Genesis 22

Genesis 22 is the account of God testing Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering on a mountain in the land of Moriah. This is the same Isaac who was miraculously born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age — and through whom God had promised to establish His covenant.

Abraham obeys without question, taking Isaac on a three-day journey to the designated place. He has his servants wait while he and Isaac proceed alone up the mountain. Isaac, carrying the wood for the sacrifice, asks his father where the lamb for the offering is, to which Abraham cryptically responds, "God will provide himself a lamb."

At the place God had told him, Abraham builds an altar, arranges the wood, binds Isaac, and places him on the altar. Just as Abraham raises his knife to kill his son, an angel of the LORD calls out, stopping him. The angel declares that Abraham has now demonstrated his fear of God by his willingness to sacrifice his only son.

Abraham then sees a ram caught in a thicket by its horns, which he sacrifices instead of Isaac. He names the place "Jehovahjireh" ("Jehovah will see to it").

Following this test of faith, God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, promising to multiply his descendants as numerous as the stars and that, through his offspring, all nations on earth will be blessed because of his obedience.

The chapter concludes with a brief genealogy mentioning Abraham's brother Nahor and his children, including Rebekah.