CHAP. XXII. Abraham, tried by the command to sacrifice Isaac, shews his faith by obeying, 1-10. He is prevented from slaying his son, and offers a ram in his stead, 11-13. A name is given to the place; and the covenant is renewed with Abraham, 14-19. Some account of Nahor's family, 20—24. ND it came to pass after these things, a Ex. 15:25,26. 16:4. Deut. 8:2. Prov. 17:3. 1 Cor. 10:13. Heb. performance of sacred worship, which was at that time usually performed in the open air. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-21. t said unto him, Abraham: and he said, * Behold, here I am. 2 And he said, Take now thy son, * Heb. Behold me. 7,11. Ex. 3: | c 2 Chr. 3:1. b 17:19. 21:12. John 3:16. Rom. с d Judg. 11:31,39. 2 Kings 3:27. Mic. 6:7. is often the means of their conversion. How important then is it, that we "walk in wisdom towards those that are without!"-Common prudence might suffice to teach men, that it is advantageous to be connected with those whom Blessed are they whose hope is in the Lord, the Lord blesses; did not the enmity of the carand who patiently wait for him; for their ex- nal mind counteract its influence.-They who pectations shall certainly be answered, and would "live peaceably with all men,' must even exceeded. The delay may seem tedious, watch over their servants, and be careful whom and the exercise of faith and patience sharp: they trust, as well as be circumspect in their but they shall at length acknowledge, that own conduct; especially if affluence or high their blessings were only deferred, that they station require many to be employed: for injumight have them with additional comfort, by ries are often committed, and charged on the perceiving more plainly the power, love, and || principal, of which he knows and hears nothing. faithfulness of God in them; and that his name On this, as well as on other accounts, it is far might be the more glorified. He does not in- better mildly to reprove those by whom we deed relieve and comfort, when we should suppose ourselves ill-used, than to complain to choose it; but he always observes his own set others, without giving them the opportunity of time, which is the best that infinite wisdom can clearing themselves. They who profess to select: and they, who uprightly serve him, serve God, should act in all cases with strict will never be ashamed of any thing, except fidelity; requite every kindness liberally, to their unbelief; and this shame will be swallow-the benefactor, or his relatives and descened up in their thankful joy for the largeness of dants; and exhibit, in all things, an example of his performances.-As he keeps his time in integrity and disinterestedness. In general it giving blessings, so we must observe the ap- || is advisable to avoid oaths or vows; yet on impointed season for performing his command-portant occasions, and when due solemnity is ments, and not be induced by any consideration observed, the honor of God and religion, and to omit or defer our obedience.-Grievous the cause of justice and peace, may require us things speedily follow joyous events in this to confirm our covenants by these awful obliworld, and the effect of former miscarriages gations. In this case, however, it is incumbent often interrupts the satisfaction of present ad-on us to be very explicit in our requirements vantages. Even children are more certain cares than comforts; and their ill behavior and contentions, with the fear or pain of parting with them, greatly alloy the pleasure which we might otherwise derive from them. In all our anxieties, we should observe the directions, obey the commandments, and depend on the promises and providence of God: and thus, "casting our care on him," our minds will be kept in peace; and he will take care of those whom we love, when we are no longer able to do it. Let us not, however, neglect to notice the secret influence of the Lord in this domestic transaction; nor overlook the instruction given us, not to rest in external privileges, or in our own performances, lest we be outcasts with Ishmael: but let us learn to seek the bless- CHAP. XXII. V. 1. "After these things;" afings of the new covenant, by faith in its divine ter five and twenty years' waiting; after the Surety; and that grace and Spirit of adoption, promise had been frequently repeated; after which mark the children and heirs of God, and hope had been raised to the highest pitch, yea, enable them to walk at liberty in his command- after it had been actually turned into enjoyments, and cheerfully to expect the fulfilment || 'ment: and when the child had lived long of his promises. And let us habitually recol-enough to discover an amiable and godly dislect, that our despondency and complaints 'position.' Fuller.-Tempt.] This word, as here arise from forgetfulness of his word; that re-used, conveys an idea, which may seem inconlief is often nearer than we perceive; that the sistent with other testimonies of the sacred oraLord always hears the prayer of faith, and fre- cles; but the case is different as to the original quently the very cry of distress; and that nu-languages, in which, to tempt, and to try or merous advantages are conferred on the poster-prove, are expressed in the same manner. Acity of those who have honored God, for the sake cordingly, the old translation very properly of their pious ancestors. renders the clause, "God did prove Abraham." -Every trial indeed is eventually a temptation, The behavior of believers may be so undeni-and tends to manifest the prevailing disposiably excellent, and the Lord's favor to them so tions of the heart, whether holy or unholy. As manifest, as to convince observers that "God is to the state of the heart, or the influence of exwith them in all they do:" and this conviction | ternal agents upon it, exciting to sin, "let no V. 22-34. and engagements; that we may neither entangle our own consciences, nor give others the least ground to suspect that we have failed in fulfilling our promises. Indeed, honest and friendly purposes naturally lead to an unreserved frankness, which is the best security of peace and harmony.-But while we attend to outward matters with prudence and equity, we must never forget that we are strangers and pilgrims on earth: and, wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect, nor be ashamed of, the worship of JEHOVAH, the everlasting God, our Refuge, Rest, and Portion, through all generations, and to all eternity. NOTES. upon one of the mountains which I will I and the lad will go yonder and worship, tell thee of. and come again to you. 3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and clave the wood for the burntoffering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said unto his young • Abide here with the ass; and ye men, 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt-offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife: and they went both of them together. 7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt-offering? h Heb. 11:19. i Is. 53:6. Matt. 8:17. John 19: Rom. 8:15 Heb. Behold me. 1. 14:2-4. 8:20. k Matt. 26:39,42. John 18:11. † Or, kid. Ex. 12:3. marg. man say, he is tempted of God, for God cannot this command! He might have urged the divine be tempted of evil, neither tempteth he any prohibition of murder; and the evil report man:" but he appoints all external circumstan- which such an action would bring on his charces, he gives us general or particular command-acter, on the religion which he professed, and ments, and he allots us our several services. the God whom he worshipped. He might have In all these respects, he acts in perfect wisdom pleaded the fatal consequences of such an exand holiness: yet his appointments are intended ample; and even the very promises and cove"to prove us, and shew what is in our hearts;" nant of God, ratified again and again with him. and they frequently give occasion to our evil-Moriah.] MoriYAH-JAH is shewn: nearly the propensities to manifest themselves, and to Sa- same as JEHOVAH-jireh. (Note, 14.)-The temtan and wicked men to tempt us. Thus the ple was built on mount Moriah, which was Lord may be said, not only to try us, but also to doubtless in the land of Moriah. (2 Chron. 3:1.) "lead us into temptation;" (Note, Matt. 6:13.) This therefore must have been some adjacent which, conscious of our weakness, we are taught mountain, of which there were many in that to deprecate. If the young man, whom our neighborhood: and there is no improbability in Lord required "to sell all and follow him," had the general opinion, that it was mount Calvary, possessed Abraham's strength of faith, he would where Christ, the great Anti-type, was afterhave given an illustrious example of self-deny-wards crucified; and that it was selected with ing obedience. Had Abraham, when command-reference to that event. ed to sacrifice Isaac, been under the power of V. 3, 4. Being assured that this was a di unbelief and carnal attachments, he would vine command, Abraham implicitly confided in have been recorded as a lamentable instance the infinite wisdom, justice, holiness, faithfulof defection in the day of trial.-Joseph over- ness, goodness, and power of God; and neither came a far more dangerous temptation to adul- hesitated nor objected. Nay, the very energy tery, than that by which David fell; because of the command, compared with past mercies his heart was vastly more under the influence received, and the promises made to him, excitof holy dispositions, than David's was on that ed a firm expectation, that God would, from awful occasion. This is universally applicable. the ashes, immediately restore his son to life, The holy law gives occasion to all manner of though there had never been an instance of concupiscence; and even the blessed gospel, to the kind from the beginning of the world. still deeper malignity, when sin reigns in the (Note, Heb. 11:17-19.) It does not appear heart: while the most horrid temptations tend that he manifested that anguish or anxiety, to illustrate the power of divine love and zeal, which might have been expected from the comwhen holy affections completely possess it; as mand; or that either Sarah, or his attendants, the conduct of our tempted, suffering, and or even Isaac, perceived any thing unusual in holy Redeemer most evidently shews.-We his conduct. It is probable, that he did not inmay apply these remarks to the case of Abra-form Sarah, lest her feebler faith and more tenham. The Lord saw good to put his faith and obedience to a most severe trial. The evil propensities of our fallen nature are, in no sense, to be ascribed to God; for that would make him the author of sin. He did not tempt Abraham, by suggesting evil thoughts to his mind, or exciting sinful passions; for thus a man is tempted by his own lust, by the devil, and by his fellow-sinners; but he placed him in such circumstances, as effectually shewed the ruling dispositions of his heart, and proved them to be very excellent. der frame might not support so severe a shock; or lest she should start some objection, or make some opposition, to the heavenly mandate.Till the third day Abraham's faith was thus tried, that his obedience might appear to be the result, not of rash precipitation, but of calm deliberation: and then he saw the place; perhaps, marked out by an appearance of glory, such as had probably on some occasions been the token of the Lord's presence with him. V. 5, 6. Abraham left the servants behind, lest their affectionate, but ill-timed interferV. 2. Every word in this surprising com- ence should create him disturbance.-The exmand is marked with emphasis of terror, when pression, "We will come again to you," (the we consider it as directed to a tender parent: original is plural,) clearly implies, an expecta"Thy son"-"thine only son" by Sarah thy wife tion that God would raise Isaac again, to return whom thou lovest-even Isaac."-Go into along with him.-Isaac was evidently grown up the land of Moriah;--then, after that long jour- at this time; some say he was twenty-five years ney, offer him there for a burnt-offering, shed of age, some thirty, and some thirty-three or thirhis blood, and burn his body to ashes!-How ty-five.-In carrying the wood for the intendmany objections might Abraham have started to || ed sacrifice, he typified Christ bearing his cross. V. 7, 8. Isaac's question, so full of consideration and filial respect, must have tended to put Abraham's resolution to the sharper trial: but he deemed it not proper as yet to disclose this solemn business; and the Holy Spirit by his mouth seems to have predicted "the Lamb of God" which God hath provided, and "which taketh away the sin of the world." (Note, John 1:29.) 16 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: 17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea-shoret; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; u Is. 30:21. x 1 Cor. 5:7,8. 1 Pet. 1:19,20. That is, The LORD will see, z Deut. 32:36. Mic. 4:10. 2 Cor. a 11. b Ps. 105:9. Is. 45:23. Jer. 49: 13. 51:14. Am. 6:8. Luke 1:73. Heb. 6:13,14. c 27:28,29. 49:25,26. Deut. 281 2-13. Eph. 1-3. d See on 13:16. 15:5.-Jer. 33:22 Heb. lip. 1 Kings 9:26. marg e 24:60. Num. 24:17-19. Josh 1:-10: 2 Sam. 8: 10: Ps. 2:8,9 72:8,9. Dan. 2:44,45. Luke 1. 68-75. Rev. 11:15. it, for the glory of his own grace, for Abraham's comfort, and for the benefit of his whole church. "The fear of God" is frequently put for the whole of true religion, being an essential part of it, and necessarily connected with all the rest. (Marg. Ref. s.) It seems to comprise, a reverential regard to the majesty, authority, presence, and purity of God; an influential dread of his displeasure, accompanied with a desire and hope of his favor; (otherwise it would drive us from him, inspire hard thoughts, excite enmity, and discourage all endeavors to please him; Matt. 25:24,25.) a submissive acquiescence V. 9. It is probable, that Abraham previously explained to Isaac the nature and obligations of the divine command, the principle of his obedience, and the expectation of his faith in respect of the event; and Isaac yielded sub-in mission and concurrence: for certainly he did not attempt to escape or resist, but yielded up himself voluntarily to be a sacrifice.-When he lay bound upon the altar, he typified Christ, as bound by the officers of the high priest, and as nailed to the cross: and as "bruised and put to grief" by his heavenly Father, "when he made his soul a sacrifice for sin," even for our sins. V. 10. Abraham acted with firm and calm determination, as if about to offer an ordinary sacrifice, and was allowed to proceed thus far, that his obedience might be complete: but at this crisis he was stopped; for it was not the intention of God that Isaac should actually be sacrificed. Thus it was intimated, that nobler blood than that of animals, even the blood of the only begotten Son of God, was in due time to be shed for sin: but that in the mean while, the Lord would in no case have human sacrifices used, as typical of that atoning blood. V. 11, 12. The Angel called to Abraham out of heaven by name: and he says, "Thou hast not withheld thy son.... from me," and by this he knew, that Abraham feared the Lord. Doubtless God knew the reality and vigor of Abraham's piety previous to this trial; but he saw good to require experimental evidence of his appointments; a conscientious obedience to his commandments, and a serious devoted attendance on his worship, in his holy ordinances: nor can it be ever separated from a real belief of his truth, and a cordial acceptance of his salvation, as far as we are acquainted with them; or from love, gratitude, and other holy affections. In proportion as faith and hope deliver the soul from terror; humble, admiring reverence of God will be increased: and when "perfect love shall have cast out," entirely and finally, that "fear which hath torment;" the filial reverential regard to God, as our adorable Friend and Father, will be enlarged and perfected for ever, even as it is in the holy angels. (Notes, Ps. 89:6—12, v. 7.) V. 13. The ram now became the type of the sacrifice of Christ's death, and indicated what sort of prefigurations of that event God would approve and accept.-Isaac thus rescued, after having been three days under the sentence of death, and living to be the progenitor of the promised innumerable posterity, represented the Savior rising on the third day, "to see his seed, and prolong his days, that the pleasure of the Lord might prosper in his hand." V. 14. JEHOVAH-jireh perhaps alludes to Abraham's words, "God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt-offering." The latter clause [95 should be translated, "In the mount the LORD will appear;" that is, just in the crisis, as he did upon the mount to Abraham. This it seems became a proverb, similar to that in our language; 'Man's extremity is God's opportunity.' never expect to be exempt from trials, and frequently the sharpest come last: we should therefore "put on," and keep on, "the whole armor of God," that when summoned to the conflict, we may answer "Here I am."-Where V. 16-18. "Because he could swear by no God bestows much grace, he will be sure greatgreater, the Lord sware by himself;" and thus ly to try it; and though the conflict is painful, he solemnly pledged the honor of his holy name, the event will be glorious and joyful. Conand of all his perfections, as the security for scious of our weakness, we ought not to rush the fulfilment of his engagements to Abraham. uncalled into difficult services, and should pray The promises before given had been formed "not to be led into temptation;" yet, if we be into a covenant; that covenant was signed, upright and watchful, we may be confident sealed, and ratified; and now it was solemnly "that the Lord will not suffer us to be tempted confirmed with an oath. (Notes, 12:1-5. 15: above what we are able:" nay, we may "count 17:) This was done, not only that Abraham, it all joy, when we fall into divers temptations;" but also "that we, might have a strong consola- firmly believing that "the trial of our faith shall tion, who have fled for refuge, to lay hold on the be to praise, and honor, and glory, at the appearhope set before us" in Christ. (Notes, Heb. ing of Jesus Christ."-If there be any earthly 6:13-20.)-To the former promises it is here object which seems to rival God in our affecadded, "Thy seed shall possess the gate of his tions, we may expect that he will in that parenemies;" or, by occupying their cities, shall ticular try the sincerity and supremacy of our acquire the dominion over them. Thy seed love; and by cheerfully parting with even our 'shall inherit the cities of the adversaries." Sept. beloved Isaacs for his sake, we most undeniaThis was accomplished when the Israelites con- bly prove that we have given him our hearts.— quered Canaan, and in the victories of David, They who would perform unreserved obediand the extensive authority of Solomon; but in a ence, when satisfied what the will of God is, far higher sense, when Christ, the promised must neither be influenced by carnal affections, Seed, ascended the mediatorial throne; when the listen to plausible objections, consult partial Gentiles were converted to Christianity; and counsellors, make needless delays, nor leave when opposing nations were crushed before him, an opening to interruption and disturbance; or submitted to him.-The language of the last but, committing all into the Lord's hand, they clause also is changed. It had before been said, must simply follow his direction, and leave all "In thy Seed shall all the nations of the earth consequences with him: and they need not be blessed:" but here the expression literally doubt, but in the trying moment he will appear is, "They shall bless themselves;" perhaps im- for their comfort or relief.-But what a wonplying, how highly they would value the prom-derful sight is in this chapter set before us! ised Savior, and how desirous they would be to The long-expected seed, the son of joy, the declare to others their blessedness in him, that child of promise, the well-beloved Isaac, now they might come and share it.-Abraham's obe- grown up to maturity, and entwining every day dience evinced the strength of his faith, and more closely round the tender affections of his the sincerity of his love: thus "faith wrought parents, of which he was justly deserving; nay, with his works, and by works was his faith made the church's hope, and the declared progenitor perfect." As a sinner, he was justified before of him "in whom all the families of the earth God by faith alone; as a professed believer, he are blessed;" bound, laid upon the altar, and was justified before the whole world, by the mildly expecting the fatal blow from the hand works which his faith produced. (Note, Jam. of his loving father; who, with collected firm2.21-24.) "Hast not withheld." (16.) Our epelow.ness and intrepid resolution, takes the knife to Sept. 12. See Rom. 8:32. 2 Pet. 2:4,5. Gr. V. 20-24. This is introduced as a preface to the account given of Isaac's marriage with Rebekah, and afterwards to that of Jacob with Leah and Rachel. (Marg. Ref.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-12. shed his blood, and prepares immediately to kindle that fire which is to consume him to ashes!-For this singular conduct Abraham could render no other reason, than the express command of God: nor was there any other principle of obedience to that extraordinary command, (an obedience never equalled by mere man,) but faith, an unshaken belief of the Lord's testimony, a firm expectation of the accomplishment of his promises, and a full confidence in his wisdom, power, and love. Though the command seemed to run counter to those prom mustises, Abraham knew it only seemed to do so N. B. The practical observations on this chapter ND Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah. 2 And Sarah died in Kirjath-arba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to Sarah, and to weep for her. с 5 And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him, 6 Hear mourn for h us, my lord: thou art * a mighty prince amongst us; in the choice i 3¶ And Abraham stood up from befored 5.7. 10:15. 25:10. 27:46. 49:30. | 19. 1 Sam. 26:6. 2 Sam. 23:39. e 17:8. 47:9. Lev. 25:23. 1 Chr. h 18:12. 24:18. 31:35. 32:4,5,18. 42:10. 44:5,8. Ex. 32:22. Ruth 2:13. Heb. A prince of God. 21:22. f3:19. 49:30, 50:13. Job 30:23. i 13:2. 14:14. 24:35. Ec. 12:7. Acts 7:5. obedience was his part, and the Lord would ing; but "God commended his love to us, in take care to glorify his own faithfulness. He that when we were yet sinners Christ died for had received Isaac from God, who had a right us:" and in that, "when we were enemies, we to dispose of him: honor and comfort were in were reconciled to God by the death of his his path; and, though untried before, with un- Son." Isaac was a sinner born to die: but the daunted constancy he walked in it.-Hear this, Son of God assumed human nature for the very ye inattentive objectors, who traduce the doc- purpose of dying for us; and in human nature trine of salvation by faith, as inimical to prac-being free from sin, he was under no obligation tical godliness; go, and upon your principles to suffer death, except the bond of his love to equal and exceed this obedience: till then be us. If Isaac was justly beloved by Abraham; dumb, or allow that, though you understand it Jesus was the "beloved Son of the Father, in not, this apparently weak principle produces whom he was well pleased." Had Isaac died, effects beyond comparison prodigious. Hear it had been with inward peace, without extrathis likewise, ye abusers of this most holy faith, ordinary pain, and with singular reputation: whose conduct merits still deeper indignation; but Christ tasted death in all its bitterness, died who "say you have faith," yet cleave to your by violence, surrounded with contempt and insins, renounce not the world, deny not your- sult, treated with indignity and cruelty, and selves, refuse the cross, are lovers of yourselves, loaded with the weight of our iniquities; while of pleasure, of money, or of worldly honor, "it pleased the LORD to bruise him and to put more than lovers of God; and, instead of part- him to grief, and make his very soul a sacrifice ing with a deservedly beloved Isaac at God's for sin." By this we know the loving-kindness of command, like Judas, kiss Christ, and sell him to God our Savior towards sinful man, in that "he his enemies for a few pieces of silver, or some hath not withheld his Son, his only Son from vile sensual gratification! Here then compare || us:" by this we perceive the love of Christ, in your faith with Abraham's, and acknowledge that he gave himself a sacrifice for our sins.— that ye are no genuine sons of this "father of Behold, he dies; yet rises! lives, ascends, and the faithful;" but that your faith is dead, your intercedes for us! and calls on sinners to come hope presumptuous, and that Abraham disowns to him, and partake of his blood-bought salvaand is ashamed of you.-In plain language, tion. Let them therefore be warned to hear nothing but faith will carry a man through with his voice, and encouraged to trust in him. He unreserved obedience, in every possible trial; calls to his redeemed people to rejoice in him and that is no true faith, which perseveres in and glorify him: "What then shall we render refusing to obey a plain command, in any case for all his benefits?" May this "love constrain whatever. "Ye are my friends, if ye do what- us to live no longer to ourselves, but to him soever I command you."-In proportion as faith who died for us and rose again," and, admiring stands this test, when sharply and repeatedly and adoring his grace, let us devote our all to tried, we may be assured that we are Abra- his service, who laid down his life for our salham's children, interested in his covenant, vation. Thus every Christian may be sure, and in the oath by which it was confirmed, and that in all emergencies, the Lord will appear have a right to that strong consolation which for his relief, be his shield in all dangers, proby it God wills and intends for his people. vide effectually for all his wants, order all events for his good, and make him conqueror over all enemies, till he shall sit down with him upon his throne of glory. V. 13-24. In the wonderful transaction recorded in this chapter, faith discerns one infinitely more stupendous. What was the love which Abraham or Isaac bore to the Lord, compared with the love of God the Father in giving his only begotten Son? and with that of the only begotten Son in giving himself a sacrifice upon the cross, for the sins of men? God commanded Abraham previously to his yielding up his son; but the sacrifice of Christ prevented even solicitation! The Lord had an undoubted right to demand that life which he had given: but where shall we sinners, deserving of eternal misery, ground our claim to such a gift, as that of Christ to be "the propitiation for our sins?" The Lord had been a most liberal Friend to Abraham, before he was required to offer Isaac as a burnt-offerVOL. I. 13 NOTES. CHAP. XXIII. V. 1, 2. Sarah is the on.y woman whose entire age is recorded in Scripture. She was ten years younger than Abraham, and died thirty-eight before him.-God often takes the youngest before the eldest.' Fuller. It seems that Abraham had some time before her death left his residence at Beer-sheba, and come to sojourn at Hebron. When she died, he came to her tent, to express his unfeigned sorrow, and pay her the last tribute of affection. V. 3, 4. The sons of Heth are called elseAbraham where Hittites, that is, Hethites. [97 |