Genesis 22:2

"Take your son," God said, "your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you."

Study Bible

Take your son
The Hebrew word for "take" is "קַח" (laqach), which implies a command to seize or grasp. This directive from God is not a mere suggestion but a divine imperative, highlighting the seriousness and gravity of the task Abraham is being asked to undertake. The phrase "your son" emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of the request, underscoring the deep bond between Abraham and Isaac. This command tests Abraham's faith and obedience, as it challenges him to prioritize God's will over his paternal instincts.

your only son Isaac
The term "only" in Hebrew is "יָחִיד" (yachid), which can mean unique or beloved. Although Abraham had another son, Ishmael, Isaac is referred to as his "only" son because he is the child of promise, the one through whom God's covenant would be fulfilled. This phrase underscores the significance of Isaac in God's plan and the magnitude of the sacrifice Abraham is being asked to make. It foreshadows the New Testament parallel of God offering His only Son, Jesus, for the salvation of humanity.

whom you love
The Hebrew word for "love" is "אָהַב" (ahav), indicating deep affection and emotional attachment. This is the first mention of love in the Bible, and it is significant that it is used in the context of a father-son relationship. This highlights the depth of Abraham's emotional struggle and the profound nature of the test. It also reflects the love God has for His own Son, Jesus, and the sacrifice He would make for mankind.

and go to the land of Moriah
"Moriah" is believed to be derived from a root meaning "seen by Yahweh" or "chosen by Yahweh." This location is significant in biblical history, as it is traditionally identified with the site of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. The journey to Moriah symbolizes a pilgrimage of faith, where Abraham must trust in God's provision and purpose. It is a place where divine encounters and revelations occur, setting the stage for future acts of worship and sacrifice.

Offer him there as a burnt offering
The Hebrew word for "offer" is "עָלָה" (alah), meaning to ascend or go up, which is fitting as burnt offerings were completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total surrender to God. The concept of a "burnt offering" (עֹלָה, olah) involves complete dedication and submission to God's will. This request is a profound test of Abraham's faith, as it seems to contradict God's promise to make Isaac the heir of the covenant. It challenges Abraham to trust in God's character and promises, even when circumstances appear dire.

on one of the mountains
Mountains in biblical literature often represent places of divine revelation and encounter. They are symbolic of spiritual elevation and closeness to God. The specific mountain is not named here, emphasizing the need for Abraham to rely on God's guidance and direction. This element of the narrative highlights the journey of faith, where believers must trust in God's leading, even when the destination is not fully known.

which I will show you
This phrase indicates that God will provide further revelation and guidance to Abraham. It requires Abraham to walk by faith, not by sight, trusting in God's timing and provision. This mirrors the Christian journey, where believers are called to follow God's leading, even when the path is unclear. It underscores the importance of obedience and trust in God's promises, knowing that He will reveal His purposes in His perfect timing.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The sovereign deity who commands Abraham to sacrifice his son, testing his faith and obedience.

2. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. He is called to sacrifice his beloved son.

3. Isaac
Abraham's "only son" whom he loves, representing the promise of God and the future of Abraham's lineage.

4. Land of Moriah
The region where God directs Abraham to go, significant in biblical history and later associated with the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

5. Burnt Offering
A sacrificial act of worship and obedience, symbolizing complete surrender to God's will.

Teaching Points

Faith and Obedience
Abraham's response to God's command demonstrates the depth of his faith and willingness to obey, even when it seems illogical or painful.

Testing and Trust
God tests Abraham not to lead him to failure but to strengthen his faith and reveal his trust in God's promises.

Foreshadowing Christ
Isaac's near-sacrifice is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice, highlighting themes of substitution and redemption.

Love and Sacrifice
The passage challenges believers to consider what they hold most dear and whether they are willing to surrender it to God.

God's Provision
The account ultimately reveals God's provision, as He provides a ram in place of Isaac, teaching that God will provide for our needs when we trust Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac challenge your understanding of faith and obedience in your own life?

2. In what ways does the account of Abraham and Isaac foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

3. What are some "Isaacs" in your life that God might be asking you to surrender to Him?

4. How can the concept of God as a provider, as seen in this passage, encourage you in times of testing or uncertainty?

5. How does the connection between Genesis 22 and other scriptures, such as Hebrews 11 or Romans 8, deepen your understanding of God's plan for salvation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 11:17-19
This passage highlights Abraham's faith, believing that God could raise Isaac from the dead, showing his trust in God's promises.

James 2:21-23
James uses Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac as an example of faith being made complete by actions.

John 3:16
The sacrifice of Isaac prefigures God's offering of His own Son, Jesus, for the salvation of humanity.

Romans 8:32
Paul draws a parallel between God's willingness to give His Son and Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac.