11, 12. the angel . . . called, c.—The sacrifice was virtually offered—the intention, the purpose to do it, was shown in all sincerity and fulness. The Omniscient witness likewise declared His acceptance in the highest terms of approval and the apostle speaks of it as actually made (Hebrews 11:17; James 2:21). read more
13-19. Abraham lifted up his eyes . . . and behold . . . a ram, &c.—No method was more admirably calculated to give the patriarch a distinct idea of the purpose of grace than this scenic representation: and hence our Lord's allusion to it (John 8:56). read more
14. The sacrifice of Isaac 22:1-19In obedience to God’s command Abraham took his promised heir to Moriah to sacrifice him to the Lord. Because Abraham was willing to slay his uniquely begotten son God restrained him from killing Isaac and promised to bless him further for his obedience. Abraham memorialized the place as "the Lord will provide."God called on Abraham to make five great sacrifices: his native country, his extended family, his nephew Lot, his son Ishmael, and his son Isaac. Each... read more
Isaac demonstrated his own faith clearly in this incident. He must have known what his father intended to do to him, yet he submitted willingly (Genesis 22:9)."If Abraham displays faith that obeys, then Isaac displays faith that cooperates. If Isaac was strong and big enough to carry wood for a sacrifice, maybe he was strong and big enough to resist or subdue his father." [Note: Hamilton, The Book . . . Chapters 18-50, p. 110.] The possibility of Isaac resisting may be why Abraham bound him on... read more
The Offering of Isaac on Mount MoriahIn this narrative we have the crowning proof that Abraham was willing to resign all that was dearest to him at the bidding of God, even that son on whose life depended the fulfilment of the divine promises. But his trial must be also regarded as the occasion of bringing about an advance in the moral standard of the men of his time, which was gradually to become universal. In Abraham’s day the sacrifice of the firstborn was a common practice among the Semitic... read more
(11) The angel of the Lord.—Up to this point, the narrative had been Elohistic, but it is the angel of Jehovah who interferes to stop the sacrifice (see on Genesis 16:7). read more
(13) Behind.—By a slight change in the shape of a consonant, many ancient authorities read one ram instead of a ram behind (“him” is not in the Hebrew). This correction is almost certain, as nowhere else is the word translated behind used as an adverb of place. The ram was probably that with four horns, still common in the East.A burnt offering in the stead of his son.—We have here the fact of substitution, and the doctrine of a vicarious sacrifice. The ram took Isaac’s place, and by its actual... read more
(14) Jehovah-jireh.—That is, Jehovah will provide. In Genesis 22:8, Abraham had said “Elohim-jireh,” God will provide. He now uses Jehovah as the equivalent of Elohim. It is added that hence arose a proverb “In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen,” or rather, In the mount of Jehovah it shall be provided.—The verb literally means to see, or, to see to a thing, and the sense of the proverb plainly is that in man’s necessity God will Himself see to it, and provide due help and deliverance. The... read more
The Temptation of Abraham Genesis 22:0 This narrative has been an awful difficulty to many. Some, who have not quite cast the Bible away as God's Word, yet go near to saying that we cannot see God's Word in this passage. It is said by some that the whole incident must be explained by ideas in Abraham's mind, suggested by the practice of human sacrifices around him. Abraham thought on these till the feeling arose that his God also demanded nothing short of the life of his best beloved... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 22:14
Genesis 22:14. Called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh, &c.— When Isaac asked his father, Where is the lamb? he answered (in the Hebrew) Elohim Jireh; to which this name alludes. The answer of Christ to the Jews in these words, Abraham rejoiced to see my day, no doubt, alludes to this verse. Jehovah-jireh signifies, as Houbigant and the best interpreters agree, the Lord shall be seen. But with what propriety could this name be given to it by Abraham, if, in this transaction, he had not... read more