Bible Discussion Thread

This is one of my most favorite chapters in the Old Testament. For those who just finished reading this chapter, I encourage you to read Romans ch. 4 and Hebrews ch. 11:17-19. There is a direct connection between this chapter in Genesis and those I cited from the New Testament concerning faith.

The chapter opens with God's plan to test Abraham and his faith. This is both a physical and spiritual test. God is omniscient, meaning he knew every thing that will ever happen before he creation including all of the thoughts, intentions, words spoken, and actions of each and every person from before creation. God didn't need to find out what Abraham would decide or do. He wanted to test Abraham for Abraham's sake. God calls to Abraham; He initiates the encounter. Abraham did not go to God and say, "Lord, what can I do to prove my faith to you." Here I am." Abraham did not tarry in responding to God. he was not wary of God, nor did he think that serving God was a burden.

God explains what he wants Abraham to do. I have always been amazed that God would ask Abraham to do what everyone throughout history knows is wrong; kill another person. Yet the Bible says that God cannot be tempted by evil (can't recall the verse in the NT). Abraham knew that it was wrong before God to kill/sacrifice another person. The idolaterous people did this, sacrificed their children to Molech (Baal), laying them on the hands of the giant idol with a fire below his hands and in a chamber within his form. Abraham knew that Isaac was in essence his only son because God said to send Ishmael away and he was no longer a part of Abraham's family. He loved Isaac deeply having waited 100 years for Isaac to be born (25 years after God promised he'd be born). Isaac was probably close to adulthood at this time, or old enough to marry and have children to fulfill the promise of the covenant. Yet Abraham reconized that God is God and ne is not. He knew God. He trusted God. See more...

Hi Gigi Some added incite James 1:13 God can't be tempted neither tempt he any man, the word tempt in Genesis 22:1 there is the word nasah which is to try or prove. When Gods word is followed he proves or shows what he can and will do which was Abrahams great example of Believing what he said to do. But to try and tempt God would be to go against what is written and expect him to bail you out. Perhaps some added perspective.