Five Tests in the Life of Abraham (Part 2)
TESTS IN THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM
Abraham is possibly the most memorable Old Testament character in history. Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike know his story. He is famous for his faith and for bearing a son in his old age. But, Abraham’s life was not without challenges. This post will highlight the last 2 tests in Abraham’s life.
This is a part 2, please read part 1 before this post.
FAREWELL TEST
The fourth test in Abraham’s life is the Farewell Test. This is found in Genesis 21:9-14. This test is actually (in my opinion) a form of punishment as well. Abraham was promised a son by God. Yet, he listened to his wife Sarah and had a child through Hagar instead of waiting for the son that God promised. In the end, Abraham was forced to remove Ishmael, his firstborn son, from the home.
Genesis 21:9-14
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing. Therefore she said to Abraham, “Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, namely with Isaac.” And the matter was very displeasing in Abraham’s sight because of his son. But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called. Yet I will also make a nation of the son of the bondwoman, because he is your seed.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water; and putting it on her shoulder, he gave it and the boy to Hagar, and sent her away. Then she departed and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba.
Can you imagine how hard it must have been to hear from both his wife and God that he needed to send his son away? He knew that he was sending him into the wilderness and there was no guarantee that he would be safe. But, God promised Abraham that since Ishmael was also his son that he would be blessed. Abraham trusted that promise and said farewell to Ishmael so that Isaac would be unhindered as heir.
FAITH TEST
The fifth and most famous test in Abraham’s life is the Faith Test. This is found in Genesis 22:1-14. We know that from the beginning of their marriage itself that Sarah was barren. When God made his promise to Abraham, He said that He would have a son and that through him many generations would form. Abraham and Sarah both did not initially believe that it was possible given their old age. But God was faithful and honored His promise. Isaac, their promised son, was both to them in their old age.
Genesis 22:1-14
Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “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 on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together. Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”
