A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 87. Of the Relations betwixt Abraham and Isaac.

THe foresaid child of joy is further described by the special relation that was be∣twixt him and Abraham: and that in sundry branches.

• 1. He was a Son, in general a Son of man. To have sacrifised him, had been 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• 2. He was his Son. Thus he had a special charge of him: in which respect, that act might seem to be inhuman.
• 3. He was his own Son: begotten of him; not adopted as Eliezar was, Gen. 15. 2. This makes it seem unnatural to offer him up.
• 4. He was his only begotten Son: and so there was no hope of another in that kind. This made it seem the more strange.
• 5. In the history this clause is added, whom thou lovest, Gen. 22. 2.

The LXX. do there translate that phrase by a word that signifieth a 1.1 one on whom all love is cast. See Chap. 3. v. 1. §. 17. yea they double that word of affe∣ction, thus, Thy beloved Son whom thou lovest: He was a beloved one, both in his fathers affection, and also by his own desert.

If we add to these relations sundry circumstances expresly noted in the histo∣ry, about Abraham's going about this strange act, we shall find his faith the more rare: for

• 1. He rose up early in the morning: A note of his alacrity.
• 2. The place where he was to offer up his Son, was three days journey from him: An evidence of his constancy.
• 3. The wood wherewith Isaac should be burnt upon the Altar, was layd on Isaac's shoulders. Isaac himself carried it.
• ...

• 4. Abraham himself carryed the fire to kindle it.
• 5. The child in this journey asketh his Father, where the offering was: which question could not but pierce the bowells of a tender Father.
• ...

  6. The Father and child being both come to the top of the Mount, the Father erects an Altar, layeth wood thereon, binds his Son, layeth him on the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon the wood; stretcheth forth his hand, and takes the knife to slay his Son.

  Was ever the like heard? yet behold more.

Notes

• a 1.1

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