16 and said, “I solemnly swear by my own name, decrees the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will indeed bless you, and I will greatly multiply your descendants
(1) Because of 2 things that Ab had done God now bless Ab (see EBC). Not only did he not withholding his son, but also Ab had done "this." What is "this?" Offered the lamb as burnt offering?
In v.18, God explained why He blessed Ab, 18 Because you have obeyed me, all the nations of the earth will pronounce blessings on one another using the name of your descendants.”
Whatever "this" refer to, together with not withholding his son and his obedience, they were the reasons that God blessed Ab. The blessings were based on his obedience and his action to show that.
(2) Both the word "bless" and "multiply" were emphasized (infinite absolute + imperfect). However, what God blessed and multiplied were almost the same as what God had promised Ab when he believed (see EBC). Why did God blessed now based on his obedience?
Is obedience the expected result of faith? Therefore, what God had promised previously was based on the expected obedience now? Faith and obedience are inseparable (James 2:21-24).
Reflection: Ab fell many times in between Gen 12 and 22. He did not protected his wife, and told others that she was his sister. He slept Hagar to have Ishmael. However, God saw the faith in him in Gen 12 and gave him the blessings. God knew that the true faith will have obedience, although it was not seen in Ab.
Am I patient with b/s who has true faith, but lack in their obedience in the mean time?
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