Genesis 22:7 - Isaac spoke to Abraham his father, and said, “My father?” He said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Here is the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 22:7" mean?
This verse from Genesis 22:7 is a pivotal moment in the story of the binding of Isaac (Akedah in Hebrew), and it's laden with meaning:
Isaac's Innocence and Trust: Isaac's simple question reveals his innocence and complete trust in his father. He knows that a burnt offering requires a lamb and he has noticed they have everything else. He trusts that his father has a plan and knows what they are doing.
Abraham's Internal Conflict: The absence of a lamb highlights the impossible situation Abraham is in. God has commanded him to sacrifice his own son as a burnt offering. He carries the fire and wood, necessary components for the sacrifice, symbolizing his outward obedience to God. But inwardly, he is undoubtedly in immense turmoil, knowing what he is about to do.
Foreshadowing and Dramatic Irony: The question, "Where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" is dripping with dramatic irony. The reader knows (or suspects) that Abraham intends to use Isaac as the offering. This creates a sense of suspense and heightens the emotional impact of the scene. It also foreshadows the ultimate provision of a substitute sacrifice by God.
Testing of Faith: The question highlights the central theme of the Akedah: the testing of Abraham's faith. God is testing whether Abraham is willing to give up the most precious thing in his life, his son, out of obedience and devotion.
In essence, this single verse captures the innocence of a son, the agonizing internal conflict of a father, and the overarching theme of a profound test of faith in God. It sets the stage for the dramatic climax of the story where Abraham is ultimately spared from sacrificing Isaac and God provides a ram as a substitute offering.
Genesis 22:7 - Isaac spoke to Abraham his father, and said, “My father?” He said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Here is the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”
What does "Genesis 22:7" mean?
This verse from Genesis 22:7 is a pivotal moment in the story of the binding of Isaac (Akedah in Hebrew), and it's laden with meaning:
Isaac's Innocence and Trust: Isaac's simple question reveals his innocence and complete trust in his father. He knows that a burnt offering requires a lamb and he has noticed they have everything else. He trusts that his father has a plan and knows what they are doing.
Abraham's Internal Conflict: The absence of a lamb highlights the impossible situation Abraham is in. God has commanded him to sacrifice his own son as a burnt offering. He carries the fire and wood, necessary components for the sacrifice, symbolizing his outward obedience to God. But inwardly, he is undoubtedly in immense turmoil, knowing what he is about to do.
Foreshadowing and Dramatic Irony: The question, "Where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" is dripping with dramatic irony. The reader knows (or suspects) that Abraham intends to use Isaac as the offering. This creates a sense of suspense and heightens the emotional impact of the scene. It also foreshadows the ultimate provision of a substitute sacrifice by God.
Testing of Faith: The question highlights the central theme of the Akedah: the testing of Abraham's faith. God is testing whether Abraham is willing to give up the most precious thing in his life, his son, out of obedience and devotion.
In essence, this single verse captures the innocence of a son, the agonizing internal conflict of a father, and the overarching theme of a profound test of faith in God. It sets the stage for the dramatic climax of the story where Abraham is ultimately spared from sacrificing Isaac and God provides a ram as a substitute offering.