Abraham took the wood, and laid it upon Isaac— Hence it appears, among other circumstances, that Isaac must have been full-grown at this time. Josephus reports him to have been twenty-five. It appears probable that he was more: there were about thirty-seven years from his birth to the death of Sarah; so that it is not unlikely, that in age, as well as in bearing the wood, on which he was to be sacrificed, he represented Christ, who bore his own cross, and was above thirty years old. It is also observed, that Isaac, being of this age, must have voluntarily submitted to be bound and sacrificed by his father, as so old a man could not have had strength sufficient, had Isaac resisted. Josephus puts a pathetic speech into Abraham's mouth on the occasion, and describes Isaac's submission as the result. But nothing can be conceived more pathetic and affecting than the plain narrative here given by Moses; the natural and melting inquiries of Isaac; the resolved, yet tender replies of the father. Here too we may discern in this willing oblation of Isaac, a figure of His oblation who freely gave himself to die for the salvation of sinners.
REFLECTIONS.—With silent awe the patriarch hears, and hesitates not to obey. A thousand arguments, no doubt, arose (notwithstanding all we have urged). Can God enjoin what he hath forbidden? Must Abraham become an unnatural monster? Can human sacrifices please him? and must a father murder his son? Can such an unreasonable as well as unnatural command come from God? What and where then is the promised Seed? Sprinkled with the blood of her son, how shall I meet the upbraiding mother? and what will the nations think, when shuddering with horror they hear the dreadful tale? Thus flesh objected: but faith consults not with flesh and blood: convinced, beyond the possibility of doubt, that he had God's warrant, he hastes to fulfil the dire command.
1. Early in the morning he rose. Neither deliberation nor delay is admitted. Note; In difficult trials of faith, what we do we must do quickly.
2. He makes the needful preparations, cleaves the wood, where each stroke must have hewed his heart with pangs; saddles his beast for dispatch, and, probably unknown to Sarah, hastes away. Note; The distress of others for him, is apt to melt down the martyr, more than his approaching suffering.
3. After three long days' journey, where every step must have been anguish, the place appears. Abraham undaunted sees it afar off, and dismisses his servants, lest they intrude and hinder him: alone he must bear the shock. Note; When we approach God in worship, intruding thoughts and cares should be shut out.
4. Isaac, the darling son, now bears the wood on which he must be extended a breathless corpse; Abraham the fire to consume him, the knife to slay him. Who can abide it? What faith can stand? Grace is omnipotent.
5. No stranger to the wonted rites of sacrifice, the lovely Isaac with innocence demands, My Father,—a melting word! a piercing remembrancer!—where is the Lamb? Ah, hapless boy! might Abraham bleeding with tenderness say: it cannot be; thou must not lie down weltering in blood beneath my hand, my cruel hand.—No, unmoved, unshaken, he replies, My son, God will provide himself a lamb. Thou art the sacrifice; he gave thee me, and he demands thee back again.
6. The spot is fixed, the altar rises, the wood is laid. Stupendous faith! The son, the seed, the Isaac, the darling, is bound, is laid; the knife is drawn, the arm extended, the point descending into the shivering flesh. Who can regard the attitude, and not be struck with sacred dread, with holy horror, and deep amazement at such determined obedience. God sees well pleased, and stays the descending stroke.