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 ...

§. 88. Of Promises appointed to Isaac.

It is added, Of whom it was said, that in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

* 1.1

THis hath express reference to Gods promise concerning Isaac, when Ishmael was to be cast out, Gen. 21. 12. This promise was made to Abraham, to comfort him against that grief which afflicted him upon the thought of casting out Ishmael. It is as if God had said to Abraham, What needest thou be so perplexed for parting with Ishmael? Thou hast Isaac; Isaac shall abide with thee: Isaac, Isaac, I say, and none but Isaac is that particular person who sh•…•…ll bring 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that seed, even that blessed seed, which I have promised thee, wherein all Na∣tions shall be blessed.

If casting out Ishmael grieved Abraham, what did it, to think of sacrificing Isaac?

Of the meaning this word Seed, see Chap. 2. v. 16. §. 161.

This Seed, that is here referred to Isaac, intendeth

• 1. That posterity which God had chosen for his Church, Gal. 4. 23, 26,* 1.2 27, 28.
• 2. Christ Jesus the Saviour of mankind, Gal. 3. 16.

The word which we translate, c 1.3 called, is the same here that is used Chap. 2. 11. §. 107. There see the emphasis of it. It here implyeth, that from Isaac should proceed that which is accounted and taken for the blessed seed promised to Abraham.* 1.4

The Apostle sets out the same thing in another word, thus, are counted for the seed, Rom. 9. 8. In regard of the promise of a blessed Seed annexed to Isaac's* 1.5 person, a greater triall could not have been, than this. Iob endured much: but he had express promises to support and comfort him. Abrahams fact was against the promises. To have offered up all his Cattle, all his servants, the Son of his Concubine, yea his dear wife, and his own self, had not been so great a triall, no not to have offered up all the world, as to offer up Isaac; Isaac living, a blessed Seed, and offpring might have come from him, though Abraham himself, and all others had been offered up: But Isaac being taken away without Seed, no•…•… Abraham, nor any in the world could be saved. The salvation of Abraham, of Isaac himself, and of all mankind, was put in hazard by this temptation. Thus this circumstance doth of all other most amplifie the faith of Abraham, and gi∣veth demonstration of the high pitch thereof.

In this case what might one think? Here is a promise, and a commandemen: that seem to thwart one another.

The promise, that from Isaac should descend a blessed Seed.

The Commandement, that Isaac should be offered for a burnt offering before he had any Seed.

What now might Abraham think?

To sacrifise Isaac, was to disanul Gods promise.

To refuse to sacrifise him, was to disobey Gods Commandement.

What mortal wight could in this case have reconciled these two?

But Abraham was assured that the charge was divine, given by God himself. He resolves therefore to perform it. Yet he believes the promise. He knowes not how it should be accomplished, but believes that it should be accomplished.

Hereupon in the height of his faith he saith to his son, God will provide hi•…•…∣self a Lamb for a burnt offering, Gen. 22. 8. Oh admirable, oh incredible faith!

Of all patterns of yeelding absolute and simple obedience to Gods command,* 1.6 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is the most remarkable. Noahs obedience in building the Ark (§. 27.) and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in leaving his Countrey, and dwelling in a strange Land (§. 37, 41.) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 good patterns: but not comparable to this. This therefore is the more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pondered.

First, the Lord who commands, is so absolute and supreme a Lord, as no que∣•…•… ought to be made of his command and the reason thereof. Rom. 9. 20.

Secondly, so just and equal in the matter are all the things which God 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as no just exception can be taken against them. Ezek. 18. 25.

Thirdly, so wisely in regard of the manner doth God order his commands, as it •…•…ill be a mans wisdom to yeeld obedience thereunto, D•…•…ut. 4. 6.

Fourthly, the ends of Gods commands are the best that can be, namely, the ma∣nifestation of his own glory, and procuring good to his people.

How doth this readiness of Abraham to sacrifice his Son, condemn the whole world, who upon his command will not sacrifice their filthy lusts.

Let us so acquaint our selves with God, and his excellencies, that any notice of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will may be enough to put us on to fulfill it.

Notes

• * 1.1

  V. 18.
• * 1.2

  What Isaac'•…•… seed intended.
• c 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.5

  Abrahams of∣fering up Isaac against special promises.
• * 1.6

  Simple and absolute obe∣dience.