📘 Genesis 22 – The Covenant Tested and Confirmed
“It’s Only A Test”
(Part 22 in the “God Keeping Covenant” Series)
INTRODUCTION
Genesis 22 is one of the most profound moments in Scripture.
Abraham has waited 25 years for Isaac, the promised son — the covenant son. Isaac is everything:
Then suddenly, God calls Abraham’s name and gives the most difficult command:
“Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and offer him as a burnt offering.” (Gen. 22:2)
This chapter reveals:
Theme: God keeps covenant by testing faith, providing sacrifice, and confirming His promises with an oath.
Genesis 22:1–2 – God Tests Abraham
“God tested Abraham…”
This is not to destroy him but to reveal what’s inside him.
God already knew Abraham’s heart — the test was to show Abraham his own faith.
Covenant Lesson:
Covenant faith must be tested to be trusted.
Illustration:
Gold is heated to reveal impurities. God tests faith to purify it
Genesis 22:3 – Abraham’s Immediate Obedience
“Abraham rose early in the morning…”
No hesitation.
No bargaining.
No delays.
Covenant Lesson:
Delayed obedience is disobedience. Covenant obedience acts immediately.
Genesis 22:4–5 – “We Will Worship and We Will Return”
Abraham saw the mountain from afar and told the servants:
“I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.”
This shows resurrection faith.
Abraham believed God could raise Isaac back from the dead (Hebrews 11:17–19).
Covenant Lesson:
Covenant faith speaks the end before the beginning.
Illustration:
A parent praying over a sick child saying, “You shall live and not die” — speaking covenant over crisis.
Genesis 22:6–8 – “God Will Provide Himself a Lamb”
Isaac carries the wood — symbol of Christ carrying His cross.
Isaac asks, “Where is the lamb?”
Abraham answers:
“God will provide Himself a lamb.”
Prophecy.
Promise.
Provision.
Covenant Lesson:
When you obey, God provides.
Illustration:
God never gives vision without provision. Where He guides, He provides.
Genesis 22:9–10 – Abraham Lifts the Knife
Isaac willingly lies on the altar — foreshadowing Christ’s obedience.
Abraham raises the knife — 100% committed.
Covenant Lesson:
God waits until faith is fully surrendered.
Genesis 22:11–14 – Jehovah-Jireh: The LORD Will Provide
The angel calls out:
“Do not lay your hand on the boy…”
Then Abraham sees a ram caught in a thicket.
This is:
Abraham names the place:
“Jehovah-Jireh” – The LORD Will Provide.
Covenant Lesson:
Provision is found in the place of obedience.
Genesis 22:15–18 – God Swears by Himself
For the first time in Scripture, God makes an oath:
“By Myself I have sworn…”
He promises:
