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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadWilliam Burkitt Notes and Observations - Hebrews 11:17 - 11:17
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The next person instanced in, for the fame of his faith, is Abraham who was deservedly styled the father of the faithful; him God tries in a very extraordinary manner, by putting him upon offering up his son Isaac.
Where note, That where God gives much grace, he tries grace much; the greater the faith, the greater the trial; strong faith must prepare for strong trials. Here Abraham's faith was tried, whether he would yield to God's command against nature; his love was tried, whether his affection was not more strong to his son than to his God; and his fear was tried, whether he did reverentially acknowledge and stand in awe of God, by adoring his sovereignity and dominion over him. Trials are the best touchstone of faith, without which men will want the best evidence of its sincerity: and great trials in believers are an evidence of great faith.
Observe farther, The excellency of Abraham's faith and obedience upon this trial: he offered up his son Isaac: that is, he did it in part, and was ready to have done it thoroughly, had not God countermanded him.
Learn hence, that where there is a divine command obliging us to obedience, it is the wisdom and duty of faith to close its eyes against all insuperable difficulties and dangers. Abraham objected not against the horrid nature of the command to kill a son, his own son, his only son, the son of the promise, but deliberately, and upon due consideration, was ready to execute what God required.
Lord! what a strong faith was here, fortified with an impregnable resolution, that could make Abraham hold out three days against the violent assaults of his own nature, and the charming presence of his son, enough to melt his heart; yet nothing made him stagger in his duty, but he performs a most miraculous act of obedience, in defiance of all difficulties.
Observe lastly, The fruit and success of Abraham's faith; he believed God could and would raise Isaac from the grave, and he receive him again in a figure as one snatched out of the very jaws of death. There is no such way to enjoy the continuance of an earthly comfort, as by resigning it up to God; Accounting that God was able to raise him up even from the dead, from whence also he received him in a figure.