The Binding of Isaac (Genesis 22)

The Gospel Project

Genesis 22:1-19: The Binding of Isaac

Intro: Hebrews 11:17-19

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

Background: Child sacrifices practiced in Middle East, the Americas, parts of Europe

• A Jewish takeaway: The God of Israel is not the kind of god who wants human sacrifices.
• Also: Prepares for substitutionary sacrifices in the Law of Moses.
• Christian takeaway: Points to Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice and atonement.

Read and discuss Genesis 22:

• verse 1
  • Test: Was Abraham ever aware that it was a test?
  • God spoke to him (by his new name Abraham, “father of a multitude”).
  • Abraham’s response
    • “Here I am.” More than a polite response, it’s a declaration of total presence to the one calling; an offer of complete availability, of total readiness to serve.
    • Other “Here I am” passages. Each one occurs at a turning point.
      • Gen 31:11 & 46:2. Jacob, it’s time to return to Canaan.
      • Ex 3:4, Moses at burning bush
      • I Sam 3:4, Samuel at night
      • Isaiah 6:8, “Here I am, send me!”
• verse 2
  • only son
  • love: First appearance of the word in Bible. Appears 40-45x in Old Testament.
  • The land of Moriah, see 2 Chron 3:1.
  • Echoes in New Testament
• verses 3-5
  • We will return to you.
• verse 6
  • laid the wood on Isaac his son. Imagery
• verse 7
  • The question is URGENT!
• verse 8
  • God will provide, or God sees. Does God Himself put these words in his mouth? Or, is Abraham trying to avoid the issue? 1st time this phrase appears in Bible?
• verse 9
  • How old is Isaac? Other questions? We are left wondering and speculating at what happens at Isaac’s binding. How passive is Isaac?
• verses 10-11
  • Angel stays his hand. Compare to 2 Sam 24:16, angel at threshing floor; same angel, same place? Temple is built there!
• verse 12
  • He did not withhold his son, he truly offered him. That was the test.
• verses 13-14
  • Jehovah-Jireh. Abraham would not name the mountain top after his trial or after his obedience, but after God’s provision.
• verse 15
  • Covenant promise reiterated and reconfirmed.
• verses 16-19
  • Questions or observations.