Hebrews 11:18

"By faith, Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. Yes, he who had gladly received the promises was offering up his only born son,"

Key Reflection

This passage highlights Abraham's profound trust in God, even when the command seemed impossible. By offering Isaac, Abraham demonstrated that his faith was not just about believing in God’s promises but also about being willing to sacrifice everything for God's will.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 18. Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called. Ge 21:12. A numerous posterity had been promised to him. It was there said expressly that this promise was not to be fulfilled through the son of Abraham by the bond-woman Hagar, but through Isaac. Of course, it was implied that Isaac was to reach manhood; and yet, notwithstanding this, and notwithstanding Abraham fully believed it, he prepared deliberately, in obedience to the Divine command, to put him to death. The phrase, "thy seed be called," means, that his posterity was to be named after Isaac, or was to descend only from him. The word "called," in the Scriptures, is often equivalent to the verb to be.

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