Saturday 7 November 2026

Psalm 19

Background
Animal sacrifice is part of Old Testament worship but throughout the Old Testament human sacrifices were regarded as an abomination. Surrounding nations may have practised human sacrifice but God’s people were called to be different. In such a context, the story of the testing of Abraham today is likely to have caused a reaction of horror when told. God is presented as testing Abraham by calling him to sacrifice his son Isaac, the child of the promise, for whom he has waited for so long.

I want to ask questions for which the text does not offer any answers. Why does Abraham go along so willingly with this command from God? When he tells Isaac that God will provide the burnt offering, does he believe that Isaac will be saved? How does Isaac react when he is bound and laid on the altar? The Jewish title for this episode is ‘The binding of Isaac’. Although Isaac is saved and God provides a ram in his place, I cannot imagine the impact of this experience on Isaac. The story reminds the reader that the God who promises also commands and tests. It highlights the obedience of Abraham and God’s provision. Nevertheless, I find the story disturbing and wrestle with it.

In late Jewish texts, this story is interpreted as an archetype of Old Testament animal sacrifice, where an animal suffers in the place of a human worshipper. This is not something that's appealing to the modern mindset and is outside our understanding today.

In the New Testament, this story is seen as a foreshadowing of the death of Jesus. Romans 8:31-32 tells us that God did not withhold his own son but gave him up for us all. This is echoed in John 3:16 and in 1 Peter 1:18-19, we are told that God ransomed us with the blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or defect. And Abraham is held up as a hero of the faith. Hebrews 11:17-19 reads: "By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, ‘It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named after you.’ He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead– and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back."

To Ponder:

• Many people wrestle with Scripture and have their favourite passages and ones which they avoid. How do you approach passages which you find difficult, and do you think God still speaks to you through them?
• I admit to wrestling with this passage and think it is important to be honest about our questions and struggles. How would you answer someone who questioned you about Abraham’s apparent willingness to sacrifice his son?

Prayer
Lord, thank you for the richness of the Bible and for the way you speak through it. Help me to hear your voice and to know you more as I read, wrestle and listen for your word today. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Kate Cambridge
Kate is a presbyter in the Winchester, Eastleigh and Romsey Circuit. In her free time she enjoys doing laundry (!), spending time with her family and wrestling ball point pens off her miniature poodle.