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James 2:23

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

James 2:23 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on James 2:23

Theological / Devotional

Fulfilled. That is, fully realized (cf. Gen. 15:6; see on Matt. 5:17). Before the birth of Isaac God declared that Abraham would have many descendants (see on Gen. 15:1–5). This prophecy depended upon the birth of a son and the perpetuation of the family line. Abraham believed God’s promise would come true even though he was still childless in his old age (see on Gen. 15:6). Now, many years later, God called for an act that would apparently thwart the original promise to make Abraham a great nation. But Abraham still trusted the wisdom of God and obeyed.

Believed. See on Gen. 15:6.

Imputed. Gr. logizomai, “to reckon,” “to count” (see on Rom. 4:3). Abraham was declared righteous because he trusted God’s word and joyfully accepted the promise of a Redeemer (see on Gal. 3:6). The crowning evidence that he trusted God was revealed in his willingness to slay Isaac at God’s command-an act that apparently would have nullified God’s own promises. This supreme ordeal vindicated God’s declaration of the patriarch’s worthiness.

Friend of God. See 2 Chron. 20:7. This title was commonly applied to Abraham by the Jews, and is current among Arabs today. The transparent genuineness of Abraham’s trust in God is an example all should aspire to emulate.

By SdaBc