Keraia
Genesis 22

Genesis 22:16

The LORD Provides the Sacrifice · Genesis 22:11–19
Read Genesis 22

Translations

Modern
…saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son,
Traditional
And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
Literal
…and said, “By Myself I have sworn, says YHWH, that because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only one,
Latin
Per memetipsum juravi, dicit Dominus: quia fecisti hanc rem, et non pepercisti filio tuo unigenito propter me:

Original

Hebrew
English
…saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son,

Notes

Genesis 22:16

By Myself: There is no higher name by which God can swear (Hebrews 6:13–17).

Genesis 22:15–19

After the event, God again confirmed his covenant with Abraham (compare 15:5, 18–21; 17:3–8). His descendants would be numerous:

  • like the stars in the sky (compare 26:4),

  • like the sand on the seashore (compare 32:12), and

  • like the dust of the earth (compare 13:16; 28:14).

Genesis 22:9–19

God’s intervention was dramatic and instructive, confirming that he never intended for Isaac to be sacrificed. God later made it clear that child sacrifice was an abomination to him (see Leviticus 18:21; 20:1–5; Deuteronomy 18:10; 2 Kings 16:2–3; Isaiah 57:5; Jeremiah 32:35). God wanted Abraham to sacrifice his own will and surrender it to God, and when he did, God intervened.

This story sets an example for all who worship through sacrifice. Like Abraham, true worshipers understand that everything belongs to God. They acknowledge that all things come from God and are his. A true worshiper obediently gives God what he asks for. They trust that God will provide all needs. Through this trust, they experience that God always provides.

Glossary

Abraham Angel of the Lord Architecture Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of Amos Ebla Tablets Family Life and Relations Genesis, Book of Isaac Jerusalem Patriarchs, Period of the Samaritans

Topics

Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac Afflictions and Adversities: Benefits of, Illustrated Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Abraham Communion: Abraham Covenant of God with Men: Confirmed with an Oath Faith: Trial of Abraham, when Commanded to offer Isaac Isaac: The Miraculous Son of Abraham: Offered in Sacrifice by his Father Oath: Attributed to God Oaths: God Used, to Show the Immutability of his Counsel Offerings: Human Sacrifices: Abraham The Burnt offering: Abraham Tried by the Command to offer Isaac As