Genesis 22: Sacrifice

Summary: Abraham is commanded by the Lord to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah (traditionally the mountain where the Jew's temple stood, and where the Dome of the Rock stands today). Abraham and Isaac journey to Mount Moriah. Abraham's hand is stayed by an angel of the Lord before he can actually sacrifice Isaac. The Lord provides a ram to be sacrificed in Isaac's place. The Lord's renews his promise of infinite posterity. Abraham and Isaac return. The Lord tells Abraham that his brother has had children.

Personal Reflection: This chapter is really full of good stuff. Let me link you immediately to David Guzik, and to the LDS Institute Manual.

I talked about Christ types a few chapters back. This experience may be the greatest and most detailed Christ-type in all of scripture:

Sacrifice is a representation of the atonement of Christ.

vs. 2 "thine only son" Abraham had more than one son. Christ was the "only begotten."

vs. 2 "Isaac, whom thou lovest" Christ is referred to as the "beloved son."

vs. 2 Mt. Moriah is in Jerusalem, and is near the place where Christ is crucified.

vs.4-5 There is a pause before Abraham and Isaac ascend Mt. Moriah. Jesus pauses before entering Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-5).

vs. 5 Isaac carries the wood for his sacrifice. Jesus carries the cross.

vs. 8 "God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering" Christ is the lamb that is provided.

vs. 9 Isaac doesn't resist. He would have been able to overpower his centenarian father. Christ doesn't resist. He could have called on the powers of the hosts of heaven, but he doesn't.

vs. 13 The ram is offered in the stead of Isaac. Christ is offered in the stead of Isaac.

vs. 14 "In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen." An alternate translation could be "In a mount the Lord shall be manifest," referring to Christ.

Think of the faith that it must have taken for Abraham to be willing to sacrifice the son through whom the promises of the Lord was supposed to be fulfilled. Abraham must have known that it was through Christ that Isaac's resurrection was possible.

Guzik brings up the point that in the chapter just previous to this one, Ishmael is sent away, and then in this chapter the Lord asks for Isaac's life. I don't know quite what the implications are of that, but it does seem interesting, and could provide food for thought.

I think that it is significant that the Lord once again renews his promise. The Lord will always bless us with a witness of the spirit after we overcome trials in our life.

Finally, I like that the Lord tells Abraham that his brother has had children. Way back in the day, there wasn't even really mail. The Lord knew that Abraham would want to have that information and be able to rejoice. Also, knowing about Nahor's family set the stage for future events to occur as Abraham sends for a wife for Isaac.

Note: I am really glad I had this chapter on a Saturday so I had time to really flesh out my commentary. There is much more that could be said, but I'll leave it for another time.