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Wow! I have so much to share with you this week—let’s get right to it.
Last Week’s Work
COMPARISONS
I found just one instance of a literal comparison in this text: in v17, as the second blessing, the angel said the LORD declared for Abraham that He would surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore.
As I’ve been studying this passage, though, I’ve felt the Spirit draw me to another comparison connected with my previous knowledge of God’s Word: how Abraham’s willing sacrifice of his only son, Isaac, is similar to God’s willing sacrifice of His only begotten son, Jesus. In fact, Abraham’s statement God will provide the lamb seems prophetic when considered that at Calvary, Jesus became the Lamb who took the place of all Christians to die on the wood of a Roman cross (as the ram took Isaac’s place and died on the wood of the altar on Mount Moriah).
CAUSES/MOTIVATION
Reason: [God] said to [Abraham], Take your son…, Isaac… and go to… Moriah and offer him there…
Connector: So [therefore]
Action: Abraham rose and took his son… Isaac… to the place.
Action: the angel told Abraham, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him…”
Connector: for [because]
Reason: now I know… you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son… from me.
Reason: Abraham… offered [the ram] as a burnt offering instead of his son
Connector: So [therefore]
Action: Abraham called… that place, “The LORD will provide.”
The next two causes in the ESV translation stood out to me: I can’t remember ever seeing another instance where two reasons are attached to a single action like this. It certainly made me pause and reflect on what the angel was telling Abraham!
Action: [the angel said,] “I will surely bless Abraham, and … multiply his offspring, and he shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in him, all the nations… shall be blessed.”
Connector: because
Reason 1: Abraham had [offered Isaac as a burnt offering] and had not withheld his son…,
Connector: [and] because
Reason 2: [Abraham had] obeyed [the LORD’s] voice.
CONDITIONS/METHODS
The Spirit brought my attention to the steps Abraham took in obedience to God’s command: he quickly embarked on the three-day journey to the place of the sacrifice, taking what he needed with him, including Isaac. There, Abraham restrained Isaac and physically put him on the altar to kill him, stopping only when the angel intervened.
I cannot imagine being in that position, especially when Isaac asked about the lamb. I think Abraham’s answer explains how he was able to do what he did: his faith in God was so strong, he had no doubt the LORD would provide either a substitute or another Isaac. How I wish I had that kind of faith!
Dig-In Challenges
This coming week, I’m planning to:
- PRAY. Of course!
- REFINE my understanding of this text by making a note of all the types of writing (instruction, law, letter, narrative, poetry, and/or prophecy) I discover in Genesis 22:1-19, then skimming the text before and after these verses to ensure I haven’t taken this story out of its literal context and to see if the author provides other details related to my personal treasure.
- REFINE: Next, I’ll research the book’s historical context by referencing an Introduction to the book of Genesis, starting here. If you’re working along with me, note any relevant or interesting facts you uncover in your review of these materials. Based on the writing type (from step 2, above) and what you discover in the introduction, should Genesis 22:1-19 be interpreted literally?
- REFINE: Last, I’ll be looking up the meaning of a few words and phrases from my focus verses using an interlinear Bible tool. I like Biblehub.com’s Hebrew tool for this research. To use it, follow the link above. You can quickly access a verse by selecting it from the dropdown box showing 22:1 at the top of your screen, or you can scroll to it by clicking the right-pointing arrow (to the right of the verse citation, Genesis 22:1) for higher numbered verses. Once you locate the verse, click the number in the Strong’s column that corresponds to the English word or phrase you’re researching. Note anything the Spirit highlights for you in the information provided.
I encourage you to use these tools and dig as much as you can this week. I pray the Spirit will bless your efforts, my friend!