Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryGenesis 22

Genesis 22:1-2: Abraham Commanded to Offer Isaac This passage tells about a great test of Abraham’s faith. After many years of following God and overcoming hard times, Abraham faced his most difficult challenge yet. God asked him to offer up his beloved son Isaac. This test was not to make Abraham sin, but to show how strong his trust in God really was. The story highlights how even faithful people still face new tests, and that God sometimes asks us to give up what we love most to prove our trust in Him.v. 1: The trial came “after these things,” after Abraham had already faced many difficulties . Abraham may have thought troubles were over, but a new, harder test appeared. This teaches us that just because we have overcome problems before, it does not mean we will not face more challenges in the future (1 Kings 20:11; Psalm 30:6-7 ).

v. 2: God Himself gave Abraham this test. He called Abraham by name, and Abraham answered quickly, ready to listen. But instead of a new promise, God gave a hard command: to take his only son Isaac, whom he loved, and offer him as a burnt offering in the land of Moriah . God made the test harder by reminding Abraham that Isaac was his only son by Sarah, the son he loved very much, and the one God had promised. Abraham was to travel three days to the place, so he had time to think about what God was asking. This test showed that Abraham’s love for God had to be greater than even his love for his own son (1 Peter 1:7 ).

Genesis 22:3-10: Abraham’s Obedience This passage shows how Abraham obeyed God’s difficult command to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham did not argue or delay, even though there were many reasons that could have made him hesitate. He trusted that God’s command must be followed, even when he did not understand why. Abraham’s actions here are a powerful example of faith and obedience, and also point to the sacrifice God would later make by giving His own Son for the world.v. 3: Abraham got up early in the morning and prepared everything for the sacrifice. He took two servants, Isaac, and the wood for the burnt offering, and set out for the place God had told him . Abraham did not delay or argue. He acted quickly because he trusted God’s command, even though it was hard. When God tells us to do something, we should not wait, but obey right away.

v. 4: On the third day, Abraham saw the place God had chosen from far away . This gave him time to think deeply about what God had asked him to do, making the test even harder.

v. 5: Abraham told his servants to stay behind while he and Isaac went on alone to worship. He said, “we will come again to you,” showing his faith that somehow both he and Isaac would return . When we worship God, we should try to leave distractions behind and focus on Him.

v. 6: Abraham put the wood for the sacrifice on Isaac to carry, while he himself carried the fire and knife . This is a picture of Isaac’s obedience and also reminds us of how Jesus carried His own cross (John 19:17 ). Abraham and Isaac went on together, both trusting God.

v. 7: Isaac asked Abraham where the lamb for the burnt offering was, since they had the fire and wood but no animal . Isaac knew enough about sacrifices to notice this. His question showed he trusted his father but was also curious and maybe worried.

v. 8: Abraham answered that God would provide the lamb for the offering . Abraham did not explain everything, but he showed faith that God would make a way. This also points to Jesus, whom God would provide as the true sacrifice for sin.

v. 9: They arrived at the place God had told Abraham about. Abraham built an altar, arranged the wood, then tied up Isaac and placed him on the altar . Isaac did not resist but trusted his father and God. Abraham was ready to obey, even though it was very painful.

v. 10: Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to kill his son as an offering . This was the final act of obedience, showing that Abraham was willing to give up what he loved most to obey God. Abraham’s faith here is an example for all believers, showing that we must be ready to give up anything for God if He asks us (Luke 14:26 ).

Genesis 22:11-14: Isaac Rescued These verses show how God stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac at the very last moment. The story changes from a scene of sadness and fear to one of relief and joy. God saw Abraham’s faith and provided a ram as a substitute offering. The place was named Jehovah-jireh, meaning “The Lord

v. 13: Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in a bush by its horns. He took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering instead of Isaac . This was God’s way of providing a substitute, and it points forward to how Jesus became a sacrifice for us. God provided what Abraham needed at just the right moment.

v. 14: Abraham named the place Jehovah-jireh, meaning “The Lord

Genesis 22:15-19: Abraham’s Blessing Confirmed In this passage, God rewards Abraham’s obedience by confirming and expanding His promises. After Abraham showed he was willing to give up his beloved son Isaac, God spoke to him again from heaven. God made a special oath, repeating the promises of numerous descendants, victory over enemies, and blessings for all nations through Abraham’s offspring. This moment shows that when people obey God in difficult times, He often brings even greater blessings.v. 15-16: The angel of the Lord

v. 17: God promised again to bless Abraham and give him many descendants—“as the stars of the heaven and as the sand on the seashore.” God also said Abraham’s seed would possess the gates of their enemies . This means Abraham’s family would be strong and successful. When we give our best to God, He can return blessings far greater than what we have given up (Matthew 19:29 ).

v. 18: God said that through Abraham’s seed, all nations of the earth would be blessed . This points to Jesus Christ, who would come from Abraham’s family and bring blessing to the world (Galatians 3:16 ).

v. 19: Abraham returned to his servants, and together they went back to Beer-sheba, where Abraham lived . Abraham’s faith was rewarded, and he went home with God’s promises confirmed and his son Isaac still with him.

Genesis 22:20-24: News of Nahor’s Family This passage shares the news that Abraham’s brother Nahor’s family was growing. Even though Abraham’s own family was chosen for special blessings and promises, he was still happy to hear about his relatives’ prosperity. This information is also important because it introduces Rebekah, who will later become Isaac’s wife. It reminds us that God cares about families and works through them in His plan.v. 20: After these events, Abraham was told that his brother Nahor’s wife, Milcah, had also given birth to children . Abraham did not ignore his family, even though God had given him special promises.

v. 21-22: The names of Nahor’s children are listed: Huz, Buz, Kemuel (who was the father of Aram), Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel (Genesis 22:21-22 ). This shows the growth of the family and prepares us for the story of Rebekah.

v. 23: Bethuel, one of Nahor’s sons, became the father of Rebekah . Rebekah will be important later as Isaac’s wife.

v. 24: Nahor also had children with his concubine Reumah: Tebah, Gaham, Thahash, and Maachah (Genesis 22:24 ). The Bible records these names to show how God was growing and blessing Abraham’s extended family as well.