Read the Passage: Genesis 22–23

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: Genesis 22-23

Abraham’s Faith (22:1–14)

Given the long-awaited birth of Isaac in Genesis 21, it is surprising to read about God’s command in Genesis 22 for Abraham to sacrifice his son (cf. Rom. 12:1). Note this event was a test of Abraham’s faith, not a temptation (cf. Jas. 1:13). The fact that Isaac is referred to by God as Abraham’s “only son” three times in this passage (cf. Gen. 22:2, 12, 16), even though Abraham was also the father of Ishmael, hints at the fact that this event was an object lesson that depicted a greater reality—that is, God’s future sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus. As this passage begins, God instructed Abraham to travel to the land of Moriah and to offer up his son Issac as sacrifice. Mount Moriah is the site in Jerusalem where the Temple was later built (cf. 2 Chron. 3:1). Next, Gen. 22:3 reports that Abraham was obedient to God, and he was confident God could raise Issac from the dead, if needed (cf. Gen. 22:5; Heb. 11:17–19).

Observe the following parallels between the near-sacrifice of Isaac, and the later death of Jesus: (1) both were the only sons of their father, (2) both were the seeds of Abraham, (3) both offerings took place in the same location, (4) both were about the same age, (5) both took a three-day journey, (6) both questioned their father, (7) both were willing sacrifices, (8) both carried the wood for their own sacrifice, (9) both involved substitution, and (10) both took a bride soon afterwards. Furthermore, note that Abraham told Isaac “God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering” (Gen. 22:8); however, in Gen. 22:13 God supplied “a ram caught in a thicket by its horns” to be sacrificed. Thus, Abraham’s comment about a lamb (not a ram) can be viewed as a prophecy concerning Jesus’ future sacrifice. The provision of a ram for sacrifice is the first instance of substitutionary atonement in the Bible.

God’s Covenant (22:15–24)

Over the previous ten chapters, God’s covenant with Abraham, or certain aspects of it, have been reiterated at least twelve times. Yet, here in Gen. 22:15–19, for the first time since the Abrahamic Covenant was inaugurated at Gen. 12:1–3, all three aspects of the covenant are reaffirmed by God in one setting. The personal aspect (i.e., descendants) is mentioned at Gen. 22:17a, the national aspect (i.e., land) is cited at Gen. 22:17b, and the universal aspect (i.e., salvation) is alluded to at Gen. 22:18. This is the first reiteration of the universal aspect of the Abrahamic Covenant since the promise was initially given at Gen. 12:3. Observe that God’s persistent restatement of His covenant with Abraham is a reminder to believers that we need to continually examine and review God’s promises in the Bible, for in the midst of the sin and chaos of the world, we are prone to forget God’s faithfulness.

In Gen. 22:20–24 Moses records brief information about Abraham’s extended family tree. These verses are given in order to set the context for Genesis 24, where Isaac will take a wife from Abraham’s relatives. Here in Gen. 22:20–24 we are re-introduced to Nahor, who was Abraham’s brother. Nahor was previously mentioned at Gen. 11:29. It seems that Abraham had last seen Nahor over sixty years ago when he had departed from Mesopotamia. The most significant verse in this passage is Gen. 22:23, as the birth of Rebekah is mentioned. Since Rebekah’s father Bethuel was Abraham’s nephew, Isaac and Rebekah were first cousins. While it may seem odd to modern readers that first cousins would get married, throughout history this has occurred with more frequency than it does today. Furthermore, even in Scripture, marriage between extended family members was more common, and perhaps less genetically risky, than it is today.

Sarah’s Death (23:1–20)

The account of the near-sacrifice of Isaac is often recognized as a test of Abraham’s faith. However, the death of Sarah was also a test of Abraham’s faith. Indeed, the death of a friend or family member is a test of faith that most believers will face. In this chapter, in a rather abrupt manner, Gen. 23:1–2 simply records that Sarah died, being one hundred and twenty-seven years old. Observe that Sarah is the only woman in Scripture whose age at her death is recorded. Isaac would have been thirty-seven years old when his mother passed away, and Abraham was one hundred and thirty-seven. Gen. 23:3–20 narrates the process of Abraham purchasing land in Canaan in which to bury Sarah. This purchase is somewhat ironic, since God had repeatedly promised Abraham the land of Canaan. Furthermore, this small piece of ground is the only land that Abraham owned in Canaan during his lifetime (cf. Heb. 11:8–16). This land would become the tomb of the patriarchs.

Application Questions:

1. Has your faith ever been tested by suffering and trails? If so, how did your relationship with God change in your trials?
2. While Abraham had faith in God, do you believe he suspected that God would provide a substitute sacrifice for Isaac?
3. While Abraham’s faith had been forged over many years, how can we explain Isaac’s willingness to be a sacrifice?
4. What promises of God in Scripture are most precious to you? Are you prone to forget God’s blessings in your life?
5. How can we explain Cain marrying his sister, Abraham marrying his half-sister, and Isaac marrying his first cousin?