Genesis 26:5

Abraham obeyed. The obedience of the father is here given as the reason for the blessings that would come upon the son. It is also an implied promise that similar action on Isaac’s part would bring similar results. James explains that Abraham’s faith, for which he was rightly praised by Paul (Romans 4:1-5), was perfected by his obedience (James 2:21-23). Neither trust nor obedience is complete without the other.

My voice. Whenever God spoke, Abraham always obeyed without delay (Genesis 12:1–4; 22:1-3).

My commandments. “Commandments” refers to precepts given by God (1 Samuel 13:13; 1 Kings 13:21), by a father (Proverbs 4:1, 4; 6:20), by a king (1 Kings 2:43; 2 Kings 18:36), or by a teacher (Proverbs 2:1; 7:1, 2). Such a precept, to walk perfectly before God, had been enjoined upon Abraham at the age of 99 (Genesis 17:1).

My statutes. This refers to divine laws, ceremonial (Exodus 13:10; Numbers 9:14; etc.) as well as moral (Deuteronomy 4:5, 8, 14; 6:24; etc.).

My laws. Ethical instructions as well as ceremonial and spiritual precepts (Job 22:22; Isaiah 8:16, 20).

This verse includes most of the Hebrew words that refer to divine laws or commandments. Abraham diligently observed them all, whether they came directly from God or whether they had been handed down from past generations. He purposed in his heart to obey God implicitly; where he failed, he approached God with the sacrifice of contrition upon the altar of his heart (see Hebrews 7:25; 8:1-4). He left his native land, he offered his son, he carried out the rite of circumcision, he paid tithe. The same must certainly have been true with regard to phases of God’s law not specifically mentioned in connection with his life story. God’s own testimony, here given, makes it certain, for instance, that Abraham was faithful in Sabbath observance, as he was in other matters, such as tithe paying.