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[222]
Now Abraham greatly loved Isaac, as being his only begotten 1
and given to him at the borders of old age, by the favor of God. The child
also endeared himself to his parents still more, by the exercise of every
virtue, and adhering to his duty to his parents, and being zealous in the
worship of God. Abraham also placed his own happiness in this prospect,
that, when he should die, he should leave this his son in a safe and secure
condition; which accordingly he obtained by the will of God: who being
desirous to make an experiment of Abraham's religious disposition towards
himself, appeared to him, and enumerated all the blessings he had bestowed
on him; how he had made him superior to his enemies; and that his son Isaac,
who was the principal part of his present happiness, was derived from him;
and he said that he required this son of his as a sacrifice and holy oblation.
Accordingly he commanded him to carry him to the mountain Moriah, and to
build an altar, and offer him for a burnt-offering upon it for that this
would best manifest his religious disposition towards him, if he preferred
what was pleasing to God, before the preservation of his own son.
1 Note, that both here and Hebrews 11:17, Isaac is called Abraham's only begotten son, though he at the same time had another son, Ismael. The Septuagint expresses the true meaning, by rendering the text the beloved son.
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