Genesis 22:13

KJV

And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind [him] a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} lifted up {H5375} his eyes {H5869}, and looked {H7200}, and behold behind {H310} him a ram {H352} caught {H270} in a thicket {H5442} by his horns {H7161}: and Abraham {H85} went {H3212} and took {H3947} the ram {H352}, and offered him up {H5927} for a burnt offering {H5930} in the stead {H8478} of his son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham raised his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in the bushes by its horns. Avraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering in place of his son.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram in a thicket, caught by its horns. So he went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son.

American Standard Version

And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt-offering in the stead of his son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 22:13 describes the pivotal moment in Abraham's test of faith when God intervened, providing a ram caught in a thicket to be offered as a burnt offering in place of his son, Isaac. This divine provision, occurring precisely as Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac, underscores God's faithfulness, His ability to supply what is needed, and powerfully foreshadows the ultimate substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
Genesis 22:13 stands as the climax of Abraham's ultimate test, where God commanded him to offer his beloved son, Isaac, as a burnt offering on [Mount Moriah](/genesis/22-2 "God's command to Abraham to sacrifice Isaac"). Abraham's unwavering obedience was evident as he journeyed to the designated place, built the altar, bound Isaac, and raised the knife, fully prepared to carry out the divine command. This verse details God's timely and miraculous intervention, halting Abraham's hand and providing an alternative sacrifice, thereby revealing His profound faithfulness and provision at the very last moment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse opens with Abraham, having demonstrated profound obedience, lifting his eyes to behold a ram "caught in a thicket by his horns." This imagery is rich with meaning. The Hebrew word for "thicket" (סְבַךְ - *sevach*) denotes a dense, intertwined bush, implying the ram was firmly ensnared, not merely wandering. This specific detail highlights the precision and miraculous nature of God's provision; the ram was not just present, but perfectly positioned and immobilized for the intended sacrifice, a testament to divine orchestration.

* **Divine Revelation and Provision:** The phrase "behold behind [him]" suggests a sudden, unexpected appearance, emphasizing God's timely intervention. Abraham had been focused on the sacrifice of Isaac, and God's provision appeared from an unseen quarter, demonstrating that God had already made provision before the need became dire. This event is the basis for Abraham naming the place [Jehovah-Jireh](/genesis/22-14 "The LORD Will Provide"), meaning "The LORD Will Provide," signifying that God sees the need and provides for it.
* **Substitutionary Sacrifice:** The most profound aspect of the verse is Abraham's act of taking the ram and offering "him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." The ram served as a direct, innocent substitute for Isaac, dying so that Isaac might live. This act is a foundational biblical illustration of substitution, where one life is given in place of another. It underscores the gravity of sacrifice and the concept of atonement, setting the stage for deeper theological truths.
* **Abraham's Faith Vindicated:** While the verse focuses on God's provision, it is the direct outcome of Abraham's unwavering faith and obedience. His willingness to sacrifice Isaac, believing that God was able to raise him even from the dead ([Hebrews 11:17-19](/hebrews/11-17 "Abraham's faith to offer Isaac")), validated his covenant relationship with God and demonstrated the depth of his trust, leading to God's intervention and blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Nature of God as Provider (Jehovah-Jireh):** This event firmly establishes God's character as the ultimate Provider, not just of material needs, but of salvation itself. He anticipates and meets the deepest human needs, often in miraculous and unexpected ways, confirming His faithfulness to His covenant promises.
* **The Principle of Substitution:** Genesis 22:13 is a foundational text for understanding the theological principle of substitutionary atonement. The ram dying "in the stead of" Isaac powerfully illustrates how an innocent party can bear the penalty for another, a concept that finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Christ.
* **Obedience and Blessing:** Abraham's radical obedience, even to a seemingly impossible command, unlocked God's profound provision and blessing. This narrative teaches that genuine faith is demonstrated through obedience, and such obedience opens the door for God to reveal His character and fulfill His promises in extraordinary ways.
* **The Foreshadowing of the Lamb of God:** The ram provided by God serves as a powerful type, or foreshadowing, of Jesus Christ. Just as the ram was God's provision for Isaac's redemption, Jesus is God's ultimate provision for humanity's redemption, identified as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God")).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 22:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It encourages unwavering trust in God's provision, reminding us that He sees our needs and will supply them, often at the eleventh hour, to demonstrate His power and faithfulness most clearly. This passage deepens our understanding of substitutionary sacrifice, helping us grasp the immense cost of our redemption and the boundless love of God who provided the perfect sacrifice. Furthermore, Abraham's obedience, even in the face of incomprehensible commands, serves as a powerful example. Our willingness to obey God, even when the path is unclear or painful, positions us to experience His miraculous intervention and blessings, affirming that true faith is always accompanied by obedience.

### FAQ
**Why was the ram "caught in a thicket by his horns"?**

Answer: The detail of the ram being "caught in a thicket by his horns" emphasizes the miraculous and precise nature of God's provision. The Hebrew word for thicket (סְBַךְ - *sevach*) indicates a dense, intertwined bush, meaning the ram was firmly ensnared and unable to escape. This ensured its immediate availability and suitability as the substitute sacrifice, highlighting that God's provision is not accidental but perfectly orchestrated and timed.

**What is the significance of the phrase "in the stead of his son"?**

Answer: The phrase "in the stead of his son" is profoundly significant as it introduces and illustrates the concept of substitutionary sacrifice. It means the ram died in Isaac's place, serving as his direct replacement. This event is a foundational biblical type, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died as a substitute for humanity, bearing the penalty for sin so that believers might live.

**How does this event reveal God's character?**

Answer: This event powerfully reveals God's character as faithful, merciful, and sovereign Provider. It demonstrates His faithfulness to His covenant promises, as He would not allow Abraham to complete the sacrifice of his son. It shows His mercy in providing an alternative sacrifice, sparing Isaac's life. Most importantly, it highlights God's sovereignty and omnipotence in orchestrating the perfect provision at the exact moment of need, confirming His title "Jehovah-Jireh" – "The LORD Will Provide."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 22:13 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The ram provided by God for Isaac's sacrifice is a profound type of the "Lamb of God" who would take away the sin of the world. While Abraham was willing to offer his son, God Himself, in His infinite love, actually provided His own Son, Jesus, as the perfect and final substitutionary sacrifice for humanity ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Christ's love and sacrifice")). Unlike the ram, which was merely an animal, Jesus was the sinless Son of God, whose death on the cross fully atoned for sin, securing eternal life for all who believe. This narrative thus points forward to the Father's ultimate act of love and provision, offering Himself in Christ where no other substitute could suffice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.