Threat to Life
In the Christian tradition the stature of Abraham, the very epitome of faith and faithfulness (Hebrews 11: 8-12, 17-19; James 2: 21), is solid and unquestioned. Gunn and Fewell, however, point out that there are times when he appears hesitant and uncertain, long on dreams and hopes but short on what is going on around him, the powerful head of a family from which he is somewhat detached and in need of constant confidence boosting. Now comes the biggest test of all.
Abraham's journey had never been trouble free. Driven by his enormous conviction and never looking back, he has pursued his quest for a new home and a family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with him on the pinnacle — yet with Sarah he couldn’t even manage one child.
Then it happened. A son, in old age. With that, followed by a deal with Abimelech (21: 22-24), things began to look up. Now he really was on course for the promised land. But then (as always in soaps) when the sun comes out disaster strikes. The God who promised all this is telling him to break it up. Isaac must be sacrificed.
Why? Was the dream false? Did Abraham get it wrong? Is God testing him or is Abraham testing God? Perhaps he is gambling all to prove himself to family and friends, to God or to himself. Or is it the old tradition he grew up with (sacrificing what is most pure and precious as a demonstration of conviction) coming into conflict with the new (new beginning, new name, new ethic). What ever it is, this insecure and uncertain ‘man of faith’ is on trial once again?
At first, he has no doubt. The old holds sway. The boy must go. The new must find its own way of breaking through and no doubt will. That really is faith. The day arrives. The deed must be done. Right to the wire we go before the new reclaims control. An alternative presents itself, a reason found, the plan changed, and the sun shines again. Truly a new beginning, but only just.
How different Jewish and Christian history would have been if Abraham had got it wrong.
