Then Abraham reached out his handThis phrase signifies a decisive moment of action and obedience. Abraham's reaching out symbolizes his willingness to follow God's command, demonstrating his faith and trust in God's promises. This act is a culmination of Abraham's journey of faith, which began when God called him to leave his homeland (
Genesis 12:1). It highlights the theme of obedience and trust in God's plan, even when it seems incomprehensible.
and took the knife
The knife represents the instrument of sacrifice, a common tool in ancient sacrificial practices. In the cultural context of the time, sacrifices were a way to demonstrate devotion and obedience to God. The act of taking the knife underscores the seriousness and gravity of Abraham's test. It also foreshadows the sacrificial system that would later be established in the Mosaic Law, where animals were offered as atonement for sin.
to slaughter his son
This phrase is the climax of the test of faith. Isaac, the promised son, is the one whom God had said would carry on Abraham's lineage (Genesis 21:12). The command to sacrifice Isaac is a profound test of Abraham's faith in God's promises. This act prefigures the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God's only Son, who was offered for the sins of humanity. The willingness to sacrifice Isaac parallels God's willingness to sacrifice His own Son, highlighting themes of substitutionary atonement and ultimate obedience.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this passage, he is tested by God to sacrifice his son Isaac.
2.
IsaacThe promised son of Abraham and Sarah, through whom God promised to establish His covenant. Isaac is the intended sacrifice in this account.
3.
Mount MoriahThe location where God instructed Abraham to offer Isaac as a burnt offering. It is significant in biblical history and is later associated with the site of Solomon's Temple.
4.
The Angel of the LORDAlthough not mentioned in verse 10, the Angel of the LORD intervenes in the subsequent verses, stopping Abraham from sacrificing Isaac.
5.
The Test of FaithThis event is a profound test of Abraham's faith and obedience to God, demonstrating his willingness to surrender everything to God's will.
Teaching Points
Faith and ObedienceAbraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrates the depth of his faith and obedience. Believers are called to trust God even when His commands are difficult to understand.
God's ProvisionThe account foreshadows God's provision of a substitute sacrifice, pointing to Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Trust in God's provision is essential for believers.
Testing and GrowthTrials and tests of faith are opportunities for spiritual growth. Like Abraham, believers can emerge stronger in their faith when they trust God through difficult circumstances.
Surrender to God's WillAbraham's readiness to give up his most precious possession challenges believers to consider what they might be holding back from God. True faith involves complete surrender to His will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 22:10?
2.How does Genesis 22:10 demonstrate Abraham's faith and obedience to God?
3.What can we learn about God's testing from Genesis 22:10?
4.How does Genesis 22:10 foreshadow Christ's sacrifice in the New Testament?
5.How can we apply Abraham's trust in God to our daily challenges?
6.What does Genesis 22:10 teach about surrendering personal desires to God's will?
7.Why did God test Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22:10?
8.How does Genesis 22:10 reflect on God's nature and character?
9.What is the significance of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 22?
11.What was Isaac's age during Abraham's offering?
12.If God intended to stop the sacrifice, why wait until Abraham raised the knife (Genesis 22:10-12)?
13.Did God command human sacrifice? (Genesis 22:2 vs. Deuteronomy 12:31)
14.Who are the ancestors of Jesus according to the Bible?What Does Genesis 22:10 Mean
Then- The word signals immediate continuation of God’s command inGenesis 22:2–9. Abraham moves at once; there is no delay.
- This quick obedience mirrors earlier moments—“So Abram went, as the LORD had told him” (Genesis 12:4).
-Hebrews 11:17–18 recalls this scene to commend a faith that responds instantly.
Abraham- Scripture keeps the focus on the covenant bearer. He is the friend of God (James 2:23) acting in personal trust, not mechanical ritual.
- By naming him again, the text underscores that the test concerns his relationship with the LORD, not simply a religious duty.
-Hebrews 11:19 reminds us he “reasoned that God could raise the dead,” revealing an unwavering confidence in God’s promise about Isaac (Genesis 21:12).
Reached out his hand- A deliberate, visible gesture. Faith moves from inner conviction to outward action.
- Similar wording shows decisive acts in salvation history—Moses “stretched out his hand over the sea” (Exodus 14:21) and Peter “stretched out his hand and took hold of Him” (Matthew 14:31).
- In Abraham’s case, the gesture embodies surrender of what is dearest.
And took the knife- The knife was the normal instrument for a burnt offering (Leviticus 1:11). Abraham is treating Isaac exactly as a sacrificial animal—total consecration.
- The narrative heightens tension: every step makes the cost clearer.
- John the Baptist later points to “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), showing that ultimate sacrifice will finally be God’s own Son.
To slaughter his son- The word “slaughter” leaves no doubt; Abraham intends full obedience.
-Romans 8:32 echoes the scene: “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all…”—God would do what He stopped Abraham from doing.
-Mark 10:45 reminds us the Son of Man “came to give His life as a ransom for many,” fulfilling the picture set up on Moriah.
- The narrative therefore foreshadows substitution: a ram will die in Isaac’s place (Genesis 22:13), just as Christ will die in ours (1 Peter 3:18).
summaryGenesis 22:10 captures the climactic moment of Abraham’s test. Each phrase underlines prompt, wholehearted obedience that flows from faith in God’s unbreakable promises. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac points ahead to the Father’s willingness to offer Christ, yet also highlights God’s provision of a substitute. The verse stands as a vivid call to trust and obey, knowing that the LORD both tests and provides.
Verse 10. -
And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son - who even in the last moment offers no resistance, but behaves like a type of him who was led like a lamb to the slaughter (
Isaiah 53:7).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then Abrahamאַבְרָהָם֙(’aḇ·rā·hām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85:Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nationreached outוַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח(way·yiš·laḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outhis handיָד֔וֹ(yā·ḏōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027:A handand tookוַיִּקַּ֖ח(way·yiq·qaḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947:To takethe knifeהַֽמַּאֲכֶ֑לֶת(ham·ma·’ă·ḵe·leṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3979:Something to eat with, a knifeto slaughterלִשְׁחֹ֖ט(liš·ḥōṭ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7819:To slaughter, beathis son.בְּנֽוֹ׃(bə·nōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A son
Links
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OT Law: Genesis 22:10 Abraham stretched forth his hand and took (Gen. Ge Gn)