Child Abuses

In Chapter 17 of the second book of the Kings, we find the collapse of the northern kingdom, Israel. The last king Hoshea, son of Elah, ruled for nine years and Israel was conquered by Assyria. At first he paid tribute to Shalmaneser king of Assyria (2 Kings 17:3). Later, he courted the support of Egypt and this political blunder angered Shalmaneser. After the conquer of Israel, Shalmaneser exiled the Israelites to different places in the Assyrian Empire: in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes (2 Kings 17:6b). Moreover, the Assyrian king completely diluted the root of Israel by moving in other peoples to occupy Samaria.
And the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sephar-vaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the people of Israel; and they took possession of Samaria, and dwelt in its cities (2 Kings 17:24).
The Israelites were completely uprooted. They were less fortunate than the Jews who were also conquered and exiled some 150 years later to Babylon. When the Babylonians took over the Assyrian Empire, they did not send the Israelites home. There was no Cyrus in the Babylonian Empire. He would be a Persian king. Historically speaking, the ten tribes of Israelites have vanished. Nowadays, we only have Jews and no Israelites of OT origin.
The Deuteronomist author attributed the fall of Israel not to any economical or political reasons but religious ones (2 Kings 17:7-18). Idolatry was widespread. Not only did the Israelites build altars to worship fertility idols (2 Kings 17:8-12), they ignored the warnings from Yahweh's prophets (2 Kings 17:13-14). They did not obey the commandments of the Lord (2 Kings 17:15-16). The most horrifying and disgusting of all, they practised human sacrifices with their own children!
And they burned their sons and their daughters as offerings, and used divination and sorcery, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking him to anger (2 Kings 17:17).
Child abuses were widespread. Unlike modern couples who live in nuclear families and give birth to one or two children, people in ancient times gave birth to many children due to high mortality rate. Children were less precious in their eyes. It is against this background that we should think about the sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham. It was a test which Abraham passed with flying colours. Isaac was the only child Abraham had in old age because earlier on, he had driven Ishmael away, the son of Hagar, the maid of Sarah. Isaac must be the most precious in Abraham's eyes. Yet, Yahweh tested Abraham and told him to offer Isaac as a burnt sacrifice (Genesis 22:2). Of course, satisfied with the faithfulness of Abraham, Yahweh stopped Abraham from killing Isaac and gave him a ram to offer as a burnt sacrifice instead (Genesis 22:13). This story is difficult to handle.

The very idea of God testing a man is rather disturbing. James has written the following.
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one (James 1:13).
Perhaps we should distinguish between tests and temptations. Tests are occasions for us to prove our worth whereas temptations are occasions in which we will fall victim to our lust and desires. Therefore, we can explain God's test of Abraham away as an opportunity for the Israelites to show off the super-heroic quality of their patriarch.
Now, why a test in such a way? Why not other forms of test? In making such a demand, how is Yahweh different from the other baals?
Some theologians would explain that this story abolishes the malpractice of child sacrifice. Yahweh demanded it in order to demolish it. But others would turn the table around and argue that even Yahweh demanded child sacrifice in the first place. As the supreme Law-Giver, Yahweh could simply decree the abolishment of child sacrifice. Every word of His is a law and He would not utter a word in vain. He cannot contradict Himself. Therefore, what makes child sacrifice illegitimate? I really have no satisfactory defence.
Worse still, in making such a harsh demand on a 107-year-old man, how can we say that Yahweh is good? Peter Chiu, the ex-vice principal of La Salle College held this view. God cannot be benevolent in treating an old man in such a harsh way. It is really a difficult position to defend, a mystery indeed. I could only say that eight years ago, Abraham was able to bargain with God in order to save Sodom and Gomorrah. He was portrayed as a very capable but over-confident negotiator. Therefore, eight years later, the author of Genesis painted an Abraham of deep faith, wisdom with humility --- God will provide (Genesis 22:8). Such wisdom was shown in Job as well.
the LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD (Job 1:21b).
I am not sure whether this is a satisfactory answer. But thus far I have reached.

My Advocate, keeping Your commandments is a sure path to eternal life. I pray that I may be able to keep them with faith and humility. Amen.