Lombaard's Essay Five Historical Explanations For Genesis 22

In the story of Abraham, he was given the mandate by God to sacrifice his son to him. God wanted to test Abraham’s faith and he was willing to sacrifice his son without questioning God’s orders. However, when God informed Abraham that he was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham resisted. Part of the reason that Abraham pleaded with God to not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah was that he realized that there was good in that city full of sin. That not everyone was to be punished for the faults of others. Abraham showed to have faith that God would have mercy on this city or on the few that showed no fault. He showed to have compassion not only for his close blood but for others that were innocent. As for his son Isaac, Abraham knew that God had further plans for him. He was loyal to God thus, he didn't take the sacrifice as a punishment but as a blessing. For Israelis, this could have been the way to worship God by giving up something they love. Writer Christo Lombaard says in his essay, “Five Historical Explanations for Genesis 22..”, that in order to prove spiritual compromise Israelis …show more content…
One is the world behind the text, in historical context, meaning that according to when the story occurred in the Bible, traditions, customs and beliefs should be taken in noticed when trying to interpret the text. Then the world inside which refers to the literal meaning of the text. Lastly the world in front the text which means the interpretation of the reader or writer. Because of these views narratives have formed different perspectives and have taken different meanings out of the bible. It has also formed many opinions that contradict each other's perspectives creating an internal and external conflict among many. It is difficult to know for sure the validity of every single interpretation because these views open many