Bible Study Brief: Genesis 22

Sunday, February 21

Genesis 22:1-18

The story of the binding of Isaac, or the (near) sacrifice of Isaac, is perhaps one of the most perplexing of all scripture, particularly to modern Western readers. Why would God, who we learned in the Genesis story created everything for sheer delight, test a most faithful follower in such a brutal way? Why would God destroy the one link that will keep this new covenant intact?

It is a difficult story, which a happy ending does not make easier along the way. There are, however, some glimmers of hope in the story.

1, God calls Abraham directly and by name. Abraham's name means "Father of Multitudes", so we have a clue that God still expects Abraham to hold this position of honor. He's already been told that Isaac will be the one to carry on the covenant, not Ishmael (born of the slave-wife Hagar) or anyone else in his household.

2, Abraham appeases young Isaac's curiosity by assuring him that "God will provide for the sacrifice". Even if Abraham thinks Isaac is the sacrificial lamb, we can hope with Isaac that God will provide something else.

3, We know (Abraham does not) from the beginning that this is a test. By the end we can see that it is not simple obedience that is being tested; Abraham has already proven that by leaving his homeland, waiting for Sarah's pregnancy, and heeding God's instruction. The test seems to be about Abraham's respect, fear, awe, and reverence for God; how much will he do to show his love for this God?

Remember, at this point in scripture YHWH is still a new idea. God is distinguishing Godself from other gods around at the time. Child sacrifice may have been a "common" or at least not surprising religious practice. YHWH shows that this God is a different god--not only not requiring but not wanting human sacrifice. (Animal sacrifice will be acceptable until the time of the prophets.)

So what we learn in this story is that God is a different kind of God, not wanting sacrifice, providing what is needed (both a son for the covenant and an animal for the sacrifice) and keeping and even expanding the covenant. It is difficult to get past the violence, but the violence isn't the only thing in the story. Ultimately God is still about life; it's almost a resurrection story, when death seemed sure and God provided for life.