This chapter is a significant milestone in the narrative in Genesis. The passage begins with the words "after these things" in verse 1, implying that the writer assumed that the readers know events prior to this chapter -- that the world is a cursed broken one (Gen 3), and that through Abraham and his offsprings, God promised to bless it (Gen 12). Therefore, understanding this passage in its context, as well as its place in the larger storyline will help us uncover its richness.
(A) God sends a test to Abraham: sacrificing his treasure on the altar (Gen 22:1-8)
In Gen 22:1, it was stated plainly that God wanted to test Abraham. Note that this test, was not really a 'summative' one, which comes with a reward for excellence, but is more of a 'formative one, which is more for personal growth as weaknesses (and strengths) are pointed out. This is not a God that embarks on cruel games to play with our faith, but He is one that seeks to transform and purify our faith through the testing of it (Job 23:10).
Gen 22:3-6 give us a detailed account of Abraham's actions after hearing God's command. The writer went to great length to describe the preparation process for this sacrifice. From this, we can see that Abraham's obedience was prompt, detailed, persevering, personal responsibility and with a worshipful heart.What about ours? Unlike Abraham, our obedience is often delayed, and sometimes we avoid taking responsibility for it, choosing to push it others instead. We struggle with obeying with a worshipful heart, but instead doing so with mixed motivations, and sometimes in fits and starts. Yet, christians are called to Abraham's obedience. What are we doing with our lives? This passage challenges us to respond in personal obedience, in the Spirit of worship. Today, is there something you're putting off or disobeying?
In contrast to the previous verses, Gen 22:7-8 slow things down by having a dialogue between Abraham and Isaac. The boy Isaac asked his father where the sacrificial lamb was, because he knew that no worship was possible without the lamb. He knew that a burnt offering was the only way God's wrath could be lifted. Throughout the preparation process, blood spilt in the sacrifice was not their blood, but a constant reminder that it should have been theirs. Abraham replied to Isaac's question by declaring that God will provide a lamb. According to Heb 11:17, Abraham displayed faith and trusted that God will provide. Truthfully though, Abraham might not really know!
(B) God sends a substitute for Isaac: first a ram, and second, His only Son in his place (Gen 22:9-24)
Abraham was prepared to obey God, for he had built the altar, put Isaac on it, and tied Isaac down on it. He also had the sword ready to complete the deed. At that moment, the wonderful "but God" phrase signified God's intervention (verse 11).
God declared that Abraham displayed a fear of him, and provided for Abraham a ram with its horn trapped in a thicket. The substitute for Isaac was in the thicket. God provided exactly what he needed. God showed mercy (by preventing the death of his son) and grace (in providing the substitute).
Abraham displayed a fear of God, and this fear is worth more than precious gold. In fact, this refined faith is the gold. This fear is not one that is worried that God will get him in the back. Rather, it is one that beholds the glory and power and holiness of this God.
The passage concludes with a reiteration of God's promises and blessings to Abraham, and we see how Abraham and his family was blessed with more children.
Kent Hughes summarised this narrative nicely -- "God was asking him to act against common sense, his natural affections and his lifelong hope.” To sacrifice his only, beloved son, the son he waited his whole life for, was clearly against common sense. Abraham had no other sons, for he was commanded to send Ishmael away. How was God going to fulfill his promise?
This story ended 'happily', because Isaac was not sacrificed, and a substitute was given instead. But years later, there was another precious beloved Son, who bore the burden all the way, not to an altar, but to a cross. On the cross, the Heavenly Father did appear to act against common sense and certainly against his natural affections. Jesus died, so we did not need to. His blood was spilt as a sacrifice, so all who profess faith in him did not need to spill theirs.
Behold the Lamb that was slain, and may we walk away transformed by this good news, ready to obey promptly, and in the fear of the Lord.