Genesis 22:16

WEB

and said, "I have sworn by myself, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son,

KJV

And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:

Commentary

And said, by myself have I sworn, saith the Lord,.... Which Aben Ezra observes is a great oath, and abides for ever; for because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself, his own nature, perfections, and life, Heb 6:13 ; hence it appears, that the Angel that called to Abraham was a divine Person, the true Jehovah: for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son; that is, from the Lord, as in Gen 22:12 ; and is here repeated as being a most marvellous thing, a wonderful instance of faith in God, and fear of him, and of love and obedience to him; for, with respect to the will of Abraham, and as far as he was suffered to go, it was as much done as it was possible for him to do, and was looked upon as if actually done: yet this is not observed as meritorious of what follows; the promise of which had been made before, but is now repeated to show what notice God took of, and how well pleased he was with what had been done; and therefore renews the promise, which of his own grace and good will he had made, for the strengthening of Abraham's faith, and to encourage others to obey the Lord in whatsoever he commands them.