Genesis 22:5

KJV

And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} said {H559} unto his young men {H5288}, Abide {H3427} ye here with the ass {H2543}; and I and the lad {H5288} will go {H3212} yonder {H3541} and worship {H7812}, and come again {H7725} to you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey. I and the boy will go there, worship and return to you."

Berean Standard Bible

“Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told his servants. “The boy and I will go over there to worship, and then we will return to you.”

American Standard Version

And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass, and I and the lad will go yonder; and we will worship, and come again to you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 22:5 encapsulates Abraham's profound faith and radical obedience as he prepares to offer Isaac, the son of promise, as a sacrifice on Mount Moriah. His instruction to his young men, "Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you," is a powerful declaration of his unwavering conviction that God, who commanded the sacrifice, would also provide a way for His covenant promises to be fulfilled, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead. This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting Abraham's singular devotion and trust in the face of an unimaginable divine test.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture within the "Akedah," or the binding of Isaac, found in [Genesis 22](/genesis/22 "Genesis 22 - The Binding of Isaac"). It immediately follows God's stunning command to Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, the heir of the covenant promises ([Genesis 22:2](/genesis/22-2 "God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac")). Abraham's journey to the designated place, Moriah, has lasted three days, a period of intense mental and spiritual preparation. As they approach the mountain, Abraham deliberately separates Isaac and himself from the two young servants and the donkey, signifying the deeply personal and solitary nature of the impending act of worship and sacrifice. This separation emphasizes that what is about to transpire is a unique, private encounter between Abraham, Isaac, and God, beyond the comprehension or involvement of mere onlookers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, child sacrifice, though abhorrent to Yahweh, was practiced by some surrounding cultures, often to appease deities or ensure prosperity. This background makes God's command to Abraham particularly shocking and challenging, yet it also sets the stage for a profound theological distinction: Yahweh, unlike pagan gods, ultimately provides a substitute, demonstrating His character as a God who does not require human sacrifice but provides divine atonement. The journey itself, spanning three days, would have been arduous, allowing Abraham ample time for reflection, doubt, or even disobedience. His unwavering resolve, despite the cultural context and the personal cost, underscores his unique faith and relationship with the one true God. The concept of "worship" in this period often involved acts of prostration and sacrifice, but Abraham's understanding elevates it to an act of ultimate surrender and trust.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 22:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of **faith and obedience**, exemplified by Abraham's immediate and resolute response to God's difficult command, even when it seemed to contradict prior promises regarding Isaac's lineage ([Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "God's covenant with Isaac")). It also powerfully develops the theme of **divine testing**, revealing the depth and sincerity of Abraham's devotion, demonstrating that his love for God surpassed even his love for his son. Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **God's provision**, as Abraham's declaration of return hints at a miraculous intervention, foreshadowing the ultimate provision of a ram ([Genesis 22:13](/genesis/22-13 "God provides a ram as a substitute")) and the naming of the place "Jehovah-Jireh" ([Genesis 22:14](/genesis/22-14 "Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord Will Provide")). Finally, it lays foundational groundwork for the concept of **resurrection**, as Abraham's expectation of returning with Isaac implies a belief in God's power over life and death, a truth later explicitly affirmed in the New Testament regarding this event ([Hebrews 11:19](/hebrews/11-19 "Abraham's faith in resurrection")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ass (Hebrew, _chămôwr'_):** This term refers to a male donkey, a common beast of burden in ancient Israel, used for travel and carrying goods. In this context, the ass, along with the young men, represents the mundane, earthly aspects of the journey that must be left behind as Abraham and Isaac ascend to a place of profound spiritual encounter and sacrifice. Their presence would have been practical for the journey but unnecessary, even distracting, for the sacred act of worship.
* **worship (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** This primitive root means "to depress," "prostrate oneself," or "bow down," especially in homage to royalty or God. It conveys an act of deep reverence, submission, and humility. In Genesis 22:5, Abraham's use of "worship" is not a euphemism for sacrifice but an accurate description of the ultimate act of submission he intends to perform. It underscores that true worship can involve the most costly surrender, demonstrating absolute allegiance and trust in God's sovereignty, even unto death.
* **come again (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root means "to turn back," "return," or "restore." In Abraham's declaration, "and come again to you," this word is crucial. It signifies his profound expectation that both he and Isaac would return. This was not a deceptive statement to his servants, but a declaration rooted in an extraordinary faith that God, who had promised a lineage through Isaac, would either provide a substitute or raise Isaac from the dead to fulfill His word. It speaks to Abraham's conviction in God's power to reverse what seemed irreversible and restore what was given up.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abraham said unto his young men,"**: This initial clause establishes Abraham's authority and the specific audience for his command. The "young men" (Hebrew: _naʻar_) are his servants, accompanying him on this momentous journey. Abraham's direct address indicates a clear, deliberate instruction, setting the stage for the separation that is about to occur.
* **"Abide ye here with the ass;"**: Abraham instructs his servants and the donkey to remain at a distance. The verb "abide" (Hebrew: _yâshab_) implies to sit down, to dwell, or to remain. This command creates a physical and symbolic separation. The servants, representing human understanding and practical limitations, are to stay behind, unable to comprehend or participate in the unique spiritual trial Abraham and Isaac are about to face. The ass, a symbol of earthly travel and burdens, is also left behind, emphasizing the ascent to a higher, spiritual plane.
* **"and I and the lad will go yonder and worship,"**: This is the core of Abraham's declaration, revealing his unwavering resolve. "I and the lad" (Isaac, also _naʻar_) signifies their joint participation in this profound act. "Go yonder" (Hebrew: _kôh_) points to a specific, yet unrevealed, place on the mountain where the act of worship will occur. The term "worship" (Hebrew: _shâchâh_) here is laden with meaning, indicating an act of ultimate submission and reverence, which Abraham understands will involve the sacrifice of his son. It is a testament to his profound understanding of what true devotion to God entails.
* **"and come again to you."**: This concluding phrase is arguably the most significant, encapsulating the depth of Abraham's faith. The expectation of returning "again" (Hebrew: _shûwb_) with Isaac, despite the command to sacrifice him, reveals Abraham's belief in God's power to provide a substitute or even to resurrect Isaac from the dead. It is not a lie, but a prophetic declaration born of faith in God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating a trust that transcends the immediate, seemingly impossible circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 22:5 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the ass and the young men symbolize the earthly realm and human limitations, which must be left behind for a profound spiritual encounter. The ascent "yonder" to "worship" symbolizes a movement from the mundane to the sacred, from human understanding to divine mystery. The verse also employs profound **Foreshadowing**, particularly in Abraham's declaration "we will come again." This statement, made before the sacrifice, hints at God's miraculous provision and Abraham's belief in resurrection, powerfully prefiguring Christ's death and resurrection. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the servants are unaware of the true nature of the "worship" Abraham intends, while the reader knows the full, agonizing context of God's command. This creates tension and highlights Abraham's solitary burden of faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of faith, obedience, and divine provision. Abraham's willingness to surrender his most cherished possession demonstrates that true worship is not merely ritualistic but involves absolute trust and costly obedience to God's sovereign will, even when it defies human logic or emotional capacity. It highlights that God's tests are designed not to break us, but to refine our faith and reveal the depth of our devotion, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of His character and faithfulness.

* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "God tests Israel's obedience to know what is in their heart")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship")
* [Hebrews 11:17-19](/hebrews/11-17-19 "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, concluding that God was able to raise him even from the dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 22:5 challenges believers to confront the depth of their own faith and the sincerity of their worship. Abraham's declaration, "I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you," is a profound testament to a faith that trusts God beyond all human reasoning and emotional pain. It teaches us that true worship often demands costly surrender—not necessarily of a child, but of our most treasured possessions, our deepest desires, or our carefully constructed plans. Are we willing to lay down our "Isaacs" at God's command, trusting that He is faithful to His promises and able to do the impossible? This verse calls us to cultivate a radical trust in God's sovereignty and provision, believing that even in the face of apparent loss or contradiction, God will ultimately fulfill His word and bring about His perfect purposes. It reminds us that our faith is most profoundly tested in the areas we hold dearest, and it is in those moments of ultimate surrender that our worship becomes most authentic and pleasing to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Isaacs" in your life—your most cherished possessions, relationships, or aspirations—might God be calling you to surrender in an act of worship and trust?**
* **How does Abraham's faith in God's ability to "come again" challenge your own understanding of God's power and faithfulness in seemingly impossible situations?**
* **In what ways can your daily life be an act of "worship" (prostration and submission) to God, even when it requires personal cost or sacrifice?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to trust God's provision even when His commands or circumstances seem contradictory to His promises?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abraham say "we will come again" if he intended to sacrifice Isaac?**

Answer: Abraham's statement was not a deception, but a profound declaration of faith. As [Hebrews 11:19](/hebrews/11-19 "Abraham's faith in resurrection in Hebrews 11:19") explains, Abraham believed that God was able to raise Isaac even from the dead. His expectation of returning with Isaac demonstrated his unwavering trust in God's power to fulfill His covenant promises, knowing that the lineage through Isaac was essential for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. He understood that God's faithfulness transcended even death.

**What does "worship" mean in the context of Genesis 22:5?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "worship" is *shachah* (שָׁחָה), meaning "to bow down" or "prostrate oneself." In this context, it signifies an act of ultimate reverence, submission, and humility before God, even to the point of costly sacrifice. For Abraham, worship was not a mere ritual but a complete surrender of his will and his most precious possession to God's command, demonstrating absolute allegiance and trust in God's sovereignty.

**Why was such a difficult command given to Abraham?**

Answer: The command to sacrifice Isaac was a supreme test of Abraham's faith and obedience, designed to reveal the true depth of his devotion to God. It proved that Abraham loved God more than anything, even his beloved son, demonstrating that his faith was not merely intellectual assent but a living, active trust. This test also served as a profound foreshadowing of God's own future sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, illustrating the immense cost of divine love and atonement for humanity's sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac, his "only son" whom he loved, as a sacrifice on Mount Moriah, and his profound faith that he and Isaac would "come again," powerfully prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of God's own Son, Jesus Christ. Just as Isaac was the "son of promise" through whom Abraham's lineage and the covenant would continue, Jesus is the unique and beloved Son of God through whom all of God's promises are ultimately fulfilled ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). The ram provided as a substitute for Isaac ([Genesis 22:13](/genesis/22-13 "God provides a ram as a substitute")) vividly points to Jesus as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the perfect and final sacrifice provided by God Himself ([Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Christ offered once to bear sins")). Abraham's faith in God's ability to provide or even raise the dead ([Hebrews 11:19](/hebrews/11-19 "Abraham's faith in resurrection")) finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's literal resurrection from the dead ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Buried with Christ through baptism into death, so that we too may walk in newness of life")), which guarantees our own future "coming again" with Him in glory. The "Akedah" thus stands as a profound theological type, revealing the heart of God's love in giving His Son for humanity's redemption ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son")).

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

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.

Hebrews 12:1

¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,