V1-2            Abraham’s greatest test; of obedience, of love and of loyalty to God. Is Abraham prepared to give up what is most precious to him? How will God’s promises through Isaac be fulfilled?

            Isaac is “your only son”, see Heb 11.17, picturing Christ; God does the same some 2000 years later; the precious, beloved, son is offered, releasing all God’s blessings. The promises of God are “in Isaac,” (21.12); now the promises of God are “in Christ.”

            Isaac to be offered as a burnt offering, being consumed as an act of worship; in fact this chapter marks the first place where the Bible uses the word “worship” in v5. Even Sarah is not involved, for God’s command demands separation and sacrifice; some aspects of our relationship with God are specifically personal and individual.

V3            Simple obedience from Abraham; we are not told of any doubts or questionings. Isaac, probably the stronger of the two, can rebel; but he too submits to God’s command. Two servants attend them for a distance, but they too are left behind, leaving only father and son to ascend the mountain.

V4       Mount Moriah, the place commanded by God; see 2 Chr 3.1.

V5       We will come back to you; Heb 11.19. Abraham believes that God will raise the dead; he is right! Here is total confidence in God the omnipotent. Here is life from death; Acts 26.8; Rom 4.19; Heb 11.12.

V6            Abraham go together in agreement; united in doing what is right.

V7-8    Isaac, perhaps less confident than Abraham, asks his question concerning the burnt offering. Abraham has confidence in God, and prophecies concerning the lamb, even Christ; John 1.29, not Lev 1-5, for he looks beyond the levitical law to the age of grace through Christ.

            Again, they continue on together.

V9       The sacrifice; in the time and place chosen by God.

V10-11            Abraham clearly would sacrifice his son; he is ready to do it, utterly trusting in God.

V12            Abraham proves beyond question that he fears God; he did not withhold even his own son, Rom 8.32. No wonder God gives “all things;” the harvest reward for a complete and costly sacrifice.

            In contrast, how little we are willing to give up for Him.

V13            Abraham offers the ram, indicating his consecration to God. Christ is also pictured here, for He too has thorns around His head.

V14            Jehovah-Jireh; the Lord will provide; He has proved Himself perfectly reliable.

V15-18            The reward; God does not withhold from Abraham;

-          in blessing I will bless you, see also 27.33, “indeed he shall be blessed;”

-          in multiplying I will multiply your descendants;

-          as the stars in the heavens, the church;

-          as the sand on the sea shore, Israel;

-          your descendants shall possess the gates of their enemies, the inheritance of the kingdoms of the world, for ultimate victory will come to Abraham’s families;

-          in your seed all nations shall be blessed, esp. in Christ.

            All this blessing is because he obeyed the voice of God.

V19            Abraham returns to Beersheba, the well of the oath, 21.31. God had promised, and what was predicted occurred.

V20-24            Abraham has a concern for his family, and is informed of Milcah’s children. This is important, since Milcah’s granddaughter is Rebekah.

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