Matthew Poole and continuators on Genesis 22:1

1 AND it came to pass after these things , that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: And he said, Behold, here I am .

After the accomplishment of Gods promises made to Abraham, and especially of that promise concerning the blessed seed; when now he seemed to be in a most prosperous and secure condition, he meets with a severe exercise from God.

The word Tempt is ambiguous, and signifies either 1. to intice to sin, in which sense Devils and wicked men are said to tempt others, but God tempts no man, Iam. 1. 13. Or 2. To prove or try, and in this sense God is said to tempt men. See Deut. 8. 2. and 13. 3. Iudg. 2▪ 22. Thus God tempted Abraham, (i. e.) he tryed the sincerity and strength of his Faith, the universality and constancy of his obedience, and this for Gods great honour and Abrahams great glory and comfort, and for the Churches benefit in all following ages.

An expression signifying a mans attentive hearing what is said to him, and his readiness to execute it, as v. 7. 11. and Gen. 27. 1. and 1 Sam. 3. 4, 6.

Marginal references: Heb. 11. 17.; Heb. behold me.