Genesis 22:16

16 and said, "I am taking an oath on my own name, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not refused to give me your son, your only son,

Genesis 22:16 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 22:16

And said, by myself have I sworn, saith the Lord
Which Aben Ezra observes is a great oath, and abides for ever; for because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself, his own nature, perfections, and life, ( Hebrews 6:13 ) ; hence it appears, that the Angel that called to Abraham was a divine Person, the true Jehovah: for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son,
thine only [son];
that is, from the Lord, as in ( Genesis 22:12 ) ; and is here repeated as being a most marvellous thing, a wonderful instance of faith in God, and fear of him, and of love and obedience to him; for, with respect to the will of Abraham, and as far as he was suffered to go, it was as much done as it was possible for him to do, and was looked upon as if actually done: yet this is not observed as meritorious of what follows; the promise of which had been made before, but is now repeated to show what notice God took of, and how well pleased he was with what had been done; and therefore renews the promise, which of his own grace and good will he had made, for the strengthening of Abraham's faith, and to encourage others to obey the Lord in whatsoever he commands them.

Genesis 22:16 In-Context

14 Abraham named that place The LORD Will Provide. It is still said today, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."
15 Then the Messenger of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time
16 and said, "I am taking an oath on my own name, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not refused to give me your son, your only son,
17 I will certainly bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the grains of sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of their enemies' cities.
18 Through your descendant all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
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