Genesis 22

1 did tempt. That is, proved his faith and obedience. Abraham’s faith was supported by the conviction that God could raise up Isaac from the dead (Heb. xi. 19). His obedience was rewarded by fresh promises (vers. 15-18). Dr. Marcus Dods (Expositor’s Bible) on the whole narrative says: “So far from introducing into Abraham’s mind erroneous ideas about sacrifice, this incident finally dispelled from his mind such ideas and permanently fixed in his mind the conviction that the sacrifice God seeks is the devotion of the living soul not the consumption of a dead body.”

2. Moriah. i.e., the land afterwards called Moriah. It was the site of the Temple (2 Chron. iii. 1).

4 third. The distance is nearly fifty miles, and takes more than twenty hours with camels. The length, giving time for reflection, proved that the conduct of Abraham was deliberate.

8 provide. Heb. “see”; perhaps, “choose.” See ver. 14.

11 angel of the Lord. See on xvi. 7.

12. Now I know. For comment on Abraham’s action see Heb. xi. 17-19; Jas. ii. 21-24.

14. Jehovah-jireh. Repeating his word, ver. 8 (Elohim jireh, “God will provide”).—shall be seen. i.e., “shall be provided.”

16 sworn. The oath of God adds nothing to the validity of His promise; but it does to the consolation of the believer, showing God’s condescension to the weakness of our faith; see Heb. vi. 17-19.

17 gate. Places of concourse for official and judicial proceedings, business and gossip (Gen. xix. 1; Deut. xvii. 5; Ruth iv. 1-12; 2 Sam. xv. 2; etc.).

18 seed. Or, “through thy seed.” This, as explained in Gal. iii. 16, intimates that the Messiah should be of the posterity of Abraham. And cf. Gal. iii. 8, 9.