Gen 22: The Binding of Isaac

This doesn't really capture the richness of our discussion of this vital passage. Just a few things I managed to jot down. Feel free to comment!

Recap of our Discussion on July 26, 2009
Genesis 22: 1-19
The Binding of Isaac


1. In 22:1-2 what phrases emphasize the importance and difficulty of God’s command?
- “your only son”
- “whom you love”
- “God tested” – a test is difficult.

2. What was God asking Abraham to give up by sacrificing Isaac (22:2, 17:4-8, 19)?
- He was asking him to give up his son.
- Plus giving up the descendants Isaac would have had.
- He is giving up a gift.
- Abraham accepted the task so willingly – this is alarming.

Additional comments:
- The story is a foreshadowing of God sacrificing Christ.
- God wants us to follow God’s law, which is “Love God and others” (all the other commandments are contained in that statement. Just like Prego spaghetti sauce – it’s all in there).

3. Describe some of the thoughts and emotions you would have if you were Abraham; Sarah; Isaac.

Abraham:
- Confused.
- Torn between trusting God and the love of my only son.
- If I were Abraham, I wouldn’t do it; it is too much to ask.
- I would think I was just hearing things.
- Abraham never expected to go through with it. He used logic and knew that God loves Isaac and wouldn’t carry it out.
- But then it’s not a test.

Isaac:
- confused.
- Would he trust his father after that?
Isaac knew how committed his father was to the Lord
Isaac learned that when the Lord makes a promise he keeps it

Sarah:
Probably wasn’t told what was going on.

4. Compare Abraham’s response to God’s intentions in Gen 18:22-33 with Abraham’s response to God’s command here in 22:1-19.
In Gen 18 Abraham negotiated with God over Sodom. If Abraham had negotiated here in Chapter 22, then the story would not be making the point about trust. So a negotiation does not fit with the point of this story.

5. What did Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac prove (22:12)?
- He was willing to follow God’s orders.
- Obedience.
- That he had respect for the Lord.
- What if Abraham had disobeyed? Did Abraham think he would be punished?
- A question – what was Abraham’s belief about life after death?

6. How did God respond to Abraham’s willingness (22:11-18)?
- God made Abraham go to the very edge of sacrifice.
-God stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac.
- God accepted a substitute (like Christ).
- The promise to Abraham is repeated.
- Did the promises God gave before this chapter include “taking over the land of your enemies.”??

7. What does this episode reveal about God (22:1-2, 12-18)?
- God is consistently cranky.
- God is demanding in vv 1 & 2, merciful in 12-18.
- God is good for his word – He keeps a promise.
- It is impossible to understand God’s motive.
- God is a little jealous of Isaac – God needs to know that Abraham loves the Lord more than Abraham loves Isaac.

8. Why do you think this story is in the Bible?
- To reinforce the covenant.
- To illustrate trust, faith, willingness to obey.
- Political – to reinforce the Hebrews’ claims that the covenant passes through Isaac and to justify taking the land from their enemies.

9. What is the test (22:1)? Who/what is being tested?
- Abraham’s faith is being tested.
- The point of the story is trust
- No, the point of the story is faith

10. What happened to Isaac at the end of the story? (Read Gen 22:19, Gen 24:62, Gen 24:67)
- Isaac was the next step in the fulfillment of God’s promise.
- He went back with his father.
- We don’t know if he still had a good relationship with his father after this incident.