This was a test, but Abraham did not know it. It seems like an evil deed, a cruel act and an unnecessary waste, but this episode had value. Abram did not know, but he was being tested. And, he was being taught. The successful performance during this test and the lessons learned would have results of both temporal and eternal value.

Isaac is identified with three terms. These three references focus this pivitol moment on what is a stake:

1. “your son” - Abraham's long awaited son
2. “only son” – there was another son and there would be others, but this was the only son of promise. The future of Abram’s nation rested on Isaac alone.
3. “Isaac” - the fulfilled promise of "laughter"

Three imperatives are used to command Abram:

1. take your son
2. go to the region of Moriah
3. sacrifice him there

The one described as “whom you love” is to become a “burnt offering” which is the Hebrew word ‘ola. Later in the book of Leviticus 'ola means a completely consumed sacrifice on the altar (minus the hide). This Hebrew word ‘ola is the Greek word holokautoma (English, “holocaust”).

The Lord stopped the sacrifice of Isaac, and a ram was used in his place, thus adding mercy to the founding of the nation of Israel. Abraham's nation of Israel will now be founded on two things:

1. The promise of God
2. The mercy of God

“Truth says, “Examine me,” while mere tolerance says, “Leave me alone.”

When the black plague swept through Europe in the 1600’s twenty-five percent of the population died. Panic and fear terrorized the people who sought answers, but had very little understanding of diseases, germs, bacteria, etc. The clergy led their people to the Mosaic Law and began to practice: quarantine
(Lev. 13:45-4), removal of dead (Numbers 19:11-22), removal of human waste
(Deuteronomy 23:12-14)