Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,… I. THE SUPPORTS WHICH ABRAHAM'S FAITH DERIVED FROM PAST EXPERIENCE. 1. Consider the call and the promises given to him in Genesis 12:1-7. These were satisfactory and convincing, when we consider them in detail, and likewise who made them. 2. Consider the circumstances of the promises made to him, and the covenant entered into with him (Genesis 15.). 3. Abraham had the experience of a third call of gracious promises made to him, and a covenant-seal appended to both (Genesis 17:1-8). The seal of circumcision is appended in verse 10. Here is not only promising and entering into covenant, but giving proof and sensible experience. What could be more encouraging than the intercourse with God in these transactions? 4. What could be more experimentally satisfactory than the communion which Abraham had with the three angels? 5. Then follows the scene referred to in our text, and the trial of Abraham's faith, so much celebrated in Scripture. II. Considering all the foregoing circumstances, we may perceive THE WARRANT WHICH ABRAHAM HAD TO TRUST IN HIS COVENANT GOD IN ALL TIME TO COME, 1. He could not otherwise have been convinced of the benevolence of Him who condescended to eat and drink with him " under the tree." Such condescension and humility must have convinced him of the goodness of that God who had showed him such favour and friendship. 2. He must have been convinced of the tender regard of that God who had heard his prayer in behalf of Ishmael — had changed his wife's name from Sarai to Sarah — promised that she should have a son — and mentioned his name (Genesis 17:15-21). 3. He must have been convinced of the compassion of God to men, from the six different answers to his prayer for the inhabitants of Sodom. 4. He must have been convinced of the power and goodness of that Lord, who had, contrary to all human appearance, both made and fulfilled the promise of granting him Isaac. 5. Abraham was fully convinced "that God was able to raise Isaac up even from the dead"; and that, as He had given him, He had full right to take him away, as He might think best.Improvement: 1. Such as would imitate the faith of Abraham, should take notice of God's dealings with them in the course of His providence. 2. Such as notice not the dealings of God with them are in the dark as to the length which they have proceeded in the Divine life; and, if they continue in this state, must die in darkness at last. (James Kidd, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, |
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