What does Genesis 22:22 mean?
In verse 20, Abraham learned some news from the land he left behind when God called him to enter Canaan. Abraham's brother Nahor had fathered several children with his wife Milcah. They include Buz, Uz, and Kemuel, who became the father of Aram. Additional names given in this verse include Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel. In the following verse, we'll learn that Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. Rebekah would eventually marry Abraham's son Isaac.Genesis 22:20–24 relates a few details about Abraham's extended family. The prior story involved God's test of Abraham's faith, which Abraham passed through his trusting obedience. The following section begins chapter 23, which relates the death and burial of Abraham's wife, Sarah.
In a test of Abraham's faith and obedience, God commands Abraham to do a terrible thing: kill and offer his son Isaac, whom he loves, as a burnt offering. Abraham sets out to obey without hesitation, having finally learned to trust God's goodness over his own misunderstandings. Instead of allowing the boy to be sacrificed, the Lord calls out to Abraham moments before he kills Isaac, laying bound on an altar. Because of Abraham's obedience, God renews and emphasizes His promises of blessing, multiplied offspring, and victory over future enemies.
