execute the divine command. Having come in sight of the mountain, he ordered his servants to abide in their place, lest they should officiously interpose to prevent the intended offer- ing. He put the wood on his son, and carried the fire and the knife in his own hands. Affecting as these preparations must have been to a father's heart, how must their poignancy have been heightened by that pertinent question, which was put to him by his sone! His answer, like many other prophetical expressions, conveyed more than he himself probably was aware of at the moment. Without giving a premature disclo- sure of his intention, he declares the advent of Jesus, that Lamb of God, who in clue time should come to take away the sin of the world f. Thus for three successive days did he maintain his resolution firm and unshaken.]
Having arrived at the spot determined by God, he with much firmness and composure proceeded to execute his purpose —
[He built the altar, and laid the wood upon it in due order. Then with inexpressible tenderness announced to Isaac the command of God. Doubtless he would remind his son of his preternatural birth ; and declare to him God's right to take away, in any manner he pleased, the gift he bestowed g. He would exhort him to confide in God as a faithful and un- changeable God ; and to rest assured, that he should, in some way or other, be restored, after he was reduced to ashes, and have every promise fulfilled to him. Having thus gained the consent of his son, he binds him hand and foot, and lays him on the altar ; and, with a confidence unshaken, and obedience unparalleled, holds up the knife to slay the victim. Whether shall we more admire the resolution of the father, or the sub- mission of the son ? O that there were in all of us a similar determination to sacrifice our dearest interests for God ; and a similar readiness to yield up our very lives in obedience to his will !]
Nothing but the interposition of God himself pre- vented the completion of this extraordinary sacrifice —
[God had sufficiently tried the faith of his servant. He therefore, by a voice from heaven, stopped him from giving the fatal blow ; ordered him to substitute a ram in the place of Isaac ; renewed to him with an oath his former promises ; rendered him a pattern to all succeeding generations ; and, no doubt, is at this instant rewarding him with a weight of glory, proportioned to his exalted piety.]
e ver. 7. f vcr. 8. John i. 29. e Job i. 21.
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