In earlier passages in the Bible we have focused on the disobedience of the people. That is why all throughout Abraham’s narrative his obedience is so prominent to us. Although this obedience is admirable, a modern reader may struggle with seeing Abraham’s seeming intent to sacrifice his as being anything close to praiseworthy. However, it seems as though Abraham was aware of the fact that in being obedient to God, he wouldn’t actually have to sacrifice his son. In Genesis 21:12, God promises Abraham that Isaac’s offspring shall be named for him. So Abraham already knew that God intends to keep Isaac alive for future plans. When God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham knows that Isaac will be kept alive because earlier God told him so. So when Abraham tells the others that both of them will come back and that God will provide a sacrifice, he isn’t lying. His faith in God is so much that he trusts Him to keep Isaac alive. This interpretation allows most of us to view Abraham as more praiseworthy because Abraham wasn’t intending on killing his son. Additionally, his accepting of his own flawed humanity and trusting God’s judgment of his own is almost a recreation of humanity is something to be emulated. But many of us question why God would make him sacrifice his own son when Abraham has already proved his obedience time and time again. But this is the ultimate test of Abraham because Isaac was his long waited for son who was created out of obedience and trust in god: although logically Sarai could not have a child because she was old and barren, Abraham listened to God and laid with Sarai. God was merciful and good to Abraham giving him a son with his wife; however, God wanted to ensure that this gift did not make Abraham believe his own self as powerful and godly enough to do this. This is because in the past, humans, when receiving a gift like apparent eternal life, start believing themselves as above God and abusing it. However, Abraham proves that he knows that God is his commander and he is just his servant to do his will. Abraham avoids the fatal human flaw of placing human judgement and ego above God’s present from Eden. So through obedience more obedience is shown and he reaps great mercy and reward in the eyes of God.
- Comment
- Reblog
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Ciara Fitter's Blog 
I find it interesting how you examined how Abraham knew that he would not have to kill his son. Since God promised Abraham a long line of descendants he would have to keep his only son with Sarah.
LikeLike
I did not even think of the fact that in order for Abraham to have as many descendants as there are stars in the sky as God had promised, that Isaac would not be able to be sacrificed. That was an excellent point to draw out of the text. I also commented on the idea that while the act of potentially killing his only child is not worthy of praise, Abraham’s unwavering faith in God is. If this was the ultimate test, as I believe it was, I wonder if we will ever see the faith of Abraham waver?
LikeLike
I agree that Abraham’s devotion to the word of God is meant to earn praise and indicate how obedience will be rewarded. Do you think it was necessary for God to ask for such an extreme task of Abraham despite the fact that he had already proven his obedience and faith?
LikeLike
You do a really nice close reading of the text, especially pointing out that God, in earlier verses, promises to make a genealogy extending from Isaac. I think perhaps Abraham did indeed intend to kill his son if this is truly what God wanted, but as you point out, I agree that God had a greater plan in mind. I also really enjoyed your connections to earlier events in Genesis — the point about how humanity tends to think themselves more godlike after receiving a gift is nice point and great contrast to Abraham.
LikeLike