And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. From first to last, he betrayed no symptom of vacillation, though there must have been a fearful conflict between affection and duty. The trial was protracted almost to the last moment; and just as the life of the victim was on the wing, the trial was suddenly terminated. The surrender of Isaac was unreserved and complete; the sacrifice was virtually offered; the intention, the purpose to do it, was shown in all sincerity and fullness; and hence, it is spoken of as actually made (Hebrews 11:17; James 2:21).