Why did God ask Abraham to kill his son?

Father and son on seashore

Abraham and Isaac

Many people may develop a distorted perception of God based on this story. God's request may appear ethically and logically challenging.


( 22:2 )

How it all started...

Promise of God

Let's revisit the past and explore events that unfolded years ago. Here is a reflection on the promises that God made to Abraham at that time.


( 17:16,19,21 )

God's commitment is to establish a covenant with Isaac, the only son born to Sarah. This promise predates Isaac's birth, indicating God's clear intention to preserve Isaac's life. However, let's examine Abraham's reaction to God's promise.

Abraham exhibits a lack of faith in God's message.


( 17:17 )

Abraham's actions do not reflect a strong faith in God.

Abraham still does not trust in God.

Later, God reiterated His promise to Abraham. This time, Abraham did not express any doubt, although Sarah did.


( 18:10-13 )

Can we now affirm that Abraham truly has faith in God? If he did, God wouldn't need to reiterate His promise. Furthermore, the subsequent verse indicates that Abraham still lacks trust in God, as he deceives Abimelech, the king of Gerar, by falsely claiming that Sarah is his sister. This act suggests Abraham's concern that his death could jeopardize the fulfillment of God's promise, given that without him, there would be no Isaac.


( 20:2 )

( 20:11 )

A year later, God fulfilled His promise to Abraham by giving him a son, just as He had assured. Did this event alter Abraham's faith in God?

The evidence that affirms Abraham's exceptionally strong faith in God, surpassing our imagination.

Years later, when Isaac had grown, God made a shocking request to Abraham. Surprisingly, Abraham responded promptly and executed precisely what God had commanded. Despite Abraham's deep love for his son Isaac, his only child with Sarah, he did not withhold him from God.


( 22:2,3,9,10 )

( 22:12 )

This moment in the Bible is profoundly significant, not solely for its ethical aspects, which usually captivate people's attention.

Initially, God had a complete understanding of Abraham—his capabilities and limitations—before making the request. Similarly, God possesses foreknowledge of everyone else before any actions or words take place.


( 139:2-4 )

At the same time, Abraham holds unwavering faith in God, confident that God's promises will be fulfilled. He undoubtedly understands that God will uphold His pledge to establish a covenant with Isaac and his descendants. Therefore, in Abraham's conviction, Isaac cannot perish outright. If death occurs, Abraham trusts in God's ability to bring Isaac back to life or to intervene in a way that aligns with His promise. Abraham expresses this unwavering trust, stating that both he and Isaac will return, anticipating that God will provide the necessary sacrifice.


( 22:5 )

( 22:7-8 )

This demonstration of Abraham's faith is presented for us, the readers of the Bible, to underscore the depth of the faith exhibited by the individual chosen by God. It serves to emphasize the profound significance of Abraham's actions and faith for all of us.


( 22:18 )

Abraham did not sacrifice his son; rather, it was God who sacrificed his...

While Abraham believed that his son would ultimately be alive, the specifics of how and when remained unknown. Isaac, in a sense, was 'dead' for Abraham during the prolonged three-day journey to the mountain designated by God, and 'rose' on the third day at its conclusion. This poignant parallel echoes the crucifixion and resurrection of God's Son, Jesus, who was crucified and rose on the third day.


( 22:4 )

( 15:4 )

Without grasping the profound love and fear that compelled Abraham to be willing to sacrifice his son, we may struggle to comprehend God's love for us. God, too, gave His only son to endure the cross for our salvation.


( 3:16 )