Romans 4:2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God.

'Justified by works' -we must point out that Paul in these verses holds "works" and "obedience" as two distinct concepts. It must be perfectly clear that Abraham did "obey" God. But it is also perfectly clear that Abraham didn't have anything to boast of. in Romans 6:16 Paul talks about "obedience resulting in righteousness".. think McGuiggan is right when he says,

"In this argumentative section, 'works' stands for the full quota of works demanded by LAW and flawlessly carried out."

'Glory' -'then he would have something to boast about' (Tay)

'But not toward God' -'Abraham wouldn't have reason to boast in God if he had justified himself by his own effort. So "toward God" would mean "to God's honor". If the man had boasted about his own merit it wouldn't be to God's glory.'

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Old Testament