Genesis 22:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe how the Lord, in His loving nature, tests the righteousness of His faithful ones through the very distance of the location. Consider the trials endured by the righteous man over three days as he grappled with the command he received – the command to sacrifice his cherished son by his own hand, all the while keeping this burden to himself. Reflect on the depth of his faith and wisdom. Aware of the weightiness of God’s command, he chooses not to disclose it to anyone, neither to his servants nor to Isaac, yet he courageously undertakes the task alone. His spirit remains steadfast and unwavering, demonstrating remarkable fortitude as he willingly submits to God's will without hesitation.

The journey of the servants alongside Abraham up to the third day, during which they were instructed to remain with the donkey rather than ascend to the sacred land, symbolizes the adherence of the two nations to God through the law, which persisted until the final revelation of Christ. This journey can be understood as spanning three periods: the past, the present, and the future, with the culmination occurring in the third period. The Holy Scripture mentions that Christ appeared during the last times of the age. Thus, Israel, who followed the divine law up until the arrival of our Savior, did not choose to follow Christ by faith as he approached the death that would bring salvation to all. Instead, they were hindered from this act due to their many transgressions.

The distance from Gerara to Mount Moriah, the site of the temple, is a three-day journey. Therefore, it is stated that they arrived on the third day. It would be inaccurate for some to believe that Abraham was residing at the oak of Mamre during this period, as traveling from that location to Mount Moriah would take less than a day.

The individual who eagerly sought to obey the command remained focused. He hurriedly advanced despite his aged gait, believing he was progressing slowly as he gazed forward. While his physical abilities were diminished with age, his spiritual insight remained keen; unlike many older individuals who struggle with their vision, he not only beheld the location but also recognized it from a distance.

If God knows everything beforehand, why did He test Abraham? Not because He lacked knowledge, but to reveal to those unaware the depth of His love for the Patriarch. Thus, for three days and three nights (Genesis 22:3), He assessed His divine affection. The Patriarch, compelled by his natural instincts and faith, ultimately chose faith over his own desires; yet God, having demonstrated His righteousness, spared him from the act of sacrifice. For if He prohibited even a silent offering, how could He accept such a sacrifice? He continued to rebuke the Israelites for this behavior and expressed through the Prophet David: “They have devoured their sons and their daughters with devils.

The arrival of Abraham at the designated place of sacrifice on the third day unveils the mystery of the Trinity. Throughout Scripture, references to the third day often point towards the promise or revelation of the Trinity. For instance, in Exodus, it is stated, "We shall go into the wilderness, three days' journey" (Exodus 8:27). Upon reaching Mount Sinai, the Israelites were instructed, "Be ready for the third day; touch not your wives" (Ex. 19:15). Likewise, when Jesus was set to cross the Jordan, He instructed the people to be prepared on the third day (Hab. 1:11). Ultimately, our Savior resurrected on the third day. This significance is recalled as we reflect on how the blessed Abraham reached the location designated by the Lord on that third day.

Abraham journeyed for three days to the appointed location. This prolonged trek was divinely orchestrated to test his faithfulness and fervor for God. Throughout this arduous voyage, Abraham wrestled with overwhelming thoughts and emotions. When he gazed upon his son, compassion stirred within him, yet sorrowful reflections brought fear of disobeying the Lord. His natural affection for Isaac propelled him forward, but his devotion to God urged him towards the destined site of the offering. His paternal love whispered, “Offer a prayer to God, asking Him to spare the young man, through whom He promised to establish your multitude.

On the third day, Flavius and Jerome calculate that it takes precisely three days to travel from Bathsheba to Mount Moriah. He observed the location from a distance, undoubtedly due to a divine sign provided to him by God.

The phrase 'Seen from a distance' undoubtedly served as a divine sign pointing to the location where the offering was to take place. Prior to this revelation, Abraham journeyed without a clear destination, just as he had traveled from Chaldea to Canaan.