would hold.  We can also ascertain that Isaac was old enough to carry wood on his back, up a very intense mountain.  This wasn’t a stroll with dad and this wasn’t a little boy.  Isaac was a man.

“Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go…”.  Like a dagger to his own heart it must have been.  Did you hear a familiar wording here?  See the John 3:16 and Matthew references to make the connection.  Bursting past the limits of a test for Abraham, this was a foreshadowing for what God was going to do to truly answer every promise He ever made to Abraham.  The blessings of this covenant would be a dagger to God’s heart as well.  Abraham goes and the three day journey, in what I am certain was an agonizing battle of the mind and will for him, is before him.  As he assured Issac that The Lord will provide a sacrifice for them, we can know that this wasn’t merely wishful thinking on his part.  Hebrews 11 gives us a clear understanding of the patriarch’s mindset.  He had such a full view of the ability of God, that he reckoned that God could raise this child of promise from the dead if indeed his life was required.  That is faith.  

Notice that there are two parts of the Trinity voiced in the scripture, God the Father calling him and testing him in sacrificing Isaac, then the angel of the LORD calling him to stay his hand that was on the brink of obedience.  It makes sense to me that the one calling him to stop the action would be the One who would be the sacrifice for all humanity.  What results is a breath of relief for all parties (us too).  God provides a ram for sacrifice and they come down the mountain, all alive and all holding on to a covenant that is completed in the faith that Abraham showed.  He didn’t withhold, and neither would God hold back on every promise and provision.  A new name is revealed, The Lord will Provide—Jehovah Jireh.  It literally means, the Lord will see to me, look after me.  

My husband and I speculate about what kind of relationship Isaac and Abraham had after this encounter.  Was it hurt by Abrahams obedience?  We know God spoke, but did Abraham alone hear?  Would Isaac ever understand until God spoke to him, which was after Abrahams death?  So many thoughts!  At any rate, the story moves forward, and soon the baton will pass to Isaac in God’s covenant to a people for his own possession.  

Questions for Reflection:

1.  In what ways are todays account similar to what we read about Christ in the gospels? What are the parallels?

2.  What do you think life was like for this family after the events of Mount Moriah?

3.  How have you seen Jehovah Jireh work in your life and circumstances?