This is one of the most touching stories in the Bible. Abraham finally had a son, Isaac, (as God promised) in his old age (a hundred years old, in fact).
But surprisingly, God later commanded Abraham to “take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering” (Gen. 22:2).
Abraham, the role model of trust in God, obeyed. The story relates that the boy Isaac asked his father why there were fire and wood but no lamb for a sacrifice. Abraham answered, “God will provide.” Abraham bound the boy and raised his knife to kill him, but was stopped by an angel, who said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God” (v. 12).
The angel said that because of Abraham’s faith God would surely bless him.
Many ancient nations near Israel practiced child sacrifice. Israel always condemned it.
The near sacrifice of Isaac has been a favorite subject for artists throughout the years.
