rsz_articles_20webThe great faith of Abraham is displayed in Genesis 22. “God tested Abraham” by requiring him to make a three day journey to “the land of Moriah” to give his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering. This account is remembered in Hebrews the eleventh chapter – “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac” (Hebrews 11:17). It is important to recognize the immense faith required for Abraham to offer his “only begotten son.” It is stated that Abraham “received [Isaac as dead] in a figurative sense” (Hebrews 11:19). However, to fully understand Abraham’s actions we must recognize the reason he was able to have such unwavering conviction.

Abraham concluded “that God was able to raise [Isaac] up, even from the dead” (Hebrews 11:19). Abraham’s faith was rooted in God’s faithful character. Abraham trusted that God would deliver on the three promises He had made (cf. Genesis 12). As Abraham took the knife to slay Isaac he was stopped by an Angel of the Lord. His fear of God was revealed. He saw that there was a ram caught in a thicket and offered it to the Lord instead. “And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen” (Genesis 22:14, KJV). Jehovahjireh holds the meaning – the Lord will see, or provide. Because of God’s providence Abraham’s son was spared. This concept is a common theme throughout scripture.

Jehovahjireh – The Lord will provide:

  • Guidance – In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus spoke of two paths (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). One leading to life, and the other to destruction. Many go in by the latter, not because God is negligent toward His creation, but because they refuse to accept His provision. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). It is foolish to think we can find our way without God’s help. The Psalmist reveals the way in which God provides guidance – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). It is impossible to know God’s will except via revelation. God has graciously provided that for us (cf. Ephesians 3:3-7).
  • Strength – Abraham was tested by God, and we can expect the same. These tests are not without reason. James wrote, “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2). Each time we endure a test we come out being stronger. Peter penned that we will be “grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of [our] faith…though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). Strength is also provided by the Lord through chastening. The Hebrew writer proclaims by inspiration that chastening “yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11). We can accomplish spiritual feats through the strength provided us by God in Christ (cf. Philippians 4:13).
  • An Escape – Despite the guidance, and strength God provides us we tend to occasionally fall short. This is often due to our pride. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). As if His guidance via the word, and the continued strength found in it, wasn’t enough, God assures us that there will never be a temptation we cannot bear. Through His providence God makes a way of escape in every temptation we face (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13). When we sin it is certainly not because the Lord has failed to provide.
  • A Savior – An interesting connection is made between the account of God’s provision in Genesis 22, and the sending of His son. The mount named by Moses, Jehovahjireh, is among the mountains in the land of Moriah (cf. Genesis 22:2). Moriah appears only once more in scripture. The house of the Lord was built by Solomon at Jerusalem on mount Moriah (cf. 1 Chronicles 3:1). Jesus death occurred outside the gate of Jerusalem (cf. Hebrews 13:12). He died on a mountain of Moriah. The account in Genesis 22 is an obvious type – the antitype being Christ’s death on the cross. The Lord provided a ram for sacrifice instead of Isaac. He has provided His Son as a sacrifice in our stead. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Thanks be to God for His provision!