John Calvin Commentary Genesis 22:7

"And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father. And he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold, the fire and the wood. But where is the lamb for a burnt-offering?" — Genesis 22:7 (ASV)

My father. God produces here a new instrument of torture, by which he may increasingly torment the heart of Abraham, already pierced with so many wounds. And undoubtedly, God intentionally both guided Isaac's tongue to utter this tender address and directed him to this question, so that nothing would be lacking in the extreme severity of Abraham’s grief.

Yet the holy man sustains even this attack with invincible courage; and so far from being disturbed in his proposed course, he shows himself to be entirely devoted to God, listening to nothing that could shake his confidence or hinder his obedience.

But it is important to notice how he unties this inextricable knot: namely, by taking refuge in Divine Providence, God will provide himself a lamb. This example is proposed for our imitation.

Whenever the Lord gives a command, many things constantly arise to weaken our purpose: means fail, we lack guidance, all paths seem blocked. In such difficult situations, the only remedy against despondency is to entrust the outcome to God, so that he may open a way for us where there is none. For just as we act unjustly towards God when we hope for nothing from him but what our senses can perceive, so we pay Him the highest honor when, in perplexing situations, we nevertheless entirely acquiesce in his providence.