And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
God did tempt Abraham. By tempting is not meant inciting to sin (James 1:13), but trying, proving, giving occasion for the development of his faith. It was designed, not as an experiment to ascertain whether and how far Abraham trusted in God, but to bring out the faith which was so eminent a quality in his character into full display to His "praise, and honour, and glory" (1 Peter 1:7). That faith had already stood proof under a succession of nine severe trials, each more severe than the preceding (Genesis 12:1; Genesis 12:10; Genesis 12:15; Genesis 14:13-14; Genesis 16:2-3; Genesis 17:23; Genesis 20:2; Genesis 21:11; Genesis 21:14); and the new trial which is about to be described formed the climax in the course of educational discipline by which he was trained to the service of the true God. Indeed, the extent and stability of his religious devotedness were manifested in so striking a manner that he was subjected to no further trial during the remainder of his life.
And he said, Behold, here I am. This prompt answer intimated not only that he heard the divine call, but that he was ready at a moment's warning for God's service.