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Book of Genesis - Chapter 22 - Verse 3

22:3
And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

Meaning

In this verse, we see a powerful display of obedience and faith from Abraham as he prepares to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as commanded by God. The act of Abraham rising early in the morning, saddling his ass, taking his young men and son, and preparing the wood for the burnt offering shows his unwavering determination to fulfill God's instructions. Despite the incredibly difficult task set before him, Abraham's actions demonstrate his complete trust in God and willingness to obey His will without question. This moment serves as a pivotal test of Abraham's faith, showcasing his willingness to sacrifice that which he holds most dear in order to demonstrate his devotion to God. Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and submission to God's will in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse comes from the sacrifice of Isaac, which is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ willingly offering Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. The act of Abraham offering his son Isaac as a burnt offering can be seen as a parallel to God offering His own son on the cross. This act demonstrates obedience and faith in God, as Abraham was willing to follow God's command even when faced with the unimaginable prospect of sacrificing his beloved son. The word study of "clave" in this verse reveals that it means to split or cut apart, emphasizing the deliberate and purposeful action of Abraham in preparing the wood for the burnt offering. This highlights the meticulous care and attention to detail that Abraham exhibited in fulfilling God's command. Overall, this verse showcases the profound depth of faith and obedience displayed by Abraham, as well as the foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of mankind.

American Standard Version

And Abraham rose early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he clave the wood for the burnt-offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.
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