Abraham Offers Isaac, referred to as the “Akedah” in Hebrew (the binding) of Isaac…Genesis 22:1-19

Addressing the Question: Does God Want Human Sacrifices?

October 31, 2020 Message Outline

Introductory Comments Setting the Stage Figures of Speech It’s an Abomination to Sacrifice Children to Molech Genesis 22 – the Akedah (Verses 1-19) 1-2 God Tests Abraham 3-10 Abraham Meets the Challenge 11-12 God Acknowledges Abraham’s Fidelity 13-14 Ram Caught, Alter Named 15-19 Reaffirmation of Blessing and Return to Beersheba Genesis 24 – The Marriage to Rebekah – Moving beyond the Akedah Eliezer is charged with finding a wife from Abraham’s country Rebekah agrees to be Isaac’s bride Rebekah leaves her country to go to Isaac Summary – Putting it all Together!

2 Introductory Comments Setting the Stage

Amos 3:7 “For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. James 2:23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. Genesis 12:1-3 Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

4 Figures of Speech Chapter 22 is known in Jewish tradition as the Akedah (ʿăqedâ), “the binding [of Isaac],” taken from the word “bound” (wayyaʿăqōd) in verse 9 This was a test God gave Abraham…Did he fear God? Fearing God in the OT was equivalent to having faith in God in NT. 1. Ishmael had been sent away and now Isaac was to be given to God. 2. A series of events in Abraham’s life have now lead up to this test. So, when Abraham was told God’s instructions, he responds ASAP! 3. This historical event is a “TYPE”. Hosea mentions this… ▪ Hosea 12:10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. (KJV) ▪ “Similitudes” meaning to compare; by implication to resemble or liken. 4. There are many “Figures of Speech” used in the Bible. 5 Different “Figures of Speech”

◆ Simile: Resemblance

◼ Genesis 25:25 The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau.

◼ Matthew 7:24-27 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” ◆ Allegory: Comparison by Representation

◼ Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?

◼ Galatians 4:22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman…24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. ◆ Metaphor: Representation

◼ Matthew 26:26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”

6 Different “Figures of Speech” – Continuing

◆ Hypocatastasis: An Implied Resemblance or Representation

◼ Matthew 7:3-5 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

◼ Matthew 13:15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ ◆ Type: A Figure or Example of Something Future (Commonly used…over 200 “Types” in the Bible)

◼ Romans 5:14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

This is the Figure of Speech (Type) that we see used in Genesis 22 and 24.

7 Here are six explicit passages stating God’s condemnation of child sacrifices to Molech (NEVER were children sacrificed to God) – carrying the penalty of death!

◆ Leviticus 18:21 You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the LORD. ◆ Leviticus 20:2-5 “Say to the people of Israel, Any one of the people of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones. 3 I myself will set my face against that man and will cut him off from among his people, because he has given one of his children to Molech, to make my sanctuary unclean and to profane my holy name. 4 And if the people of the land do at all close their eyes to that man when he gives one of his children to Molech, and do not put him to death, 5 then I will set my face against that man and against his clan and will cut them off from among their people, him and all who follow him in whoring after Molech. ◆ Deuteronomy 12:31 You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the LORD hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods. ◆ 2 Kings 23:10 And he defiled Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, that no one might burn his son or his daughter as an offering to Molech. ◆ Jeremiah 7:31 And they have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, nor did it come into my mind. ◆ Jeremiah 32:35 They built the high places of Baal in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to offer up their sons and daughters to Molech, though I did not command them, nor did it enter into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin. 8 God tells His people NOT to sacrifice their children to Molech. It carried the penalty of DEATH! Molech was the national god of the Ammonites (descendants of Lot). Child sacrifice by burning was met with severe punishment. Let’s look closer at Leviticus 20:1-5 Leviticus 20:1-5 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones. 3 And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name. 4 And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not: 5 Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.

9 Genesis 22…the “Akedah” meaning the “Binding” in Hebrew God begins Genesis 22 with instructions to Abraham to offer his only son that he loved in the land of Moriah as a burnt offering.

Genesis 22:1-2 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love*, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”

* This is the first time we read of the word “love” in the Bible! The Law of First Mention – The first time a word is used in the Bible, it’s typically the most important and significant time. Subsequent use of the word, builds upon how it is used for the first time. Matthew 3:17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” 11 In verse 3, we have no indication that Abraham hesitated to follow God’s instructions.

Genesis 22:3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.

• Note that there were four people who went on the trip, Abraham, Isaac, and two of Abraham’s young men.

12 After a three-day journey, Abraham left the two men behind, going to the mountain to perform the sacrifice.

Genesis 22:4-6 On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together.

“…they went both of them together” in Hebrew actually is: “…they both went in agreement.”

13 The Three-Day Journey to Mount Moriah – (about 50 miles)

Some Background Info ◆ Salem was a Jebusite Settlement ◆ Isaac was estimated at about 30-years old. ◆ The image is of a son who says, “Not mine, but your will be done!” ◆ Matthew 16:21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be 14 raised. In verse 7, it’s clear that Isaac was unaware that God had told Abraham that he was to be offered as a burnt offering.

Genesis 22:7-8 And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.

“…God will provide for himself the lamb...” God will provide HIMSELF the Lamb.

At this point, Abraham may have known that he was acting out a prophesy, but he did not explain this to Isaac!

15 Abraham followed God’s instructions and took the final steps in preparing the “burnt offering” of his son, Isaac.

Genesis 22:9-10 When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.

Abraham had complete faith and confidence in God that both he and his son would be walking down the mountain to meet up with the two young men. However, it was unclear to him how God was going to make this come to happen.

16 A closer topographical view of the area just north of Salem. Abraham and Isaac had continued past Salem to the peak of Mount Moriah (Akedah)

(Golgotha)

17 Here is a picture of how the old City walls of Jerusalem were constructed to include Mount Moriah.

◆ Many things occurred on Mount Moriah. ◆ 2 Chronicles 3:1 Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to David his father, at the place that David had appointed, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

18 God stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, since the test was over and Abraham had passed the test.

Genesis 22:11-12 But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now* I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”

*“Now” means “henceforth” or “going forward”. This act is a demonstration TO US what perfect obedience looks like! It’s an example for us to follow. The test was to determine if Abraham truly feared God. Or, as in the New Testament, has “FAITH” in God to know He will d what He promises.

19 The ram, caught in a thicket, was sacrificed in Isaac’s place. The Lord did provide the offering for the burnt offering, as Abraham told Isaac.

Genesis 22:13-14 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called the name of that place, “The LORD will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.”

The mount of the Lord is referring to Jerusalem. And, in the King James Version, verse 14 adds more insight by naming the place Jehovahjireh… Genesis 22:14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. (KJV)

20 By Genesis 22:14, Abraham likely understood that he was enacting a future prophetic event…the sacrifice of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Abraham named the place “Jehovahjireh. This name is composed of two words… • Strong’s #3068 the word “Yehovah”, translated as either Lord, God, or Jehovah • Strong’s #7200 the word “ra’ah”, translated as either see, look or behold So, the meaning is “Jehovah will see (to it)”. It was a symbolic name for Mount Moriah, but it’s also a prophetic statement. If not from the beginning, at least by this time, Abraham likely understood that he was enacting a future prophetic event! This is why John writes… John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” Abraham saw it by actually enacting it out through his experience in Gen. 22 21 The Covenant with Abraham is reconfirmed and he returns home again with the two men to Beersheba…

Genesis 22:15-19 And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba. And Abraham lived at Beersheba.

22 Paul told the Hebrews that Abraham was fully aware that God could bring his son back to life. That was due to his faith in God, the Father.

Paul provides further insight as to how Abraham had the faith to KNOW that God could easily raise Isaac from the dead. And, also that he was enacting a future prophetic event…

Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

Abraham had deep and lasting faith and confidence in God!

23 Note that Isaac is not mentioned again until the marriage to Rebecca is discussed by Abraham in Genesis 24…

Note what we’re told specifically in verse 19… Genesis 22:19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba. And Abraham lived at Beersheba.

What about Isaac, when do we read of Isaac again? It’s two chapters later, when Abraham tells his Servant to bring a wife for Isaac from Abraham’s country in Genesis 24!

24 Genesis 24…the Marriage, briefly moving beyond the Akedah In Genesis 24 Abraham sends his steward, “Eliezer” meaning “Comforter” (see Genesis 15:2) for Isaac’s bride 450 miles away…

Genesis 24:1-7 Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. 2 And Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh, 3 that I may make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell, 4 but will go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.” 5 The servant said to him, “Perhaps the woman may not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?” 6 Abraham said to him, “See to it that you do not take my son back there. 7 The LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my kindred, and who spoke to me and swore to me, ‘To your offspring I will give this land,’ he will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there. 26 Dropping down to verse 62, we see Eliezer completing his mission. Isaac meets Rebekah while near the well Lahairoi…

Genesis 24:62-66 And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country. 63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. 64 And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. 65 For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself. 66 And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done.

“Well Lahairoi” means the “Well of a Living One”

27 Summary Putting it all together! The Typology of the Akedah to the Crucifixion of Christ

# The Akedah – Binding of Isaac The Crucifixion of Christ 1 Abraham God the Father 2 Isaac – Abraham’s only beloved son Jesus Christ – God’s beloved Son 3 Isaac – About 30 years old when offered Jesus Christ was 30 years old when crucified 4 Eliezer – Sent by Abraham to get bride for Isaac Holy Spirit – Sent by God for His Church 5 Isaac – Bound on altar Christ – Nailed to the cross/stake 6 Isaac – A willing offering, bound by old Abraham Christ – Accepted the will of God, the Father 7 Isaac – Not mentioned from Gen 22 until Gen 24 Christ – Time between His first and second coming 8 Isaac – Carried wood for his sacrifice Christ – Carried his cross/stake for crucifixion 9 Isaac – Offered at Mount Moriah (Golgotha) Christ – Crucified at the same location 10 Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son – fearing God God was willing to sacrifice His Son – fulfilling Promise 11 Two men left behind as Abraham and Isaac went on Peter and John were with Jesus to the end 12 Ram, caught in thorns, was sacrificed as offering Christ, thorn of crowns, was crucified - blood shed for us 13 Abraham said, “The Lord will provide” Lamb of God provided for our eternal life (John 1:29) 14 The donkey – carried supplies to near Mount Moriah Not sure?

29 Concluding Summary Statements

◆ In Genesis 22 Abraham is told by God to offer up Isaac as a burnt offering, which was:

◼ A likely custom of neighboring nations – while not according to God’s Word, it was somewhat a common practice of that day

◼ An affirmation that God does not want human sacrifice

◼ A test of Abraham’s fear of God

◼ An affirmation that God does want an obedient and faithful heart ◆ As Abraham began his trek to Mount Moriah, he knew or was likely aware of the following:

◼ God was all powerful, He could bring Isaac back to life

◼ God made Abraham a promise that he would be the father of a great nation through his son Isaac – hard to do if Isaac was sacrificed

◼ God viewed the sacrifice of children to false gods as abominable and God did not want to be worshipped as other nations worshipped their false gods

◼ In talking with God as His friend, Abraham was likely told that God’s Son would be sacrificed for man’s sin. This could have been hard for Abraham to understand…hence he was asked to act it out for himself.

30 Concluding Summary Statements (Continuing)

◆ The penalty (wages) of sin – is death (the shedding of blood); which has paid for all of mankind by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. ◆ As the Akedah was coming to an end, Abraham was likely aware of the fact that God had used this to provide insight into how things would come to pass. ◆ The Aqedah defines the meaning of obedience to God…obedience which does not hold back even what is most precious to us when God demands it, and commits to God even that future, which He Himself has promised.

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