The Attack

Abraham Commanded to Offer Isaac

In faithful obedience, Abraham had left his native country and had wandered as a stranger in the land he was to inherit. He had waited long for the birth of the promised heir, and at the command of God he had sent Ishmael away. And now, when it seemed his hopes were about to come true, a trial greater than all others was before him. 1TC 88.1

The command must have wrung that father’s heart with anguish: “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, ... and offer him there as a burnt offering.” Isaac was the light of his home, the comfort of his old age, the inheritor of the promised blessing, but he was commanded to shed the blood of that son with his own hand. It seemed a fearful impossibility. 1TC 88.2

Satan was there to suggest that he must be deceived, for God’s law commands, “You shall not kill.” God would not require what He had forbidden. Going outside his tent, Abraham remembered the promise that his descendants were to be as countless as the stars. If this promise was to be fulfilled through Isaac, how could he be put to death? Abraham bowed upon the earth and prayed as he had never prayed before for some confirmation of the command if he must perform this terrible duty. He remembered the angels who were sent to reveal God’s purpose to destroy Sodom and who gave him the promise of this same son Isaac. He went to the place where he had met the heavenly messengers, hoping to receive some further direction; but none came. The command of God was sounding in his ears, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love.” That command he must obey. Day was approaching, and he must be on his journey. 1TC 88.3

Isaac lay sleeping the untroubled sleep of youth and innocence. For a moment the father looked upon the dear face of his son, then turned away trembling. He went to Sarah, who was also sleeping. Should he awaken her? He longed to unburden his heart to her and share with her this terrible responsibility, but he did not dare. Isaac was her joy and pride; the mother’s love might refuse the sacrifice. 1TC 88.4