The Transaction on Mount Moriah – Genesis 22

We have come to a very favorite chapter among the children of God, namely, the account of Abraham’s offering of his cherished son. The chapter
starts with – “And it came to pass after these things.” But, what does the expression, “after these things” allude to? After the long and arduous waiting for a son for twenty-five years; after the birth of Isaac, the object of Abraham’s love; after the hope of an expected son was realized; then the Lord commands Abraham to offer Isaac up as a human sacrifice. What a severe test of faith. What would we do if God should demand such a request upon us!

This man Abraham was severely tested, as will be the day when our faith will be placed upon the altar to determine its worth! I once heard a minister remark concerning this chapter that “Abraham did not wait for the day of the test to get prepared; He had already prepared before the test arrived; in other words, don’t wait until the day before a test to cram; be prepared before the test is given! What solemn wisdom which flowed from his lips. The life of Abraham was filled with many crisis moments; He was instructed to separate from his kindred as he left Us of the Chaldees (Genesis 12:1); He was instructed to give up Lot, his choice nephew (Genesis 13:1-18); He was instructed to abandon his hope of Ishmael and to abandon his plan about Ishmael (Genesis 17:17-18); and now, He is instructed to offer Isaac as a human substitute.

Although Abraham is faced with a severe test upon his faith, we find him obeying God, without any degree of doubt, knowing that what God commands, and permits, is best for him. What a picture of implicit obedience. Abraham was obedient even to the point of offering his only son of promise, a son who was dearly beloved, and a son whom he had waited for a period of twenty-five years. Abraham acted by faith, for he demonstrated the verity of his faith by his actions. Not only do we see the faith of Abraham (22:1-6) but we notice the obedient response of his son, Isaac (22:7). So, those of us who would transact business with God must have faith, and we must surrender and submit our will to the Father! Real faith in God defies good sense; moreover, it surrenders totally to the will of God.

In verses eight through eleven, as this account intensifies, we see Abraham’s willingness to spare not his only son of promise. Of course, human sacrifice is morally wrong, but Abraham was about to offer his son as a human offering. As we view verses twelve through fifteen, we find that Abraham passed his supreme test, and Isaac was spared – a ram was offered instead of Isaac (v. 13). Isaac, a type of Christ, was spared; but, Christ, the matchless of Son of God, was not spared (Romans 8:32). In conclusion, the real transaction that took place on Mount Moriah was between the Father and the Son. Likewise, the real transaction that took place on Calvary was between the Father who offered the substitute and the Son who was the substitute – He was the supreme Sacrifice who expiated the sins of humankind.

May God Bless!