Yes, God tested Abraham's faith by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac, but it was a test, not a temptation to do evil.
According to Les Feldick, God uses tests throughout Scripture to strengthen believers' faith, and Abraham was no exception. The test was extreme because Isaac was the long-promised son through whom God's covenant would continue, making the command to sacrifice him a profound test of Abraham's trust in God's promise.
Genesis 22:1-2 — These verses record God's command to Abraham to offer Isaac as a burnt offering, which is the core of the test.
The Bible recounts that after these things, God tested Abraham, saying, 'Abraham!' and he said, 'Here am I.' God then commanded him to take his son, his only son Isaac, whom he loved, and go to the land of Moriah, where he was to offer him as a burnt offering on a mountain that God would show him (Genesis 22:1-2). Genesis 21:12 further reveals that God told Abraham, 'For in Isaac shall thy seed be called,' indicating that Isaac was the son through whom God's covenant promises would be fulfilled.
Les Feldick emphasizes that God tests the faith of believers, and this was a typical pattern for new believers. He notes that Abraham had already endured painful separations, especially sending away Ishmael, whom he loved. Then, when Abraham had become attached to Isaac, God commanded him to kill him, which was an unimaginable test. But this was not a temptation to sin; rather, it was a test to prove Abraham's faith in God's promise that through Isaac would come the nation of Israel and ultimately the Messiah.
Isaac was the son of promise. God had specifically promised Abraham that Sarah would bear him a son named Isaac, and that through Isaac God would establish His covenant (Genesis 17:19). Les says that whenever God says 'I will,' it is a promise that will not fail. Isaac was the one through whom the future nation of Israel and the Messiah would come. Therefore, the test required Abraham to trust that God could still fulfill His promises even if Isaac were killed.
Les points out that Abraham had already experienced severe emotional pain. When God told him to send Ishmael away, Abraham loved Ishmael and it was excruciating. After that, he had become deeply attached to Isaac. So when God told him to kill Isaac, the emotional weight was enormous. This shows that the test was not easy but was a real trial of Abraham's faith.
The Test Introduced
Les explains that God tests the faith of believers, and Abraham was no exception; this test came after Abraham had already endured painful losses like sending away Ishmael.
Isaac as the Promised Son
God promised that Sarah would bear a son named Isaac, and that His covenant would be established with him, making Isaac a promised son who could not fail.
Abraham's Plea for Ishmael
Abraham pleaded for Ishmael's life, showing his love and the emotional investment, which made the later test with Isaac even more painful.
Jacob Becomes Israel — What Romans 9 Says About True Faith
Now I�m emphasizing that, and I�m taking it slowly, because I want you to remember now that what God promises, He is not going to let fail. And so in spite of the age of Abraham now nearing 100, and Sarah nearing 90, the promise is valid, because God said He�s going to do it. And He said, I�m going to give you a son, and you will call his name Isaac.
God's Promise is Sure
God's 'I will' statements are promises that will happen, and even if Abraham and Sarah lost sight, God's promise of Isaac was certain.
Covenant Established with Isaac
God sovereignly chose Isaac, not Ishmael, to establish His everlasting covenant, underscoring Isaac's unique role.
Why Did Israel Reject God? Romans 10:18-21 Explained
Now I�ll admit, this is one of the toughest things for me to comprehend in Scripture, that here God brought about supernaturally the nation of Israel, didn�t He? Called Abraham out of the Ur of the Chaldees, and told him right up front, I�m going to make of you a nation of people. And finally He fulfills the promise with the birth of Isaac, supernaturally, a promised son.
Isaac as True Son of Promise
Isaac is called the 'true son of promise,' and understanding Genesis is fundamental to understanding the whole gospel.
Genesis 22:1: And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
Introduces the test of Abraham's faith.
Genesis 22:2: And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
The specific command that constitutes the test.
Genesis 17:19: And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
God's promise that Isaac would be the son of the covenant, making the test even more significant.
Genesis 21:12: And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
God identifies Isaac as the son through whom the promised seed would come.
No. The King James word 'tempt' here means 'test.' God does not tempt anyone to sin, but He does test believers to prove their faith. Les Feldick explains that this was a test, not a temptation to do wrong.
Isaac was the promised son through whom God would establish His covenant and bring the nation of Israel. Les emphasizes that God's promise concerning Isaac was sure, making the command to sacrifice him a powerful test of faith.
Watch the Teaching: Abraham’s Test of Faith: Why God Asked for Isaac – Bible Study