Jan. 23 Daily Question

(1) Why does Abraham agree to the request made of him by God? (2) Is Abraham lying in 22:5 and 22:8? (3) What is the God’s intention in making Abraham go through with this ordeal? (4) Is Abraham praiseworthy? Is God?

In part, there is an undeniable component of Abraham’s response to God’s request that has to do with the associated promise of making a name through the many descendants he will bear. Though this seems counter-intuitive to the very reason which distinguished Abraham from other men to be worthy of Fathering these generations, all of the difference is made by the fact it was offered by God, and not a self-pursuit. Kass suggests that Abraham may have possessed some intuition about the existence of an intelligent source, namely a God, and also suggests that the nature of God presenting himself to Abraham in the form of an intelligent and personal voice hinted that God was indeed a God was a reason for his yes.

On Abraham’s words found in 22:5 and 22:8, it is easy to claim that Abraham’s statements present themselves to be contrary to the intentions it was known were behind is actions, but in truth, when interpreting his words as coming from someone truly God-fearing and believing, it can be seen that his words actually convey trust and faith in God’s plan. Whether or not he knew that God would make him carry out that deed alters the context slightly, but it is undeniable that Abraham had faith that it was for a greater purpose.

Reflecting a theme echoed throughout the beginning of Genesis, I believe it is not incorrect to say that Abraham was chosen for this task because he was worthy of being and instrument or vehicle for the execution of God’s mercy in creating a people. God obviously saw that Abraham was unlike many other men, but did have the same needs as those men that just chose to act with more greed, and therefore appealed to that need given that he knew that Abraham would be willing and capable of serving him.

Regarding Abraham, to say the least, he is definitely deserving of praise. Especially compared relative to other men with other aspirations inspired by greed and the desire to make a name or a legacy, Abraham is unique. As Kass points out, there are many circumstances (even burdens one could say) that Abraham has placed on him that might put him in a position to want to seek glory, but even then he is “as far as possible from the self satisfied.” Answering this question while considering God is an interesting question. Taking this to be interpreted in the context of the particularly unique and slightly outrageous things he asked to be done, it is impossible to see that that should disqualify him from being seen as someone worthy of praise. It is through God that we even exist in the first place to either pursue or not pursue for self-interested reasons, and it should logically translate to an authority He should have to wish to know about the people he is wishing to bestow his mercy and goodness upon, especially because nothing requires him to do it. Despite man’s sin and imperfection, he is willing to continuously act generously, and the praiseworthy component of his actions should not be reduced to the conditions he places on the acts of mercy that he performs voluntarily.