Abram and Isaac

I'm almost done with Abram, but thought one more story might be good to lead us on our way. This final event occurs after the name change from Abram to Abraham, and involves the son who came in fulfillment of the event that inspired the name change - God's promise to Abram. We begin by placing ourselves, as much as possible, in the period and home of Abram. Some of the following narrative involves speculation on my part; feel free to disagree with my characterization.Abram was a wealthy man. His wife, Sarai, was very beautiful, so Abram was fearful that some man would kill him so they could have Sarai for a wife. Sarai, was barren, so Abram had his first son, Ishmael, by his wife's maid. Abram was the oldest male of Terah's line in Canaan, and was responsible for his nephew, Lot, and Lot's property. Abram did not enjoy conflict, and would avoid it by moving or acquiescing whenever possible. Abram only fought if required by some over-riding responsibility.Abram loved Ishmael. Ishmael was the first sign of Abram's manhood. The fact that Ishmael was not Sarai's son did not bother Abram at all. It surely bothered Sarai, but no formal protest was possible. As mentioned in a previous post, Ishmael's existence was a constant demonstration of Abram's short-coming as a husband.When Abram's son, Isaac, by his wife, Sarai, was born, Abram was thrilled. Ishmael was about 14 years old, likely beginning to assume some adult responsibilities in Abram's household. A much younger brother would not have impacted Ishmael much under ordinary circumstances, but Abram's love for Sarai and his fear of losing her made Abram's family life far from ordinary. Sarai was even more delighted than Abram. Here was proof that she was not cursed by God; she now had given birth, and to a son.When Isaac was weaned, likely when Ishmael was 16 or so, Abram threw a party. Ishmael was teasing his little brother, and this bothered Sarai. Remember that Ishmael's existence was a constant reminder that she had not, at least in the past, been sufficient for Abram. So Sarai demands that Abram get rid of Ishmael. Abram was unwilling to kick out his eldest son and heir, but was convinced to do so by his wife and his God.I know this is a lot of background, but I believe an understanding of Abram's family and environment is important to fully understand the impact on Isaac of Abram's test. You see, the Biblical author focusses on Abram in this test. God commands Abram to offer Isaac as a burnt offering, which Abram prepares to do. Throughout the journey, Isaac recognizes that an important part of the sacrifice is missing. They have wood, fire, the ability to construct an altar, but have brought no animal to actually sacrifice. What a shock it must have been to this lad when his father begins tying him up."Dad, what are you doing?""Well, Isaac, God told me to sacrifice you here on this mountain, and I figure you will struggle when I go to kill you, so I am tying you up to prevent the struggle.""Wait! What!?!""God told me to kill you and burn you, so that is what I am preparing to do."The two questions I have asked myself about this story are: What does Isaac learn about God? and, How does Isaac feel about his father after this? I do not have an answer for either of these questions, but I am certain that this experience, though it proves Abram's faith, had an impact on Isaac. Yes, he did not die as a sacrifice. Yes, he experienced the blessing of God as his property increased. But certainly his experience with God, would be affected by God's request for child sacrifice. What might God ask of Isaac, if he asked Abram for this? On a different note, would there be any sense of deja vu when God favoured Jacob, the second-born, instead of Esau, the elder son?I'm not sure that there is much of a take-away from this thought, but I hope to encourage anyone who reads these posts to reflect on all the characters in the narrative. God deals with the whole world. He deals with nations, cities, and groups. But He also deals with individuals. When we love Him, He promises to make all things work together for our good. This means that, even if we face a situation like Isaac faced, if we love God, He is working that situation for our good.