Abraham’s Sacrifice. 77

 

called his name Isaac, which in their language
meant ‘Laughter, because they were so
pleased to have him; and they loved him very
dearly, and only thought of bringing him up
well, thinking often, no doubt, of the great
people that should descend from him and
possess the land in which they were living as
strangers. And now, when Isaac had grown
_ to be a big boy, it pleased the Lord to give
Abraham a great opportunity of showing his
faith, and leaving a good example to all who
know his story.

“One night, when Abraham had laid down
to rest, he heard the voice of the Lord God
calling to him, and saying, ‘ Abraham!’

“And Abraham answered—

“* Behold, here I am,’

“ And then the Lord spoke again, and said—

“*Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac,
whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land
of Moriah, and offer him there for a burnt-
offering upon one of the mountains that I
will tell thee of.’

“What terrible words for Abraham to hear,
as he listened for God’s voice in the darkness !
His son, his dear child that he loved so, and
from whom he hoped so much—to be com-
manded to kill him!