Session 1
Genesis 22:1-14
Memory Verse: Genesis 22:8
In both Old and New Testaments, Abraham stands out as a model of faith (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3; Gal. 3:3-9; Heb. 11:8-10). When the Lord called him to leave his homeland, Abram obeyed (Gen. 12:1-4). As Abraham repeatedly met challenges in his faith, he learned the importance of obeying God. He also discovered that the Lord provides a way of deliverance or salvation when no way seems apparent. The supreme example in Abraham’s life focuses on the Lord’s command to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise.
As leaders of Bible study groups, we know people who need a personal relationship with God, and we know believers who are facing challenges to their faith. As you prepare for this week’s session, pray that people in your group who still need to accept Jesus as Savior will recognize and embrace His offer of salvation. Also pray for those who are experiencing tests of their faith. Pray that the Lord will help them remain faithful to Him as Abraham was faithful.
Everyone who has gone to school knows what it’s like to take tests, and we know that not all tests are the same. Some are long, and some are short. Some are routine, and some are taken once in a lifetime. Some are not that important, while the results of others may have an impact on the rest of our lives. The Bible reveals that God uses tests to stretch us and mature us in our faith. As Abraham experienced tests in his life, he learned he could trust God to provide for all his needs-both materially and spiritually. (PSG, p. 10)
Chapters 20-23 of Genesis record tests of faithfulness Abraham faced as he journeyed with the Lord. Responding obediently to God’s call to leave his land, father’s house, and relatives (Gen. 12:4), Abram “went out, even though he did not know where he was going” (Heb. 11:8). The Lord later changed his name from Abram, meaning “exalted father,” to Abraham, meaning “the father of a multitude” (Gen. 17:5).
In Genesis 20, the father of the faithful demonstrates a lack of faith. While Abraham resided temporarily in Gerar, a city in the southern part of the promised land, King Abimelech wanted to include Sarah in his harem. The king did not know that Sarah was Abraham’s wife because Abraham had introduced her as his sister, a half-truth (see 20:12). God revealed the truth of Sarah’s identity to Abimelech in a dream. God protected Sarah, and Abimelech verbally chastised Abraham for his deception.
Chapter 21 begins with Isaac’s birth (21:1-7). This son of promise, whose name means “laughter,” brought joy to Abraham and Sarah. The name also reflects the couple’s unbelieving laughter when the Lord announced they would bear a son (17:17-19; 18:11-15). Abraham circumcised Isaac when he was eight days old in accord with the Lord’s covenant (17:9-14).
Genesis 21:8-21 recounts the sending away of Hagar, Sarah’s slave, and Ishmael, Abraham and Hagar’s offspring. Ishmael’s birth had resulted from Abram’s and Sarai’s (Sarah’s) attempts to fulfill the promise of multiplied descendants by their own plans (see 16:1-4). Abraham had failed this test. Even though he sent Hagar and Ishmael away as God commanded, God also promised Abraham that he would make Ishmael’s descendants into a nation because he was Abraham’s offspring (21:13). The Lord continued to care for Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness.
The final portion of Genesis 21 documents a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, king of the Philistines. This king may have been the same one mentioned in chapter 20 or a relative of that king. In either case, Abimelech argued with Abraham over the ownership of a well at Beer-sheba. To settle the quarrel, they made a covenant of peace.
In chapter 22, Abraham faced the supreme test when the Lord commanded him to sacrifice Isaac. In chapter 12, Abram had successfully met the test of cutting himself off from his past to follow the Lord. In chapter 22 he faced the challenge of trusting the Lord totally with his future. Isaac was the son of promise. Would Abraham’s faith lie only in the Lord’s promises or would it reside in the Promise Maker Himself?
Chapter 23 records Sarah’s death and burial. With the purchase of the cave of Machpelah and its field, the patriarch gained title to a portion of the promised land. Abraham’s acquisition of the land expressed his confident faith that the Lord would fulfill all His promises.
As you read Genesis 22:1-14, consider how God has provided the means for our salvation. (PSG, p. 11)
EXPLORE THE TEXT
1 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. 2 “Take your son,” he said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” 3 So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took with him two of his young men and his son Isaac. He split wood for a burnt offering and set out to go to the place God had told him about.
(v. 1) After these things: This phrase refers to events described in preceding chapters. Sarah had given birth to Isaac, the son of promise. In accordance with the Lord’s command, Abraham had sent Ishmael and Hagar away. Obeying that directive distressed Abraham because he no doubt viewed Ishmael as a substitute if something should happen to Isaac. One of my Old Testament professors in seminary once summarized Abraham’s situation as follows: “No sooner had Abraham got rid of his spare tire, than he had a flat. Now no Ishmael was present to stand in if something should happen to Isaac.”
(v. 1) God tested Abraham: The Hebrew verb rendered tested means to prove someone’s quality or character, often through difficulty or adversity. God tests people with the intent of refining their character so that they might walk more closely with Him. It should also be emphasized that this test was not a validation of human sacrifice. Throughout the Old Testament, God made it clear that He abhorred human sacrifice and forbid it among His people.
(v. 1) Here I am: Abraham immediately answered God’s call with an open and available heart. In fact, he used this phrase three times in Genesis 22, suggesting that he was always open to what God was saying to him, even through other people (see also vv. 7,11). The Lord expects this response from His people when He calls them. Moses (Ex. 3:4) and Isaiah (Isa. 6:8) also responded to the Lord using this expression.
(v. 2) Your only son: The Hebrew word rendered only designates a unique or one-of-a-kind son. Although Isaac was not the only son Abraham had fathered, he was the only son of promise. We can observe a connection between this description of Isaac and the description of Jesus as “the one and only Son from the Father” (John 1:14), a reference to Jesus’s unique conception through the Holy Spirit. Both pregnancies were miracles and fulfilled prophecies, though Isaac’s birth only served as a precursor of what was to come in Jesus.
Isaac
Personal name meaning “laughter.” This could indicate the joy that his parents felt after decades of waiting on God’s promise. It also could refer to their snickers when God announced his upcoming birth (Gen. 17:17; 18:11-15). While the Bible reveals less about Isaac than other patriarchs, he received the covenant promises and extended the line of promise to his son, Jacob. In the New Testament, Isaac appears in the line of Jesus (Matt. 1:2; Luke 3:34) and is highlighted in Hebrews as an example of godly faith (Heb. 11:20).
(v. 2) Moriah: This area has traditionally been located just north of the ancient Jebusite city of Salem. Abraham traveled to Moriah from Beer-sheba, located approximately 60 miles to the south. Centuries later, David conquered the Jebusite city and made it his capital. Jerusalem is where he wanted to build a temple .
(v. 3) Got up early: The Hebrew verb relates to a noun meaning “shoulder.” Perhaps the original relationship between the two words developed from the early morning activity of breaking camp and loading burdens on the shoulders of men and beasts to begin a day’s journey. The Hebrew people rose early for several reasons: (1) to get a good start on a long journey, (2) to start the day off right in worship, or (3) to participate in battle. In Genesis 22, both the journey and worship elements were involved.
4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” 6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac. In his hand he took the fire and the knife, and the two of them walked on together. 7 Then Isaac spoke to his father Abraham and said, “My father.” And he replied, “Here I am, my son.” Isaac said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Then the two of them walked on together.
(v. 4) On the third day: This phrase need not require three full days of travel. The group may have traveled on only portions of days one and three. Three days also may have been a common way of referring to any journey (see Gen. 31:22). The designation also could have signified a critical event (see 40:12-13,18-19).
In biblical thought the number three frequently symbolized completeness. When we as Christians think of the number’s symbolic significance, we cannot help but recall that Jesus arose from the grave on the third day (Luke 24:46).
(v. 5) Boy: The Hebrew term can refer to any male from an infant to a young man. Bible scholars typically view Isaac as a healthy teenager. Thus, he could have refused or resisted the whole process if he had chosen to do so. If this picture is accurate, the scenario revealed the faith and submission not only of Abraham, but also of Isaac.
(v. 5) Worship: The Hebrew verb literally means “to bow down” or “to prostrate oneself.” The English word refers to attributing “worth ship,” honor, or reverence to the Lord. Worship is the appropriate human response to God’s revelation of Himself.
Worship can be understood in the broad context of presenting one’s whole life and being as an act of service to God (Rom. 12:1). It can also be viewed in a more narrow sense of encountering the Lord alone or assembling with other believers to honor Him. Elements in such worship often include praying, Bible reading, singing, preaching, and giving.
(v. 5) Come back to you: Abraham’s parting words to his servants expressed his confident faith in the Lord’s provision. We have no clue from Genesis as to what Abraham was thinking when he uttered these words. However, the anonymous writer of Hebrews, under divine inspiration, stated that Abraham believed that God was powerful enough to bring Isaac back from death if necessary (Heb. 11:19a).
(vv. 6,8) The two of them walked on together: This recurring phrase expresses the harmony that existed between father and son. We don’t know Isaac’s age, but he was old enough to carry the wood. He also was old enough to raise a question about the absence of the lamb for a burnt offering. Yet even Isaac’s questioning does not break the fellowship between father and son. He trusted his father. We can see a parallel between the unity of Abraham and Isaac and that of the Father and the Son when Jesus went to the cross. Jesus humbly submitted to the Father’s will (Luke 22:42; 23:46; 2 Cor. 5:19).
(v. 8) God himself will provide: The Hebrew verb translated will provide literally means “will see.” Making provision involves foresight. It means seeing ahead.
The Lord had previously revealed Himself to Hagar, Sarah’s slave, as El-roi, the God who sees (Gen. 16:13). The all-seeing God not only had heard Hagar’s cry of affliction and made provision for her, but He also would provide a substitute for Isaac because of Abraham’s obedience. At this point, Abraham did not know precisely how the Lord would provide, but he trusted that He would do so.
9 When they arrived at the place that God had told him about, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He replied, “Here I am.” 12 Then he said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.”
(v. 9) Altar: The Hebrew word translated altar literally means “a place of slaughter.” Altars were used mainly as places of sacrifice. The simplest-and perhaps earliest-kind of altar consisted of earth-either a mound of dirt or a raised platform built of mud bricks.
The most commonly mentioned altar in the Old Testament is the stone altar. The Lord commanded that stone altars must not be constructed of hewn stones nor were they to have steps. The latter instruction differentiated Israelite altars from Canaanite altars (see Ex. 20:25-26).
(v. 10) Took the knife to slaughter: The reference to Abraham’s near sacrifice of Isaac indicates that in early times the sacrificial animals were not killed before being placed on the altar. Instead they were bound to the altar and slaughtered on it. Later the sacrificial victim was killed before being placed on the altar (Lev. 1:2-9). The Hebrew word for knife occurs only four times in the Old Testament. Two of those occurrences are in Genesis 22:6 and 22:10.
(v. 11) The angel of the Lord The Hebrew term rendered angel here literally means “messenger” and occasionally refers to a human messenger. In general, though, it points to supernatural beings. Angels are created beings whose role is to worship the Lord and to serve Him. From time to time, however, Old Testament writers refer to a distinctive angel identified as the angel of the Lord.
He first appears in Genesis 16 where he revealed himself to Sarai’s slave Hagar after she fled from her mistress’s mistreatment. In that passage, the angel of the Lord promised to multiply Hagar’s offspring (Gen. 16:7-10), a promise the Lord had made to Abram in Genesis 15:4-7.
In Genesis 22, the angel of the Lord also seems to be equated with the Lord Himself. For example, He stated that He would bless Abraham because Abraham had not withheld His only son “from me” (v. 12). Additionally, the angel indicated that all nations would be blessed by Abraham’s offspring because the patriarch had obeyed “my command” (v. 18). It was the Lord who had commanded Abraham to offer up his son. See also Exodus 23:20-23, a passage that implies that the angel who bears the divine name possesses the power to forgive, a distinctive characteristic of deity. Thus it becomes clear that in many Old Testament passages the angel of the Lord is deity. Such an appearance is also known as a “theophany.”
(v. 12) Do not lay a hand on the boy: The angel of the Lord’s instructions were emphatic. Then, taking no chances that Abraham would harm his son, the angel further instructed Abraham not to do anything to him. Abraham had done all God expected of him. He had remained faithful and passed the test.
By stopping Abraham, the Lord was proving He was different from the false gods that others worshiped. Some pagan religions required a human sacrifice in order to appease the deities. In Romans 12, Paul noted that God calls his people to become a “living sacrifice,” individuals who will honor Him and point others to Him through their lives.
(v. 12) Now I know: The Hebrew verb translated know refers to personal experience. The all-knowing Lord already knew how Abraham would respond. However, that knowledge became real in experience after Abraham successfully passed this test. From that point on, Abraham also could see or know the depth of his loyalty to the Lord.
(v. 12) Fear God: This phrase describes Abraham’s trust and obedience motivated by his love for the Lord (Deut. 10:12-13). We could identify it as reverence.
$$13 Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 14 And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said, “It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain.”
(v. 13) A ram caught in the thicket: This verse continues the wordplay on the verb “see.” On the third day of their journey, Abraham saw the place of sacrifice from a distance (Gen. 22:4). The patriarch had later assured Isaac that God would provide (literally “see to”) the lamb for the burnt offering (v. 8). As he was about to slay his son, Abraham saw the ram that God had provided as a substitute for Isaac.
Observe the symbolic connection between the ram and the substitutionary death of Christ. Jesus is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Without being commanded to do so, Abraham gratefully offered the ram as a burnt offering in place of his son (Gen. 22:13).
In reality, God’s provision of the ram was necessary for the future provision of Jesus according to God’s plan. Because the Lord provided a substitute for Isaac, the line of Abraham continued through him and his son, Jacob. That line eventually became the nation of Israel, through which the Messiah was born. God spared Abraham’s only son because He would later sacrifice His only Son for the sins of the human race.
(v. 13) Burnt offering: The Hebrew term translated burnt offering signifies the offering of the whole animal on the altar. With the later institution of Israel’s sacrificial system, the animal for a burnt offering could be a young bull, lamb, goat, dove, or young pigeon.
The kind of animal selected for this offering apparently depended on the financial ability of the one making the sacrifice. Whatever the kind of animal, the Lord required that it be a perfect and complete specimen.
God’s Providence
The mountain highlights more than God’s provision. It also also reveals his providence. The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) states that “God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace” (II. God, A. God the Father). In other words, God’s providence emphasizes His all-wise authority over all creation, including the way He causes events to work together for our good and His glory. No one is exempt for His providence, regardless of their station in life; and nothing happens by accident or chance.
In verse 8, Abraham told Isaac that God would provide the lamb, and He did provide in a marvelous way. Because God is all-knowing, nothing catches Him by surprise, and He is able to provide whatever is required at the perfect time. This demonstration of His providence on Mount Moriah also points us toward His greatest act of provision and providence: The perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
(v. 14) The Lord Will Provide: Abraham named the mountain The Lord Will Provide. The Hebrew expression can be written in English as Yahweh-yireh. From that time and until well beyond the time that Moses wrote these words, the site retained that designation. Moses commented on the significance of that name with these words, “It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain” (v. 14b).
Again, the play on the word “see” comes into focus for the new title literally means “the Lord will see.” Making provision involves foresight. It means having the ability to see ahead, to see things through the eyes of God. Thus, provisions are things that are seen to ahead of time.
God the Son
In His substitutionary death on the cross Jesus made provision for the redemption of men from sin. (See 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; Colossians 1:19-20.)
Dig into the meaning and usage of key words or phrases.
Focus on the word “tested” in Genesis 22:1. Read 1 Peter 1:3-9, initially addressed to first-century believers undergoing various trials or tests of their faith. According to this passage, what is God’s goal in testing His people? How would you evaluate Abraham’s response to the supreme test that he faced in offering Isaac? What tests of faith have you recently faced or are currently facing? How would you evaluate your response to those tests?
Believers are to be obedient to God alone.
Distribute copies of Pack Item 7 (Handout: Genesis Time Line) and briefly summarize the events in Genesis 1-21. Highlight where today’s session falls on the time line. Referencing Pack Item 2 (Poster: Outline of Genesis 20-50) and Pack Item 3 (Poster: The Patriarchs), set the context for the session.
On the board, draw a quick sketch of hills and valleys. Utilizing Understand the Context, label Abraham’s ups and downs in Genesis 12-21. Distribute copies of Pack Item 8 (Handout: Background of Genesis). Direct the group to keep the handout for future sessions. Explain that in Genesis 22, Abraham received a very specific command from God.
Invite a volunteer to read aloud Genesis 22:1-3 while the group listens for the command and Abraham’s response.
Remind the group that this is not a validation of human sacrifice. Guide the group to turn to a neighbor and address the question on page 14 of the PSG: Why does God ask His people to do difficult things? After a few minutes, allow volunteers to share what they talked about.
Lead the group to examine the information about Genesis 22:3 (PSG, p. 13) to identify the actions Abraham took to prepare for his difficult task. Record the actions on the paper.
Believers can have confidence that God has a plan for them.
Read aloud Genesis 22:4-8, directing the group to imagine what it was like for Abraham and Isaac to walk together up the mountain. Encourage adults to reflect on how Abraham’s words to the young men and to Isaac indicated his faith in God.
Abraham put the matter entirely in God’s hands. Likewise, Isaac put himself in Abraham’s hands.
Reread Genesis 22:4-8 noting Abraham’s confidence as he assured the young men of their return. Direct the group to examine the information for verses 6-8 on page 15 of the PSG. Lead a brief discussion on why Abraham could be so confident that God would provide. Invite a volunteer to read aloud Hebrews 11:17-19. Emphasize God’s power to raise someone from the dead and why that was important in Genesis 22.
Add the actions Abraham took in verses 4-8 to the list on the paper.
When Abraham and Isaac arrived at the place God indicated, it was time for the final preparations.
Believers can demonstrate faith in God.
Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 22:9-12 as the group listens for the additional actions of Abraham.
Encourage the group to review the content for verses 9-12 on pages 15-16 of the PSG. After a few minutes, lead the group in a brief discussion of things that stick out to them from these verses. Highlight the actions taken by Abraham and add those to the list on the paper.
Having proven his faithfulness and loyalty, Abraham received Isaac back without harm. But God still had more. As Abraham acted in faith, God provided for their worship experience.
Believers can trust Jesus as their substitute.
Read aloud Genesis 22:13-14, directing the group to listen for God’s provision and Abraham’s response to the provision.
Write the words obedience, faith, and worship across the actions listed previously on the paper. Point out that Abraham’s faith had a direct impact on the lives of his descendants. Distribute copies of Pack Item 9 (Handout: Background of the Patriarchs). Highlight the information about Abraham and Isaac on the list. Point out that future sessions will highlight other patriarchs, but all of them were affected by what happened on Mount Moriah.
Just as Abraham’s faith was tested, so the faith of believers is tested today. God’s provision of Jesus as our substitute and the Holy Spirit as our advocate leads to confidence that God has a plan for us.
Review these points from Apply the Text on page 18 of the Personal Study Guide:
Call for volunteers to pick one of the above statements and share how they could put that principle into practice this week.
Direct attention to Abraham’s words: “Here I am.” Challenge adults to use “Here I am” as a prayer prompt this week. Encourage them to use it as a way to pray Scripture back to God and as a reminder to listen for His voice.
Lead in prayer, thanking God for the provision of His Son and for His guidance and direction in our daily lives.
Reinforce the session by contacting the group to let them know that the studies in Genesis will continue for the next several weeks. Be sure to let each person know that you are praying for them and encourage them to share requests they have so your prayers can be more specific to them.
Read aloud the lyrics of the song “Hills and Valleys” by Tauren Wells or lead the group to listen to the lyrics as you play a recording of the song. Lead the group to reflect on the hills and valleys in their lives and how they are not alone. Share that Abraham dealt with plenty of hills and valleys in his life. Challenge adults to look for how Abraham responded to the challenges of his life as they study Genesis 22.
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Session 1
Genesis 22:1-14
Memory Verse: Genesis 22:8
In both Old and New Testaments, Abraham stands out as a model of faith (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3; Gal. 3:3-9; Heb. 11:8-10). When the Lord called him to leave his homeland, Abram obeyed (Gen. 12:1-4). As Abraham repeatedly met challenges in his faith, he learned the importance of obeying God. He also discovered that the Lord provides a way of deliverance or salvation when no way seems apparent. The supreme example in Abraham’s life focuses on the Lord’s command to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise.
As leaders of Bible study groups, we know people who need a personal relationship with God, and we know believers who are facing challenges to their faith. As you prepare for this week’s session, pray that people in your group who still need to accept Jesus as Savior will recognize and embrace His offer of salvation. Also pray for those who are experiencing tests of their faith. Pray that the Lord will help them remain faithful to Him as Abraham was faithful.
Everyone who has gone to school knows what it’s like to take tests, and we know that not all tests are the same. Some are long, and some are short. Some are routine, and some are taken once in a lifetime. Some are not that important, while the results of others may have an impact on the rest of our lives. The Bible reveals that God uses tests to stretch us and mature us in our faith. As Abraham experienced tests in his life, he learned he could trust God to provide for all his needs-both materially and spiritually. (PSG, p. 10)
Chapters 20-23 of Genesis record tests of faithfulness Abraham faced as he journeyed with the Lord. Responding obediently to God’s call to leave his land, father’s house, and relatives (Gen. 12:4), Abram “went out, even though he did not know where he was going” (Heb. 11:8). The Lord later changed his name from Abram, meaning “exalted father,” to Abraham, meaning “the father of a multitude” (Gen. 17:5).
In Genesis 20, the father of the faithful demonstrates a lack of faith. While Abraham resided temporarily in Gerar, a city in the southern part of the promised land, King Abimelech wanted to include Sarah in his harem. The king did not know that Sarah was Abraham’s wife because Abraham had introduced her as his sister, a half-truth (see 20:12). God revealed the truth of Sarah’s identity to Abimelech in a dream. God protected Sarah, and Abimelech verbally chastised Abraham for his deception.
Chapter 21 begins with Isaac’s birth (21:1-7). This son of promise, whose name means “laughter,” brought joy to Abraham and Sarah. The name also reflects the couple’s unbelieving laughter when the Lord announced they would bear a son (17:17-19; 18:11-15). Abraham circumcised Isaac when he was eight days old in accord with the Lord’s covenant (17:9-14).
Genesis 21:8-21 recounts the sending away of Hagar, Sarah’s slave, and Ishmael, Abraham and Hagar’s offspring. Ishmael’s birth had resulted from Abram’s and Sarai’s (Sarah’s) attempts to fulfill the promise of multiplied descendants by their own plans (see 16:1-4). Abraham had failed this test. Even though he sent Hagar and Ishmael away as God commanded, God also promised Abraham that he would make Ishmael’s descendants into a nation because he was Abraham’s offspring (21:13). The Lord continued to care for Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness.
The final portion of Genesis 21 documents a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, king of the Philistines. This king may have been the same one mentioned in chapter 20 or a relative of that king. In either case, Abimelech argued with Abraham over the ownership of a well at Beer-sheba. To settle the quarrel, they made a covenant of peace.
In chapter 22, Abraham faced the supreme test when the Lord commanded him to sacrifice Isaac. In chapter 12, Abram had successfully met the test of cutting himself off from his past to follow the Lord. In chapter 22 he faced the challenge of trusting the Lord totally with his future. Isaac was the son of promise. Would Abraham’s faith lie only in the Lord’s promises or would it reside in the Promise Maker Himself?
Chapter 23 records Sarah’s death and burial. With the purchase of the cave of Machpelah and its field, the patriarch gained title to a portion of the promised land. Abraham’s acquisition of the land expressed his confident faith that the Lord would fulfill all His promises.
As you read Genesis 22:1-14, consider how God has provided the means for our salvation. (PSG, p. 11)
EXPLORE THE TEXT
$$1 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. 2 “Take your son,” he said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” 3 So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took with him two of his young men and his son Isaac. He split wood for a burnt offering and set out to go to the place God had told him about.
(v. 1) After these things: This phrase refers to events described in preceding chapters. Sarah had given birth to Isaac, the son of promise. In accordance with the Lord’s command, Abraham had sent Ishmael and Hagar away. Obeying that directive distressed Abraham because he no doubt viewed Ishmael as a substitute if something should happen to Isaac. One of my Old Testament professors in seminary once summarized Abraham’s situation as follows: “No sooner had Abraham got rid of his spare tire, than he had a flat. Now no Ishmael was present to stand in if something should happen to Isaac.”
(v. 1) God tested Abraham: The Hebrew verb rendered tested means to prove someone’s quality or character, often through difficulty or adversity. God tests people with the intent of refining their character so that they might walk more closely with Him. It should also be emphasized that this test was not a validation of human sacrifice. Throughout the Old Testament, God made it clear that He abhorred human sacrifice and forbid it among His people.
(v. 1) Here I am: Abraham immediately answered God’s call with an open and available heart. In fact, he used this phrase three times in Genesis 22, suggesting that he was always open to what God was saying to him, even through other people (see also vv. 7,11). The Lord expects this response from His people when He calls them. Moses (Ex. 3:4) and Isaiah (Isa. 6:8) also responded to the Lord using this expression.
(v. 2) Your only son: The Hebrew word rendered only designates a unique or one-of-a-kind son. Although Isaac was not the only son Abraham had fathered, he was the only son of promise. We can observe a connection between this description of Isaac and the description of Jesus as “the one and only Son from the Father” (John 1:14), a reference to Jesus’s unique conception through the Holy Spirit. Both pregnancies were miracles and fulfilled prophecies, though Isaac’s birth only served as a precursor of what was to come in Jesus.
Isaac
Personal name meaning “laughter.” This could indicate the joy that his parents felt after decades of waiting on God’s promise. It also could refer to their snickers when God announced his upcoming birth (Gen. 17:17; 18:11-15). While the Bible reveals less about Isaac than other patriarchs, he received the covenant promises and extended the line of promise to his son, Jacob. In the New Testament, Isaac appears in the line of Jesus (Matt. 1:2; Luke 3:34) and is highlighted in Hebrews as an example of godly faith (Heb. 11:20).
(v. 2) Moriah: This area has traditionally been located just north of the ancient Jebusite city of Salem. Abraham traveled to Moriah from Beer-sheba, located approximately 60 miles to the south. Centuries later, David conquered the Jebusite city and made it his capital. Jerusalem is where he wanted to build a temple .
(v. 3) Got up early: The Hebrew verb relates to a noun meaning “shoulder.” Perhaps the original relationship between the two words developed from the early morning activity of breaking camp and loading burdens on the shoulders of men and beasts to begin a day’s journey. The Hebrew people rose early for several reasons: (1) to get a good start on a long journey, (2) to start the day off right in worship, or (3) to participate in battle. In Genesis 22, both the journey and worship elements were involved.
$$4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” 6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac. In his hand he took the fire and the knife, and the two of them walked on together. 7 Then Isaac spoke to his father Abraham and said, “My father.” And he replied, “Here I am, my son.” Isaac said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Then the two of them walked on together.
(v. 4) On the third day: This phrase need not require three full days of travel. The group may have traveled on only portions of days one and three. Three days also may have been a common way of referring to any journey (see Gen. 31:22). The designation also could have signified a critical event (see 40:12-13,18-19).
In biblical thought the number three frequently symbolized completeness. When we as Christians think of the number’s symbolic significance, we cannot help but recall that Jesus arose from the grave on the third day (Luke 24:46).
(v. 5) Boy: The Hebrew term can refer to any male from an infant to a young man. Bible scholars typically view Isaac as a healthy teenager. Thus, he could have refused or resisted the whole process if he had chosen to do so. If this picture is accurate, the scenario revealed the faith and submission not only of Abraham, but also of Isaac.
(v. 5) Worship: The Hebrew verb literally means “to bow down” or “to prostrate oneself.” The English word refers to attributing “worth ship,” honor, or reverence to the Lord. Worship is the appropriate human response to God’s revelation of Himself.
Worship can be understood in the broad context of presenting one’s whole life and being as an act of service to God (Rom. 12:1). It can also be viewed in a more narrow sense of encountering the Lord alone or assembling with other believers to honor Him. Elements in such worship often include praying, Bible reading, singing, preaching, and giving.
(v. 5) Come back to you: Abraham’s parting words to his servants expressed his confident faith in the Lord’s provision. We have no clue from Genesis as to what Abraham was thinking when he uttered these words. However, the anonymous writer of Hebrews, under divine inspiration, stated that Abraham believed that God was powerful enough to bring Isaac back from death if necessary (Heb. 11:19a).
(vv. 6,8) The two of them walked on together: This recurring phrase expresses the harmony that existed between father and son. We don’t know Isaac’s age, but he was old enough to carry the wood. He also was old enough to raise a question about the absence of the lamb for a burnt offering. Yet even Isaac’s questioning does not break the fellowship between father and son. He trusted his father. We can see a parallel between the unity of Abraham and Isaac and that of the Father and the Son when Jesus went to the cross. Jesus humbly submitted to the Father’s will (Luke 22:42; 23:46; 2 Cor. 5:19).
(v. 8) God himself will provide: The Hebrew verb translated will provide literally means “will see.” Making provision involves foresight. It means seeing ahead.
The Lord had previously revealed Himself to Hagar, Sarah’s slave, as El-roi, the God who sees (Gen. 16:13). The all-seeing God not only had heard Hagar’s cry of affliction and made provision for her, but He also would provide a substitute for Isaac because of Abraham’s obedience. At this point, Abraham did not know precisely how the Lord would provide, but he trusted that He would do so.
$$9 When they arrived at the place that God had told him about, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He replied, “Here I am.” 12 Then he said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.”
(v. 9) Altar: The Hebrew word translated altar literally means “a place of slaughter.” Altars were used mainly as places of sacrifice. The simplest-and perhaps earliest-kind of altar consisted of earth-either a mound of dirt or a raised platform built of mud bricks.
The most commonly mentioned altar in the Old Testament is the stone altar. The Lord commanded that stone altars must not be constructed of hewn stones nor were they to have steps. The latter instruction differentiated Israelite altars from Canaanite altars (see Ex. 20:25-26).
(v. 10) Took the knife to slaughter: The reference to Abraham’s near sacrifice of Isaac indicates that in early times the sacrificial animals were not killed before being placed on the altar. Instead they were bound to the altar and slaughtered on it. Later the sacrificial victim was killed before being placed on the altar (Lev. 1:2-9). The Hebrew word for knife occurs only four times in the Old Testament. Two of those occurrences are in Genesis 22:6 and 22:10.
(v. 11) The angel of the Lord The Hebrew term rendered angel here literally means “messenger” and occasionally refers to a human messenger. In general, though, it points to supernatural beings. Angels are created beings whose role is to worship the Lord and to serve Him. From time to time, however, Old Testament writers refer to a distinctive angel identified as the angel of the Lord.
He first appears in Genesis 16 where he revealed himself to Sarai’s slave Hagar after she fled from her mistress’s mistreatment. In that passage, the angel of the Lord promised to multiply Hagar’s offspring (Gen. 16:7-10), a promise the Lord had made to Abram in Genesis 15:4-7.
In Genesis 22, the angel of the Lord also seems to be equated with the Lord Himself. For example, He stated that He would bless Abraham because Abraham had not withheld His only son “from me” (v. 12). Additionally, the angel indicated that all nations would be blessed by Abraham’s offspring because the patriarch had obeyed “my command” (v. 18). It was the Lord who had commanded Abraham to offer up his son. See also Exodus 23:20-23, a passage that implies that the angel who bears the divine name possesses the power to forgive, a distinctive characteristic of deity. Thus it becomes clear that in many Old Testament passages the angel of the Lord is deity. Such an appearance is also known as a “theophany.”
(v. 12) Do not lay a hand on the boy: The angel of the Lord’s instructions were emphatic. Then, taking no chances that Abraham would harm his son, the angel further instructed Abraham not to do anything to him. Abraham had done all God expected of him. He had remained faithful and passed the test.
By stopping Abraham, the Lord was proving He was different from the false gods that others worshiped. Some pagan religions required a human sacrifice in order to appease the deities. In Romans 12, Paul noted that God calls his people to become a “living sacrifice,” individuals who will honor Him and point others to Him through their lives.
(v. 12) Now I know: The Hebrew verb translated know refers to personal experience. The all-knowing Lord already knew how Abraham would respond. However, that knowledge became real in experience after Abraham successfully passed this test. From that point on, Abraham also could see or know the depth of his loyalty to the Lord.
(v. 12) Fear God: This phrase describes Abraham’s trust and obedience motivated by his love for the Lord (Deut. 10:12-13). We could identify it as reverence.
$$13 Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 14 And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said, “It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain.”
(v. 13) A ram caught in the thicket: This verse continues the wordplay on the verb “see.” On the third day of their journey, Abraham saw the place of sacrifice from a distance (Gen. 22:4). The patriarch had later assured Isaac that God would provide (literally “see to”) the lamb for the burnt offering (v. 8). As he was about to slay his son, Abraham saw the ram that God had provided as a substitute for Isaac.
Observe the symbolic connection between the ram and the substitutionary death of Christ. Jesus is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Without being commanded to do so, Abraham gratefully offered the ram as a burnt offering in place of his son (Gen. 22:13).
In reality, God’s provision of the ram was necessary for the future provision of Jesus according to God’s plan. Because the Lord provided a substitute for Isaac, the line of Abraham continued through him and his son, Jacob. That line eventually became the nation of Israel, through which the Messiah was born. God spared Abraham’s only son because He would later sacrifice His only Son for the sins of the human race.
(v. 13) Burnt offering: The Hebrew term translated burnt offering signifies the offering of the whole animal on the altar. With the later institution of Israel’s sacrificial system, the animal for a burnt offering could be a young bull, lamb, goat, dove, or young pigeon.
The kind of animal selected for this offering apparently depended on the financial ability of the one making the sacrifice. Whatever the kind of animal, the Lord required that it be a perfect and complete specimen.
God’s Providence
The mountain highlights more than God’s provision. It also also reveals his providence. The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) states that “God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace” (II. God, A. God the Father). In other words, God’s providence emphasizes His all-wise authority over all creation, including the way He causes events to work together for our good and His glory. No one is exempt for His providence, regardless of their station in life; and nothing happens by accident or chance.
In verse 8, Abraham told Isaac that God would provide the lamb, and He did provide in a marvelous way. Because God is all-knowing, nothing catches Him by surprise, and He is able to provide whatever is required at the perfect time. This demonstration of His providence on Mount Moriah also points us toward His greatest act of provision and providence: The perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
(v. 14) The Lord Will Provide: Abraham named the mountain The Lord Will Provide. The Hebrew expression can be written in English as Yahweh-yireh. From that time and until well beyond the time that Moses wrote these words, the site retained that designation. Moses commented on the significance of that name with these words, “It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain” (v. 14b).
Again, the play on the word “see” comes into focus for the new title literally means “the Lord will see.” Making provision involves foresight. It means having the ability to see ahead, to see things through the eyes of God. Thus, provisions are things that are seen to ahead of time.
God the Son
In His substitutionary death on the cross Jesus made provision for the redemption of men from sin. (See 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; Colossians 1:19-20.)
Dig into the meaning and usage of key words or phrases.
Focus on the word “tested” in Genesis 22:1. Read 1 Peter 1:3-9, initially addressed to first-century believers undergoing various trials or tests of their faith. According to this passage, what is God’s goal in testing His people? How would you evaluate Abraham’s response to the supreme test that he faced in offering Isaac? What tests of faith have you recently faced or are currently facing? How would you evaluate your response to those tests?