Charles Spurgeon Commentary Genesis 22:9-10

"And they came to the place which God had told him of. And Abraham built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son." — Genesis 22:9-10 (ASV)

And laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

So that, in intent and purpose, he had consummated the sacrifice, and therefore we read in Hebrews 11:17, By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only-begotten son. He had virtually done so in the esteem of God, though no trace of a wound could be found upon Isaac. How often God takes the will for the deed with his people!

When he finds them willing to make the sacrifice that he demands, he often does not require it from them. If you are willing to suffer for Christ's sake, it may be that you will not be made to suffer; and if you are willing to be a martyr for the truth, you may be permitted to wear the martyr's crown, even though you are never called to stand at the stake, the scaffold, or the block.