There is so much to consider in these verses, I struggle with which direction to take us. I will suggest a few things ... but feel free to post your own observations and challenges from this passage ... it is phenomenally rich!
Chapter 22 begins with the words, "Some time later". How much later? We don't know exactly. We know that Isaac was most likely weaned at about 3 years old. That was the custom of the time. Piecing together the bit of ages and chronology that we have, Isaac is most likely anywhere between teen years and possibly 25 to 30 years old. He is no toddler when this event occurs. He is most likely young and strong ... and his father is quite old. In fact Abraham needed a donkey to begin the journey ... he needed to ride rather than walk. We must not miss those facts as we read ... Isaac could certainly have overpowered his elderly father and gotten away had he so desired. It is his willingness to go with his father ... to carry the wood himself ... to most likely crawl up on the altar to be bound ... that previews for us the coming sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf. That willingness. That surrender to the father's will.
Chapter 22 tells us that God sends Abraham to the "region of Moriah." Why so far? It is about 30 miles from the region of Beersheba where Abraham was currently living. He has an altar there. Why not use that one instead of the journey, the building, the carrying supplies, etc? Again, there is foreshadowing of the coming sacrifice of our Lord. The region of Moriah is the area where Jerusalem will stand ... the Temple ... and nearby, Mount Calvary. The location was so precise. So the little company begins the journey ...
When studying scripture, there is a "principle of first mention" which has to do with noting when and how an important word or concept is first used in scripture. "The context of that mention sets the pattern for the words primary usage and develpment all through the rest of Scripture". (Henry Morris, "The Genesis Record") Chapter 22 is the first time we see the word, "love". Such an important, key word in the entire Biblical story ... and here is its first usage. The first occurance of the word is not in relationship to a man and a woman ... nor to a mother and child ... not brotherly love ... or love of country or family or tribe ... not even love of man for God ... but of a father's love for his son. All love subsequently flows from a father's love for his son ... for God's love within the Trinity. And another foreshadowing of our coming Savior is seen. And speaking of "firsts" ... the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) are 3 different portraits of Jesus ...
First use of "love" in Matthew:
Matthew 3:17 "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.'"First use of "love" in Mark:
Mark 1:11 "And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.'"First use of "love" in Luke:
Luke 3:22 "And the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: 'You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.'"What about the gospel of John? I suspect you are sitting down ... and it is a good thing because ... the first mention of "love" in John is:
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."This amazing love ... this Father to Son love ... has been extended to you and I! And we are stunned into silence. Abraham to Isaac ... God to His Son ... God to me. Are you willing to give yourself ... all that you are and have ... into the hands of this God? The God who initiates love ... who extends love.
Amazing love ... how can it be?!
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