Genesis 22-23
This post illustrates why Abraham is considered the “father of faith.” Abraham is given the ultimate test of faith, and he passes this test with flying colors. We explore divine commands in the past and present, and how God really wants obedience and trust from us.
Summary
God tests Abraham by asking him to kill his beloved son Isaac and offer him as a whole burnt offering. Abraham prepared his donkey and servants and headed to the mountain in Moriah with his son Isaac. When they arrived, Abraham told his servants, “Stay here with the donkey. My son and I will go over there and worship. Then we will come back to you.”
Isaac carried the wood, and Abraham carried the knife and supplies for the fire. As they prepared the sacrifice, Isaac asked Abraham where the lamb was that they would burn as sacrifice. Abraham responded that God would provide the lamb. Abraham set up the alter, laid down the wood, tied up his son, and laid Isaac on the wood. Just as he was about to kill Isaac, an angel told Abraham to stop. A lamb came into view and they offered the lamb as burnt sacrifice instead.
God was pleased that Abraham would have sacrificed his son for Him. Yet again, God promised many descendants and blessed lands to Abraham. Abraham, his son, and servants all returned to Beersheba where Abraham stayed.
Someone told Abraham that his brother Nahor had 8 sons with his wife Milcah, and 4 sons with his servant woman, Reumah. Rebekah was Nahor’s granddaughter (daughter of Bethuel), which would make her Abraham’s grandniece.
Abraham’s wife Sarah dies at the age of 127 years old. Abraham went to the Hittites to find a burial ground for Sarah. Ephron sold Abraham land and a cave to bury his wife for ten pounds of silver. The Hittites were witnesses to this exchange. Abraham buried Sarah in a cave in the field of Machpelah.
Sidebar
I really struggled with Genesis 22. I had to take a couple of weeks to sit with this verse. Why is Abraham willing to bargain with God in Genesis 18 over the death of the people of Sodom, but doesn’t put up a fight at all when God asks him to sacrifice his son Isaac? Abraham was troubled when Sarah asked him to send his son Ishmael away. Did he feel anguish over God’s request that he kill his son? And where was Sarah in all of this? We know she adores her biological son Isaac.
This story is often interpreted as the ultimate test of Abraham’s faith and obedience to God. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac shows his deep trust in God’s promises, despite the seemingly contradictory command. If you look closely at the text, Isaac is the one carrying the wood. Abraham is over 100 years old. Was he actually able to tie Isaac up without struggle? Perhaps Isaac was in on the challenge, trusting in God and his father.
The account of Abraham is set in a specific historical and cultural context where such divine tests were a way to demonstrate faith. God and his angels still walked among the Earth. If something like this took place in the present day, we would consider the person insane. On May 9, 2003, Deanna Laney killed two of her children and claimed God ordered her to do it. Her case occurred in a modern context where claims of divine instructions to commit violent acts are analyzed in a legal and psychological perspective. Deanna Laney was found not guilty by reason of insanity and diagnosed with a mental illness. Her actions were influenced by delusional thoughts. Let’s remember that God stopped Abraham, but there was no divine intervention for Deanna. God would never actually condone the murder of a child. Furthermore, modern society views such actions as criminal and insane.
As surprising as God’s test on Abraham is, God ultimately does not desire human sacrifice. He prefers a heart of obedience and trust. While the literal interpretation of this story may be challenging, it can be seen as a symbolic representation of the sacrifices we make for our beliefs, loved ones, and greater good.
Intention
In the face of life’s challenges and uncertainties, we need to maintain faith and trust in God. Meditation and prayer can provide a sense of connection to God. Practicing gratitude can help you recognize the blessings you have in life. Focusing on positives in your life will reinforce your connection to God as well.
