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I. THE TRIAL OF FAITH. Very heavy must have been Abraham's heart when he heard God's strange message. But he would not refuse to trust God. (Read Job 23:8-12; comp. 1 Peter 1:5-7.)

II. THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH. Not a base profession. He obeyed promptly, and without murmuring.

III. THE REWARD OF FAITH.

1. He won God's approval.

2. He received God's explanation of what had seemed so strange.

3. He gained God's solemn assurance to comfort and gladden him.

IV. THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC AS TYPICAL OF THE DEATH OF CHRIST.

1. It was an appointed sacrifice.

2. It was a willing (self-) sacrifice.

3. It was a mystery of salvation.

(W. S. Smith, B. D.)

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KJV: And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.

WEB: It happened after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" He said, "Here I am."