highplace

Genesis expands on the theme of the sacrifice in Genesis 15 and 22. Both events are pivotal to understanding the relationship between the sacrifice and God's covenants with people.

How does God confirm his agreement with Abraham? With and understood and well practiced ritual called the suzereignty ceremony. It was a treaty ratification between two Kings that designated that the agreement was morally binding on those who participated. Large animals were ritually sacrificed, cut in two and arranged down the sides of a path. Birds were sacrificed but not divided. The agreement was stated, then the one(s) who were bound to the agreement went down the path to signify "may I be like these animals should I break the agreement."

God restates his commitment to give the land to Abram, then travels down the lane alone. 

Sacrifice is necessary for a confirmation or agreement in God's economy. Genesis 15

The offering of Isaac is very interesting from many aspects. There are the basic parts of a sacrifice worthy of God: the high place, the altar of earth and a sacrifice. It is interesting that Isaac is not concerned about the trip until they are close to arriving to the location. Was it assumed that this was a normal part of everyday life? Abram assumed God would provide the sacrifice and it is further reasoned in Scripture that Abram figured that God would raise this promised child from the dead after the sacrifice was over. Genesis 22 shows that God did provide the ram for sacrifice but only after the test was successfully completed, Abram was willing to sacrifice the child of promise to obey God.

Some have said that God provided the ram because he does not require human sacrifice. However, this would place the cross and Jesus at odds with God's commands. Perhaps it is better to say that Isaac did not measure up to the known requirements for a sacrifice: he was not without defect. This passage does teach that God demands absolute obedience, which Abram passed. A secondary lesson is that children can be blessed if they follow their godly parents.

Thus, the closest a person came to being sacrificed for God was Isaac, who submitted to the trial without struggle. God endorsed sacrifice and participated in rituals involving sacrifice with Abram. However God did not demand Abram complete the sacrifice of Isaac instead accepting the ram as a substitute. One day there would be One worthy of that ultimate position of sacrifice.