Genesis 22:16 And said, By myself have I sworn, said the LORD, for because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son: "Often before had God promised," says , "but never sworn." It was in recognition of the evidence which had just been afforded of His servant's staunch loyalty to the covenant, that the Eternal was pleased in this unexampled manner to reduplicate securities for His own faithfulness, previous to this oath, Abraham had the word of God, and no more, on which to build his confidence. On that bare guarantee he had shown that he could build securely. Because he had judged it impossible for God to lie, therefore he had that day surrendered the one visible security which he possessed for the fulfilment of God's word, by sacrificing the life on which its fulfilment turned. He trusted the All-truthful and Almighty to keep faith with His friend in His own way. For that very reason did a generous promiser vouchsafe to the man something more than a naked word. "To him that hath shall be given." "Because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only one, from Me, therefore by Myself have I sworn that in blessing I will bless thee." Thenceforth, as the New Testament explains, the believer possessed, not one, but "two immutable things" on which to rest. Through Abraham's obedience have we all obtained this "strong consolation." (J. O. Dykes, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: |
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