Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Why would God ask Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac?  In Genesis 22 that is just what happens.  Read it and share your thoughts with us.  God gives laws later that instruct His people not to sacrifice their children or other humans.  This chapter seems directly contradictory.   Let’s look at the story through the eyes of the boy.

Isaac had seen sacrifices before and asks his father why they have the wood and the fire, but no animal.  He must have been terrified as he was tied and placed on the wood.  His father may have approached him from behind with the knife.  This could have prevented some of the terror of this situation.

Abraham told his son that God would provide the sacrifice and that is what He did.  Those who do not believe the Bible will argue that this never happened or that Isaac’s father came to his senses before it was too late.  The presence of the ram was a coincidence.  God never intended Abraham to harm his son, Isaac.  This was only a test.  Any comments?

In Genesis 23 we again read another story of the integrity of Abraham.  Even with the death of his wife, Sarah, he shows honor to those he lives among.  As a nomad, they did not own any property.  The Hittites were willing to provide a tomb for Abraham at no cost.  This was not what was needed.

If the land was to ultimately be the Patriarch’s inheritance to his offspring, why would he need to purchase land of a burial site?  As we continue to read, we will see that many of the leaders were taken to this cave and buried with their ancestors, before all the land belonged to them.

Genesis 24 tells about the marriage of Rebekah and Isaac.  Abraham’s servant is sent to the land that his master’s family calls home.  The prayers that are sent to God are significant.  They are like requests we may make to God.

If this happens, let it be your will.  Sometimes we think of this as a deal we make with our heavenly Father.  God doesn’t make deals.  He does answer prayers.  Even simple ones.

Today we marry the one that we love.  In Abraham’s day, Isaac was expected to love the wife that his father gave him.  He did.  This indicates to us that love is not an emotion but is indeed a choice.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger