Abraham
In the realm of Old Love Songs, we often find narratives of romantic affection, longing, or heartbreak. But what constitutes a love song can extend beyond the romantic. Sufjan Stevens, a master of musical storytelling, offers a profound exploration of a different kind of love in his song “Abraham.” This track, aptly named and deeply moving, delves into a story of faith and devotion that resonates with timeless themes found within the broader spectrum of old love songs – the enduring power of commitment and the poignant beauty of sacrifice.
Sufjan Stevens is, to many, a musical genius. His artistry, evident since his early work, captivates with its originality. From his evocative poetry to his intricate instrumentation, his songwriting consistently delivers a unique and deeply satisfying listening experience. He possesses a rare gift for musical storytelling, drawing inspiration from unexpected places and expressing profound truths in compelling ways. This is particularly true within his 2004 album, Seven Swans, a collection almost entirely inspired by biblical narratives, and the source of the song “Abraham.”
The story at the heart of “Abraham” is far from obscure. The test of faith imposed upon Abraham by God, as recounted in Genesis 22:1-19, is a narrative familiar to many, even those who may have encountered it in literature classes rather than religious contexts. It’s a tale of immense pressure, of unwavering belief, and ultimately, of divine intervention.
Stevens, however, presents this well-known story with a fresh perspective, stripping away assumptions and inviting deeper reflection. His delivery is characterized by a sweet, almost vacant timbre, a hallmark of his vocal style, set against a minimalist backdrop of a repeating guitar riff, note by single note. This sparse musical arrangement creates a melancholic atmosphere, forcing the listener to focus intently on the weight and emotion carried within each carefully chosen word. The potency of his language stands in stark contrast to the economy of his lyrics and the song’s skeletal structure.
Despite its brevity, “Abraham” encapsulates the core elements of the biblical narrative with striking clarity. Stevens sings of:
- Abraham’s unwavering faith: “Abraham/ Worth a righteous one,”
- The arduous journey to Mount Moriah: “Take up on the wood/ Put it on your son,”
- The agonizing intent to sacrifice: “When the angel came/ You had raised your arm,” and finally,
- The divine substitution: “Put off on your son/ Take instead the ram/ Until Jesus comes.”
(These concise lines nearly constitute the entirety of the song’s lyrics. The remaining line, “Lake or Lamb/ There is none to harm,” adds a layer of poetic ambiguity, inviting further interpretation of divine protection and provision. )
The song pauses abruptly after depicting Abraham, knife in hand, poised above his bound son, Isaac. During this instrumental break, Stevens employs a gentle falsetto descant over the looping guitar, allowing the immense tension of Abraham’s intended act to hang in the air, unresolved. This understated approach grants the audience space to confront their own sense of anguish and empathy for Abraham’s impossible dilemma.
But Stevens’ intent extends beyond merely evoking empathy for Abraham’s internal conflict. He guides us through this emotional landscape to facilitate a shared sense of elation in the song’s subsequent verse.
Following the instrumental interlude, the angel of the Lord intervenes, halting Abraham’s hand and revealing a ram caught in nearby thickets as a divine substitute (Genesis 22:13). This substitution allows Abraham to fulfill God’s command without sacrificing his son. Stevens then subtly shifts the narrative forward, pointing towards a future sacrifice: “until Jesus comes,” before concluding with a repetition of the instrumental outro, fading out as quietly as the song began. Yet, for the listener, the song’s impact lingers long after the music ceases.
In the silence that follows, Stevens creates space for personal reflection, prompting connections between the events of the story and the Christian message he alludes to. The listener is invited to contemplate the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus (Romans 3:25), a sacrifice that extends beyond saving Isaac, offering salvation to all humanity from the consequences of sin (Romans 8:28). Our shared anguish mirrors Abraham’s as we consider the inevitable consequence of sin: death and separation from God. Correspondingly, our elation mirrors Abraham’s relief as we contemplate the undeserved substitute provided through Jesus.
Through “Abraham,” Sufjan Stevens masterfully communicates the profound depth of this Old Testament narrative, allowing listeners to glimpse the magnitude of divine love. In Abraham’s trial, we witness a powerful demonstration of God’s love, and for a brief moment, we experience a fraction of its impact by stepping into Abraham’s shoes. This transcends mere poetic technique. The emotional resonance of God’s love felt through Abraham’s story serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the immeasurable love manifested in the sacrifice of God’s own Son.
For anyone who identifies Jesus as “Savior,” there is a personal narrative of profound elation intertwined with this story. Sufjan Stevens, through “Abraham,” provides a powerful and moving lens through which to view it, transforming a biblical test into a resonant and deeply affecting old love song – a song about the enduring and sacrificial love of God.
