Read | Genesis 22:7–18
Then Isaac spoke to his father Abraham and said, “My father.”
And he replied, “Here I am, my son.”
Isaac said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Then the two of them walked on together.
When they arrived at the place that God had told him about, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son.
But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!”
He replied, “Here I am.”
Then he said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.” Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. And Abraham named that place The LORD Will Provide, so today it is said, “It will be provided on the LORD’s mountain.”
Then the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, “By myself I have sworn,” this is the LORD’s declaration: “Because you have done this thing and have not withheld your only son, I will indeed bless you and make your offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your offspring will possess the city gates of their enemies. And all the nations of the earth will be blessed by your offspring because you have obeyed my command.”
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In this passage, God tests Abraham’s faith in God’s unfailing promise to provide an heir and multiply his descendants. In the ancient near east, child sacrifice to appease idols was very common. What stands out from this text in stark contrast to this ancient practice?
How does God’s provision of a sacrifice foreshadow the coming of Christ?
Focus
Scripture is best studied with others, and that is how it has been since the first communities that read the Bible. An ancient Jewish method of this is called Chavruta, meaning "friendship" or "fellowship" in Aramaic and Hebrew.
It refers to a traditional Jewish method of partnered text study, usually involving two people debating and analyzing sacred texts aloud, making the learner a co-creator of knowledge through dynamic discussion, not just a lecture.
The practice is a core part of Jewish learning where friends challenge each other to understand texts deeply, fostering critical thinking and shared discovery.
If you were to discuss this passage with a friend, what questions would you plan to ask?
Create a list of 5–10 questions you have about this passage. Make a plan to ask someone you know to engage in this process with you in person or over the phone.
Pray
Lord, your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. As I study it this week, open my heart and mind to ask questions with godly curiosity.
Give me the courage to humbly engage in community through the study of Scripture. In the name of Jesus, help me to recognize that I need your Holy Spirit as you work in and through the body of Christ to help guide me closer to your heart. Amen.
Going Deeper
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.
