As I do my best to get an understanding of Genesis 22, keep in mind my motive is to understand a little better what both Abraham and Isaac were thinking and feeling during "the test."
There are so many articles on the various meanings of this chapter, including the symbolism with Christ. Biblical scholars for years have broke down this chapter in so many ways and angles, it almost boggles your mind in reference to the depth of what this chapter offers to us in our lives as a Christian.
As for me, my interest lies in what Abraham was feeling, what Isaac was thinking, and how they worked all this into their situation concerning a sacrifice. So, with that being said, allow me to begin in verse 3: "So Abraham got up early the next morning and chopped wood for the upcoming sacrifice. Then, he saddled his donkey and left: with Isaac and 2 servants, for the place God had told him to go."
I remember reading one of St. Augustine's writings that read: "If you can understand it, it is not God." I think I can relate how he came up with that statement when studying this passage of the Sacred Scripture. Truly, this might have been a difficult time for Abraham.
First, Abraham hadn't told anyone what was going on...including Sarah (lesson: sometimes it's simply better to keep things to yourself...although I adamantly believe in communication with your "other", there are times not to upset her and have her go into a serious "worry mode").
Abraham didn't seek any counsel on what the Lord had said to him, and what sticks out in my mind was....Abraham didn't complain or murmur as to God's instructions.
So...what really was going on?.....Ok, I think a key lies in Hebrews 11:17-19: it reads like this:
"By faith Abraham, when God presented him with "the test", that being to offer Isaac as a sacrificial burnt offering to God, had been "well-schooled" in understanding what God was saying.
Abraham had already embraced the promises of his friend, that being God Himself, and when Abraham's friend asked for Isaac to be offered to Him....perhaps as a token of their friendship...Abraham knew his Friend...too well! For you see, God, that is Abraham's friend, had already declared and promised to Abraham that "through Isaac all of Abraham's descendants would originate....his family would continue and multiply... all of his relation would come through... Isaac!"
Abraham also knew this: whatever his friend God says....happens! He is true to every word He had said and promised to Abraham.
So, knowing that, Abraham knew that even though his friend God, had asked him to offer up Isaac as a burnt offering... to God...it would not altar any promises or plans God had already spoken to him about.
And you know what?...in a figurative way, that is how it turned out. You see, Abraham was convinced that even though Isaac was to be the burnt offering to be given in honor of his friend, God...it would in no way change the plans or promises God had given to Abraham earlier. How is that?...you might ask. Because, Abraham believed God would raise Isaac up from the very dead and continue on with the plans his good friend God, had given him."
So, I think Abraham knew his friend a little too well...that is why he was able to rise early in the morning....cut the wood himself....saddle his own donkey himself....he knew something was up....and he knew his friend always had good things in store for Abraham and Isaac!
I don't think Abraham was in turmoil over what God had asked him to do...there are no signs of it whatsoever....no interceding, no complaining, no delay in the course of action, and no murmuring as to the request of his friend.
I think Abraham is "pumped"...he knew his friend ....had a plan!...and it was going to be good!
There are so many articles on the various meanings of this chapter, including the symbolism with Christ. Biblical scholars for years have broke down this chapter in so many ways and angles, it almost boggles your mind in reference to the depth of what this chapter offers to us in our lives as a Christian.
As for me, my interest lies in what Abraham was feeling, what Isaac was thinking, and how they worked all this into their situation concerning a sacrifice. So, with that being said, allow me to begin in verse 3: "So Abraham got up early the next morning and chopped wood for the upcoming sacrifice. Then, he saddled his donkey and left: with Isaac and 2 servants, for the place God had told him to go."
I remember reading one of St. Augustine's writings that read: "If you can understand it, it is not God." I think I can relate how he came up with that statement when studying this passage of the Sacred Scripture. Truly, this might have been a difficult time for Abraham.
First, Abraham hadn't told anyone what was going on...including Sarah (lesson: sometimes it's simply better to keep things to yourself...although I adamantly believe in communication with your "other", there are times not to upset her and have her go into a serious "worry mode").
Abraham didn't seek any counsel on what the Lord had said to him, and what sticks out in my mind was....Abraham didn't complain or murmur as to God's instructions.
So...what really was going on?.....Ok, I think a key lies in Hebrews 11:17-19: it reads like this:
"By faith Abraham, when God presented him with "the test", that being to offer Isaac as a sacrificial burnt offering to God, had been "well-schooled" in understanding what God was saying.
Abraham had already embraced the promises of his friend, that being God Himself, and when Abraham's friend asked for Isaac to be offered to Him....perhaps as a token of their friendship...Abraham knew his Friend...too well! For you see, God, that is Abraham's friend, had already declared and promised to Abraham that "through Isaac all of Abraham's descendants would originate....his family would continue and multiply... all of his relation would come through... Isaac!"
Abraham also knew this: whatever his friend God says....happens! He is true to every word He had said and promised to Abraham.
So, knowing that, Abraham knew that even though his friend God, had asked him to offer up Isaac as a burnt offering... to God...it would not altar any promises or plans God had already spoken to him about.
And you know what?...in a figurative way, that is how it turned out. You see, Abraham was convinced that even though Isaac was to be the burnt offering to be given in honor of his friend, God...it would in no way change the plans or promises God had given to Abraham earlier. How is that?...you might ask. Because, Abraham believed God would raise Isaac up from the very dead and continue on with the plans his good friend God, had given him."
So, I think Abraham knew his friend a little too well...that is why he was able to rise early in the morning....cut the wood himself....saddle his own donkey himself....he knew something was up....and he knew his friend always had good things in store for Abraham and Isaac!
I don't think Abraham was in turmoil over what God had asked him to do...there are no signs of it whatsoever....no interceding, no complaining, no delay in the course of action, and no murmuring as to the request of his friend.
I think Abraham is "pumped"...he knew his friend ....had a plan!...and it was going to be good!
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