Topical Bible: God Testing Abraham

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Introduction

The account of God testing Abraham is a pivotal narrative found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 22:1-19. This event is often referred to as the "Binding of Isaac" or the "Akedah" in Jewish tradition. It is a profound account that explores themes of faith, obedience, and divine provision. Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites, is tested by God in a manner that challenges his faith and trust in God's promises.

Biblical Account

The narrative begins with God calling out to Abraham, instructing him to take his beloved son, Isaac, to the region of Moriah and offer him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that God would show him. Genesis 22:2 states, "Then God said, 'Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.'"

Abraham's response is immediate and without hesitation. Early the next morning, he sets out with Isaac, two servants, and the necessary provisions for the sacrifice. The journey to Moriah takes three days, during which Abraham must grapple with the gravity of God's command. Upon reaching the designated place, Abraham instructs his servants to stay behind, saying, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you" (Genesis 22:5). This statement reflects Abraham's faith that both he and Isaac would return.

As they ascend the mountain, Isaac, unaware of the full intent, questions his father about the absence of a lamb for the offering. Abraham responds with a profound declaration of faith: "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son" (Genesis 22:8).

Upon reaching the appointed place, Abraham builds an altar, arranges the wood, and binds Isaac, placing him on the altar. As he takes the knife to slay his son, the Angel of the Lord calls out to him from heaven, halting the sacrifice. The Angel says, "Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from Me" (Genesis 22:12).

In a remarkable act of divine provision, Abraham looks up and sees a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. He sacrifices the ram in place of his son, naming the place "The LORD Will Provide" (Yahweh Yireh), as it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided" (Genesis 22:14).

Theological Significance

The testing of Abraham is a profound demonstration of faith and obedience. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise, underscores his unwavering trust in God's faithfulness and sovereignty. This narrative prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God's only Son, as a substitutionary atonement for humanity's sins.

The event also highlights the concept of divine testing, where God examines the hearts and faithfulness of His people. Abraham's test serves as a model of faith that is willing to surrender everything to God, trusting in His provision and promises.

Covenantal Implications

Following the test, God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, promising to bless him and multiply his descendants as the stars of the sky and the sand on the seashore. Genesis 22:17-18 records God's promise: "I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."

This covenantal promise not only assures Abraham of God's continued faithfulness but also points to the future fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Abraham's lineage, culminating in the coming of the Messiah.

Conclusion

The account of God testing Abraham remains a cornerstone of biblical faith, illustrating the depth of trust and obedience required of God's people. It serves as a testament to God's provision and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ.

Topical Bible Verses

Genesis 22:1-24
And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said to him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
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Genesis 22:1-14
And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said to him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
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Hebrews 11:17-19
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
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Genesis 15:6
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
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Genesis 15:18
In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, To your seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates:
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Library

The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing
... And if we are set upon the pursuit of God He will sooner or later bring us to this
test. Abraham's testing was, at the time, not known to him as such, yet if ...
/.../tozer/the pursuit of god/ii the blessedness of possessing.htm

The Crowning Test and Triumph of Faith
... 'God did prove Abraham'; the strange command was a test of ... Abraham, as the 'Father
of the Faithful,' has his faith ... of faith is ever a life of testing, and very ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the crowning test and triumph.htm

How Rebekah Became the Wife of Isaac
... Then he said, "O Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham, give me, I pray thee, success
to-day, and show ... [Illustration: The Testing of Abraham Painted by ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/how rebekah became the wife.htm

Abraham's Four Surrenders
... In the first place, Abraham was called to give up his ... Now, I don't believe that God
sent Abram down to Egypt ... I think that He was only testing him, that he might ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/i abrahams four surrenders.htm

Perfect Righteousness was Conferred Neither by Circumcision nor by ...
... of those righteous men who lived before Abraham, and of ... we may know that we shall
give account to God not of ... 4006] but as the means of testing and evidencing ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi perfect righteousness was conferred.htm

Home Dedication.
... "By faith Abraham, when he was tried ... Had he not loved him so dearly, God would not
have chosen him as a means of testing his father's religious fidelity. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter x home dedication.htm

Its Evidence
... From the example of Abraham he proves that justifying ... and justification by faith,
but the testing of those who ... on which sinners are accepted before God, but to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/9 its evidence.htm

God Justified, Though Man Believes Not
... and I had better go on believing, and testing for ourselves ... God has not cast away
his people, whom he did ... has he broken his covenant made with Abraham, nor will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/god justified though man believes.htm

part 2
... of Christ is greater than that of Aaron because Abraham himself paid ... young Christian
would only start by proving God in the material realm, testing Him out ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 2.htm

The Children's Bible
... GOD'S CARE FOR THE BOY ISHMAEL. ABRAHAM'S LOYALTY TO GOD. ... A PRISONER WHO BECAME A
MIGHTY RULER. THE TESTING OF JOSEPH'S BROTHERS. ... GOD'S COMMANDS TO THE PEOPLE. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/