Offering of Isaac: Test of Faith
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thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest.” That command must be
obeyed. Day was approaching, and he must be on his journey.
Isaac lay sleeping the untroubled sleep of youth and innocence.
For a moment the father looked upon the dear face of his son, then
turned tremblingly away. He went to Sarah, who was also sleeping.
Should he awaken her? He longed to unburden his heart to her and
share with her this terrible responsibility; but he was restrained. Isaac
was her joy and pride; the mother’s love might refuse the sacrifice.
Three Sad Days
Abraham at last summoned his son, telling him of the command
to offer sacrifice on a distant mountain. Isaac had often gone with his
father to worship, and this excited no surprise. The wood was made
ready and put upon the ass, and with two servants they set forth.
Father and son journeyed in silence, the patriarch pondering his
heavy secret. His thoughts were of the proud, fond mother, and the
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day when he should return to her alone. He knew that the knife would
pierce her heart when it took the life of her son.
That day—the longest Abraham had ever experienced—dragged
slowly to its close. He spent the night in prayer, still hoping that some
heavenly messenger might say that the youth might return unharmed
to his mother. But no relief came to his tortured soul.
Another long day. Another night of humiliation and prayer. The
command that was to leave him childless was ringing in his ears. Satan
was near to whisper doubts and unbelief, but Abraham resisted his
suggestions.
As they were about to begin the journey of the third day, the
patriarch saw the promised sign, a cloud of glory hovering over Mount
Moriah. He knew that the voice which had spoken was from heaven.
Even now he did not murmur against God. This son had been
unexpectedly given; had not He who bestowed the precious gift a
right to recall His own? Then faith repeated the promise, “In Isaac
shall thy seed be called”—a seed numberless as the grains of sand
upon the shore. Isaac was the child of a miracle, and could not the
power that gave him life restore it? Abraham grasped the divine word,
“accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead.”
Hebrews 11:19
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