Verses 11–14
It was not God's intention that Isaac should actually be sacrificed, yet nobler blood than that of
animals, in due time, was to be shed for sin, even the blood of the only begotten Son of God. But
in the mean while God would not in any case have human sacrifices used. Another sacrifice is
provided. Reference must be had to the promised Messiah, the blessed Seed. Christ was sacrificed
in our stead, as this ram instead of Isaac, and his death was our discharge. And observe, that the
temple, the place of sacrifice, was afterwards built upon this same mount Moriah; and Calvary,
where Christ was crucified, was near. A new name was given to that place, for the encouragement
of all believers, to the end of the world, cheerfully to trust in God, and obey him. Jehovah-jireh,
the Lord will provide; probably alluding to what Abraham had said, God will provide himself a
lamb. The Lord will always have his eye upon his people, in their straits and distresses, that he may
give them seasonable help.
Verses 15–19
There are high declarations of God's favour to Abraham in this confirmation of the covenant
with him, exceeding any he had yet been blessed with. Those that are willing to part with any thing
for God, shall have it made up to them with unspeakable advantage. The promise, ver. #(18),
doubtless points at the Messiah, and the grace of the gospel. Hereby we know the loving-kindness
of God our Saviour towards sinful man, in that he hath not withheld his Son, his only Son, from
us. Hereby we perceive the love of Christ, in that he gave himself a sacrifice for our sins. Yet he
lives, and calls to sinners to come to him, and partake of his blood-bought salvation. He calls to
his redeemed people to rejoice in him, and to glorify him. What then shall we render for all his
benefits? Let his love constrain us to live not to ourselves, but to Him who died for us, and rose
again. Admiring and adoring His grace, let us devote our all to his service, who laid down his life
for our salvation. Whatever is dearest to us upon earth is our Isaac. And the only way for us to find
comfort in an earthly thing, is to give it by faith into the hands of God. Yet remember that Abraham
was not justified by his readiness to obey, but by the infinitely more noble obedience of Jesus
Christ; his faith receiving this, relying on this, rejoicing in this, disposed and made him able for
such wonderful self-denial and duty. (Ge 22:20-24)
Verses 20–24
This chapter ends with some account of Nahor's family, who had settled at Haran. This seems
to be given for the connexion which it had with the church of God. From thence Isaac and Jacob
took wives; and before the account of those events this list is recorded. It shows that though Abraham
saw his own family highly honoured with privileges, admitted into covenant, and blessed with the
assurance of the promise, yet he did not look with disdain upon his relations, but was glad to hear
of the increase and welfare of their families.