Genesis 22:3

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} rose up early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, and saddled {H2280} his ass {H2543}, and took {H3947} two {H8147} of his young men {H5288} with him, and Isaac {H3327} his son {H1121}, and clave {H1234} the wood {H6086} for the burnt offering {H5930}, and rose up {H6965}, and went {H3212} unto the place {H4725} of which God {H430} had told {H559} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, together with Yitz'chak his son. He cut the wood for the burnt offering, departed and went toward the place God had told him about.

Berean Standard Bible

So Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took along two of his servants and his son Isaac. He split the wood for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had designated.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 22:3 powerfully depicts Abraham's immediate and unwavering obedience to God's most profound and challenging command to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. The verse meticulously details Abraham's swift and deliberate preparations, including rising at dawn, saddling his donkey, gathering his young men and Isaac, and meticulously cleaving the wood for the burnt offering, all before embarking on the three-day journey to the divinely appointed place, thereby underscoring his extraordinary faith and resolute trust in God's sovereign will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows God's extraordinary and deeply challenging command in [Genesis 22:1-2](/genesis/22-1-2 "God Tests Abraham") to "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 command comes after God had miraculously provided Isaac in Abraham's old age ([Genesis 21:1-7](/genesis/21-1-7 "The Birth of Isaac")), and through whom God had promised to establish a great nation and an eternal covenant ([Genesis 17:19-21](/genesis/17-19-21 "The Covenant with Isaac")). Abraham's response in [Genesis 22:3](/genesis/22-3 "Abraham's Obedience to God's Command"), characterized by prompt and decisive action, sets the stage for the ultimate test of his faith, revealing the depth of his devotion and trust in the face of an incomprehensible divine directive. The narrative tension is palpable, as the reader is acutely aware of the command's gravity and the profound implications for the covenant promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the practice of child sacrifice, though abhorrent to Yahwistic faith (later explicitly forbidden in [Deuteronomy 12:31](/deuteronomy/12-31 "Warning Against Idolatry and Child Sacrifice")), was known among surrounding pagan cultures as an extreme act of devotion to their deities. God's command to Abraham, therefore, would have been understood as the ultimate demand for loyalty, testing whether Abraham's devotion to Yahweh surpassed even the deepest human affections and cultural norms. The phrase "rose up early in the morning" (Hebrew: *hashkēm babbōqer*) was a common idiom signifying promptness, resolve, and a deliberate, unhesitating commitment to an action, often associated with important or solemn undertakings. The journey to "the place of which God had told him," traditionally identified as Mount Moriah, would later become the site of Solomon's Temple ([2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "Solomon Builds the Temple")), imbuing the narrative with profound historical and theological significance for Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 22:3 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of **Obedience and Faith**, as Abraham's immediate and thorough compliance demonstrates a faith that trusts God's character and promises even when His commands seem contradictory or impossible. This passage is the quintessential narrative of **Divine Testing**, where God refines and reveals the depth of a believer's commitment, not to cause failure, but to strengthen and affirm a relationship. It also highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, as Abraham's actions reflect his belief that God, who had promised a multitude of descendants through Isaac ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise to Abraham")), would remain faithful to His word, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead ([Hebrews 11:19](/hebrews/11-19 "Abraham's Faith in Resurrection")). Furthermore, the meticulous preparations for the sacrifice, particularly the wood and the son, serve as profound **Foreshadowing of Ultimate Sacrifice**, pointing forward to God's own provision of a substitute, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **early (Hebrew, _bôqer'_):** From H1242, properly "dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning." In this context, "early in the morning" (combining *shâkam* H7925 with *bôqer* H1242) denotes not merely the time of day but Abraham's purposeful, decisive, and unhesitating readiness to act upon God's command. It conveys a sense of urgency and resolve, indicating that Abraham did not delay or waver in his obedience.
* **saddled (Hebrew, _châbash'_):** From H2280, meaning "to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule." This word emphasizes Abraham's active and deliberate preparation. The act of saddling his ass signifies his personal involvement in the practical arrangements for the journey, highlighting his methodical and resolute approach to the daunting task ahead, rather than delegating it entirely.
* **clave (Hebrew, _bâqaʻ'_):** From H1234, meaning "to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open." This verb describes Abraham's physical act of splitting or cutting the wood. The detail is stark and poignant, as Abraham himself prepares the very fuel for the burnt offering, fully expecting it to consume his son. It underscores the gravity and solemnity of the moment, revealing his unwavering resolve to fulfill God's command despite the immense personal cost.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abraham rose up early in the morning":** This phrase immediately establishes Abraham's prompt and resolute obedience. The Hebrew idiom *hashkēm babbōqer* (literally, "he arose early in the morning") signifies a deliberate, purposeful, and unhesitating readiness to act. There is no indication of debate, delay, or emotional struggle, only a swift and determined response to God's difficult command. This rapid action underscores the depth of his faith and trust in God's will.
* **"and saddled his ass":** This detail highlights Abraham's personal involvement and methodical preparation for the journey. The act of saddling his own animal suggests a hands-on approach to the solemn task, indicating his full commitment and readiness to embark on what he knew would be a profoundly challenging and heartbreaking mission. It speaks to his diligence and the gravity with which he undertook God's instruction.
* **"and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son":** This clause specifies the companions for the journey. The inclusion of "two of his young men" suggests practical assistance for the journey, while "Isaac his son" identifies the central figure of the test. The simple, factual statement of taking Isaac, without emotional commentary, enhances the stark reality of the impending sacrifice and Abraham's profound, yet quiet, obedience.
* **"and clave the wood for the burnt offering":** This is a particularly poignant detail. Abraham himself prepares the very materials for the sacrifice, specifically the wood for the burnt offering. The act of "cleaving" (splitting) the wood emphasizes the deliberate and physical nature of his preparation. This detail underscores the solemnity and seriousness of the task, as Abraham meticulously arranges for the sacrifice he believes he must perform, fully intending to offer his son.
* **"and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him":** This final clause completes the description of Abraham's immediate and faithful response. The repetition of "rose up" (from the initial "rose up early") reinforces his determined departure. His journey "unto the place of which God had told him" signifies his complete submission to divine direction. He does not choose the location but faithfully goes where God leads, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty and Abraham's unwavering obedience to the specific divine instruction.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 22:3 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly of the verb "rose up" (Hebrew: *qûwm*). Abraham "rose up early in the morning" and then again "rose up, and went," emphasizing his determined and unhesitating movement towards the divine command. This repetition highlights his resolve and the deliberate nature of his obedience. **Foreshadowing** is powerfully employed through the meticulous preparation of the wood for the burnt offering and the presence of Isaac, the "only son." This imagery profoundly anticipates the ultimate sacrifice of God's own Son, Jesus, who would carry His own wooden cross. There is also a subtle **Irony** in Abraham, the father, preparing the very means of sacrifice for his beloved son, a detail that intensifies the emotional and spiritual weight of the narrative. The entire verse functions as a moment of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows the full weight of the command, while Abraham, though trusting, is proceeding into the unknown outcome of this profound test.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abraham's actions in Genesis 22:3 stand as a foundational example of true biblical faith and obedience. His immediate and thorough response to God's seemingly contradictory command demonstrates a profound trust in God's character and His ability to fulfill His promises, even when human understanding fails. This passage teaches that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but active, costly obedience, willing to surrender even the most precious possessions or relationships to God's sovereign will. It reveals that God tests His people not to break them, but to refine their faith, deepen their dependence, and reveal the true measure of their devotion, ultimately leading to greater blessing and a clearer understanding of His faithfulness. The meticulous preparation for the burnt offering, particularly the wood and the son, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine sacrifice of God's own Son, Jesus Christ, on a cross of wood, establishing a profound theological link between Abraham's test and the Gospel.

* [Hebrews 11:17-19](/hebrews/11-17-19 "Abraham's Faith and the Offering of Isaac")
* [James 2:21-23](/james/2-21-23 "Faith and Works of Abraham")
* [Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "God Gives His Own Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 22:3 presents a profound challenge and a powerful model for believers today. Abraham's promptness and meticulous preparation in the face of an unfathomable command call us to examine the depth and readiness of our own obedience to God. Are we as swift and resolute when God's will becomes clear, even when it demands immense personal sacrifice, challenges our comfort, or seems counter-intuitive to our plans? This verse encourages us to cultivate a profound and unwavering trust in God's character, believing that His plans are always good and ultimately redemptive, even when His commands are difficult or His ways are mysterious ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "God's Thoughts are Higher Than Ours")). Furthermore, Abraham's diligent preparation reminds us that spiritual obedience often requires not just impulsive action, but thoughtful, sometimes costly, and unwavering resolve. As we faithfully walk the path God has set before us, we are called to emulate Abraham's costly faith, trusting that God will provide and that His purposes will ultimately prevail for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Abraham's immediate response in Genesis 22:3 reveal about the nature of true faith and obedience?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to a similar prompt and costly obedience, even when the path is unclear or difficult?**
* **How does Abraham's act of "cleaving the wood" for the burnt offering speak to the personal cost and intentionality required in following God?**
* **How can reflecting on Abraham's trust in God's provision strengthen your own faith when facing seemingly impossible situations?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abraham rise "early in the morning"?**

Answer: Abraham's act of rising "early in the morning" (Hebrew: *hashkēm babbōqer*) is highly significant. It signifies his immediate, resolute, and purposeful obedience to God's command. This promptness indicates a complete lack of hesitation, procrastination, or debate in carrying out the difficult instruction. It underscores the depth of his faith and his unwavering willingness to act swiftly on divine instruction, prioritizing God's will above all else, even his deepest affections.

**Did Abraham know he would not have to sacrifice Isaac?**

Answer: The biblical text strongly implies that Abraham fully intended to obey God's command to sacrifice Isaac. His meticulous actions, including cleaving the wood and preparing for the burnt offering, demonstrate his full expectation of carrying out the sacrifice. However, the author of [Hebrews 11:19](/hebrews/11-19 "Abraham's Faith in Resurrection") provides profound insight into Abraham's mindset, stating that he "considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead." This reveals that while Abraham prepared to obey, his faith was so profound that he believed God was capable of a miracle, even resurrection, to fulfill His promises concerning Isaac. He did not know *how* God would fulfill the promise, but he trusted that God *would*.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 22:3 profoundly foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of God's own Son, Jesus Christ, establishing a powerful redemptive parallel. Just as Abraham, the father, prepared to offer his beloved, unique son, Isaac, on Mount Moriah, so too did God the Father, in His infinite love and perfect will, offer His unique Son, Jesus, on a cross for the redemption of humanity. Isaac, in this verse, is seen carrying the wood for his own intended sacrifice, a poignant image that prefigures Christ carrying His own cross to Calvary ([John 19:17](/john/19-17 "Jesus Carries His Cross")). Abraham's unwavering obedience, even to the point of sacrificing his only son, mirrors the Father's perfect will in sending Christ, and Christ's perfect obedience in laying down His life ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). This narrative culminates in God's provision of the ram as a substitute ([Genesis 22:13](/genesis/22-13 "God Provides a Ram")), which ultimately points to Jesus Christ as the true "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Proclaims Jesus as the Lamb of God")), demonstrating that God Himself provides the perfect sacrifice.

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 119:60

I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

Matthew 10:37

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Luke 14:26

If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Galatians 1:16

To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Hebrews 11:17

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten [son],

Hebrews 11:19

Accounting that God [was] able to raise [him] up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Genesis 17:23

¶ And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.