Chapter 22 Chapter 22 The Akedah

Chapter 22 1Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” 3Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”

Chapter 22 6Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. 9When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 12“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

Chapter 22 13Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” 15The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16and said, “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” 19Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.

What is going on with this? The Akedah What is going on with this?

Chapter 22 1Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Where did this happen? The area around Jerusalem/Golgatha would have plenty of wood, so they would not have needed to bring any. Tradition says that the “sacrifice” of Isaac took place either at the temple site or at Golgatha. Do we ever bring extra supplies that you might need on a trip? Would it then be unreasonable to bring firewood even though there would likely be some on location? We do not know the precise location. If the location was the same as Calvary, it would be great. It is no big deal if it is not.

Chapter 22 1Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Alternative view of the command: Hebrew ~ ‘alah: to ascend (to be or go on high) God did not tell Abraham to kill Isaac so much as he wanted a formal commitment of Isaac to himself. Hermeneutical principle: Scripture is the best interpreter of scripture

Chapter 22 1Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Alternative view of the command: Hebrew ~ ‘alah: to ascend (to be or go on high) God did not tell Abraham to kill Isaac so much as he wanted a formal commitment of Isaac to himself. Hermeneutical principle: Scripture is the best interpreter of scripture Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 19Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.

Chapter 22 1Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Why would God tell Abraham to do this? A test: What is Abraham really made of in terms of faith. (He has had some serious ups and downs.) Tossing Sarah to Pharaoh and Abimelech. Going to Egypt in the first place The Hagar thing Wanting Ishmael to be the child of the covenant

Chapter 22 1Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Why would God tell Abraham to do this? A test: What is Abraham really made of in terms of faith. (He has had some serious ups and downs.) It was never God’s intent to have Isaac sacrificed The rich young ruler loved his wealth the most Do you love me more than these (the fishing stuff) Note that God is not specific as to the destination. We have seen this before in Chapter 12

Chapter 22 1Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Does God ever ask us to do what seems to be ridiculous or repulsive? Abraham, go somewhere (Ch.12) Wait for Sarah to get really old to have a baby Great plan for Joseph! Wait . . . Israel striking out on their own without long term provisions “Go wander in the desert” Great plan to defeat Jericho “Ezekiel, play siege on your side for 400 days. Cook over poop!” “Jonah, go tell the evil people to repent so that they don’t die.” “Hosea, marry a prostitute and love her!” “Sell all that you have and follow me.”

Chapter 22 1Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Does God ever ask us to do what seems to be ridiculous or repulsive? Safe sexual experience for marriage stay sober be generous love others more than yourselves always be truthful/honest be forgiving hold to absolute values

Chapter 22 1Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Does God ever ask us to do what seems to be ridiculous or repulsive? How do you know it is what God wants you to do? Is the action (inaction) consistent with Scripture. Seek the counsel of others who are spiritual riskers Pray a lot and listen to the Spirit. Beware of whims (Hagars)

Chapter 22 1Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” 3Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. Abraham does not delay to obey God in this. He plans ahead, which removes all excuse for not following thru All of his hopes are now resting fully in his trust that God can accomplish the impossible/unreasonable; that God is ultimately good.

Chapter 22 1Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” 3Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”

Chapter 22 6Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Ironic that Isaac carries the wood. Jesus carried the wood of his sacrifice

Chapter 22 6Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.

Chapter 22 9When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. How old was Isaac at this point? Some traditions have held to mid 20s to 30s. Isaac is addressed as a “boy” in verse 12. He was old enough to carry the wood, but young enough to be called a boy. Early teens?

Chapter 22 9When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.

Chapter 22 9When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 12“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” We know that God loves us completely because he did not withhold his one and only son.

Chapter 22 9When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 12“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” A bit of speculation: Perhaps Abraham was getting so attached to Isaac and the promise in him that God was getting pushed to the side in the fashion of the rich young ruler of Matthew 19:16-22. Do we want the giver over the gift?

Chapter 22 9When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 12“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” God only commanded this once. Is there anything that I am withholding from God? (This is mine!) We get just one passion. God thinks that it should be him. All other passions become gods and seek to rule us. In submission to God, they find fulfillment / proper place.

Chapter 22 13Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” Maybe God doesn’t a certain thing out of your life, but rather he wants your priorities to be right and will take extremes to accomplish this in you. Enjoyment and pleasure are fine, but when they become “gods”, they turn into destructive things. A home is a good thing, but it is to be lived in, not adored. Motorcycles are wonderful, but are not a way of life. Children are gifts from God, but are ruined if worshipped.

Chapter 22 13Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” Maybe God doesn’t a certain thing out of your life, but rather he wants your priorities to be right and will take extremes to accomplish this in you. Maybe in this, it was really Abraham who needed to be put in his proper place. Isaac would assure Abraham’s legacy for all time. Isaac could have become looked at as the completion of his life. Perhaps Isaac has become all about Abraham. Through Isaac, God would pass his blessing to all nations. It was never supposed to be about Abraham.

Maybe, in effect, it was Abraham who was being sacrificed. Chapter 22 13Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” Maybe God doesn’t a certain thing out of your life, but rather he wants your priorities to be right and will take extremes to accomplish this in you. Maybe, in effect, it was Abraham who was being sacrificed.

You have to give them up to find out. Chapter 22 13Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” Maybe God doesn’t a certain thing out of your life, but rather he wants your priorities to be right and will take extremes to accomplish this in you. You have to give them up to find out.

Once your priorities are straight, you can walk in God’s blessing. Chapter 22 15The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16and said, “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” Once your priorities are straight, you can walk in God’s blessing. But you might have to wait . . .

Chapter 22 15The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16and said, “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” 19Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.

(Of course there is. It has been like this since Eden!) Chapter 22 Take an inventory of your personal theological system. Is there a competition for who my God is? (Of course there is. It has been like this since Eden!)

Take an inventory of your personal theological system. Chapter 22 Take an inventory of your personal theological system. Is there a competition for who my God is? In the end, it is more than likely me. (My consumption with my benefit my comfort my enjoyment my plans for me my legacy.)

Take an inventory of your personal theological system. Chapter 22 Take an inventory of your personal theological system. Is there a competition for who my God is? In the end, it is more than likely me. What will it take to dethrone me? (What will it take to get me to walk in God’s blessing rather than my own?)

Take an inventory of your personal theological system. Chapter 22 Take an inventory of your personal theological system. Is there a competition for who my God is? In the end, it is more than likely me. What will it take to dethrone me? Wandering around until you give up? Losing the object of your misplaced devotion? Loss of everything until you have One devotion to choose?

Take an inventory of your personal theological system. Chapter 22 Take an inventory of your personal theological system. Make this a Moriah . . .

All to Jesus, I surrender all to him I freely give I will ever love and trust him In his presence daily live I surrender all, I surrender all all to thee, my blessed Savior I surrender all

All to Jesus, I surrender humbly at his feet I bow worldly pleasures all forsaken take me Jesus, take me now I surrender all, I surrender all all to thee, my blessed Savior I surrender all

All to Jesus, I surrender make me savior, wholly thine may thy Holy Spirit fill me may I know thy pow’r divine I surrender all, I surrender all all to thee, my blessed Savior I surrender all

All to Jesus, I surrender Lord I give my self to thee Fill me with thy love & power let thy blessing fall on me I surrender all, I surrender all all to thee, my blessed Savior I surrender all

The Calvary Church www.calvarychurchmatteson.org