Genesis 22:8

KJV

And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} said {H559}, My son {H1121}, God {H430} will provide {H7200} himself a lamb {H7716} for a burnt offering {H5930}: so they went {H3212} both of them {H8147} together {H3162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham replied, "God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son"; and they both went on together.

Berean Standard Bible

Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two walked on together.

American Standard Version

And Abraham said, God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt-offering, my son: so they went both of them together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 22:8 captures Abraham's profound declaration of faith to his son Isaac, stating, "My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together." This pivotal moment, occurring as they journey to Mount Moriah for Isaac's intended sacrifice, not only reveals Abraham's unwavering trust in divine provision but also serves as a powerful prophecy, foreshadowing God's ultimate provision of His own Son, Jesus Christ, as the perfect sacrificial Lamb.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 22:8 is embedded within the intensely challenging narrative of Abraham's supreme test of faith, often referred to as the Akedah (the binding of Isaac). God's command in [Genesis 22:2](/genesis/22-2 "God's Command to Abraham to Sacrifice Isaac") to offer Isaac, Abraham's only son through Sarah and the son of promise, as a burnt offering, sets the stage for an agonizing journey. As Abraham, Isaac, and two servants travel for three days to Mount Moriah, the tension builds. The immediate preceding verses describe Isaac's innocent yet poignant question about the missing lamb for the sacrifice, highlighting the stark reality of their journey and the absence of the crucial sacrificial animal. Abraham's response in [Genesis 22:8](/genesis/22-8 "Abraham's Declaration of Faith") is the climax of this dialogue, a statement of profound faith that immediately precedes the ascent of Abraham and Isaac alone up the mountain, carrying the implements for the sacrifice. The narrative flow emphasizes Abraham's unwavering obedience and trust, setting the stage for God's miraculous intervention and the naming of the place "Jehovah-jireh" in [Genesis 22:14](/genesis/22-14 "The LORD Will Provide").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of child sacrifice, though abhorrent to Yahweh, was tragically common among some Canaanite cultures surrounding ancient Israel, often performed to appease deities or secure blessings. However, the God of Abraham explicitly condemns such practices (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Warning Against Child Sacrifice")). The "burnt offering" (`ʻôlâh` in Hebrew) was a significant form of worship in the ancient Near East, involving the complete consumption of the animal by fire on the altar, symbolizing total dedication and atonement. The absence of the sacrificial animal, combined with Isaac carrying the wood, would have been deeply unsettling and culturally anomalous, underscoring the gravity and uniqueness of Abraham's situation. Mount Moriah, later identified with the temple mount in Jerusalem ([2_chronicles/3-1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "Solomon Builds the Temple on Mount Moriah")), adds a layer of geographical and theological significance, linking this foundational act of faith to the future center of Israelite worship and God's dwelling among His people.
* **Key Themes:** This chapter, and particularly [Genesis 22:8](/genesis/22-8 "Abraham's Faith and Prophecy"), contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly illustrates **divine testing** and the nature of **true faith and obedience**. Abraham's willingness to obey, even in the most unthinkable command, showcases faith that trusts God's character and promises above all else. Secondly, the theme of **divine provision** is central, culminating in the name "Jehovah-jireh" ("The LORD Will Provide" or "The LORD Will See"). Abraham's declaration is not a deception but a prophetic utterance rooted in his conviction that God would indeed provide, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead ([Hebrews 11:19](/hebrews/11-19 "Abraham's Faith in Resurrection")). Finally, and most significantly, the narrative is rich with **typological foreshadowing**, pointing directly to the ultimate sacrifice of God's own Son, Jesus Christ, as the "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")) for the sins of the world. This prefigurement highlights God's eternal plan of redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural form, used here with a singular verb, refers specifically to the supreme God, Yahweh. Its use emphasizes God's sovereign power, authority, and unique identity as the one who commands and provides. It underscores that the provision Abraham speaks of will come from the ultimate divine source.
* **provide (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This primitive root means "to see," but in a causative sense, it extends to "to make to see," "to appear," or "to provide." Abraham's declaration, "God will provide," is thus deeply rooted in the idea that God will "see to it" or "make Himself seen" through His timely and perfect provision. It implies divine foresight and active intervention.
* **lamb (Hebrew, _seh'_):** This term refers to a member of a flock, specifically a sheep or goat, typically a young one suitable for sacrifice. Its specific mention by Isaac and Abraham highlights its crucial role in the burnt offering ritual and, prophetically, its symbolic significance as the innocent sacrificial victim.
* **burnt offering (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** This term denotes a "holocaust," an offering that "goes up in smoke" as it is completely consumed by fire on the altar. It symbolizes total dedication to God and serves as an atonement for sin. The absence of this specific animal in Isaac's question and Abraham's promise makes the provision of a lamb for this purpose paramount.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abraham said, My son,"**: This opening phrase sets a tender and intimate tone, highlighting the profound personal bond between father and son. Abraham's address to Isaac as "My son" underscores the emotional weight of the situation and the depth of the sacrifice being contemplated, making his subsequent statement of faith all the more remarkable. It is a moment of deep paternal affection mixed with unwavering spiritual conviction.
* **"God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:"**: This is the theological and prophetic core of the verse. Abraham's declaration is not a hopeful guess but a confident assertion of faith in God's character as the ultimate provider. The phrase "provide himself" (literally "see for himself") implies that God will personally ensure the provision, taking responsibility for the sacrifice. This statement directly anticipates the naming of the place "Jehovah-jireh" ("The LORD Will Provide") in [Genesis 22:14](/genesis/22-14 "The LORD Will Provide"). It is a profound expression of Abraham's trust that God, who had promised to make Isaac the father of many nations, would surely make a way, even believing God capable of raising Isaac from the dead ([Hebrews 11:19](/hebrews/11-19 "Abraham's Faith in Resurrection")).
* **"so they went both of them together."**: This concluding clause is deceptively simple yet profoundly significant. Despite the agonizing nature of their conversation and the terrifying implications of Abraham's previous command, their continued journey "together" signifies Isaac's trust in his father and, implicitly, Abraham's unwavering obedience to God. It speaks to the unity of purpose and the resolute determination to proceed with God's command, even into the unknown. This joint progression highlights the shared experience of faith and obedience, even as one carried the burden of a divine secret.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 22:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. Most notably, **Foreshadowing** is central, as Abraham's declaration about God providing "himself a lamb" directly prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, for humanity's sins. This is a powerful instance of **Typology**, where Isaac, the beloved, only son offered by his father, serves as a type of Christ, the only begotten Son offered by God the Father. The dialogue itself contains a subtle **Irony**: Isaac carries the wood for his own sacrifice, unaware of his father's true intent, while Abraham carries the knowledge of God's command and his profound faith. The phrase "God will provide himself a lamb" also functions as **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired utterance that finds its complete fulfillment centuries later. Finally, the **Dialogue** between Abraham and Isaac is poignant and emotionally charged, revealing the innocence of the son and the profound, agonizing faith of the father, making the narrative deeply relatable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 22:8 stands as a foundational text for understanding the nature of God's providence and the depth of human faith. It reveals a God who tests, but also a God who provides, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and meticulous plan for salvation. Abraham's response exemplifies a radical trust in God's character and promises, even when human reason fails. This narrative serves as a profound theological type, where the near-sacrifice of Isaac points forward to the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God, establishing a crucial link in God's unfolding redemptive history.

* [Hebrews 11:17-19](/hebrews/11-17-19 "Abraham's Faith in Offering Isaac")
* [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")
* [Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "God Did Not Spare His Own Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 22:8 offers timeless lessons for believers, inviting us to cultivate a similar trust in God's unfailing provision. In moments of uncertainty, hardship, or seemingly impossible circumstances, we are called to echo Abraham's faith, believing that God "will provide" for our needs according to His perfect will and riches in glory ([Philippians 4:19](/philipians/4-19 "God's Provision for Needs")). Furthermore, Abraham's radical obedience, even in the face of immense personal cost, reminds us that genuine faith is demonstrated through action and a willingness to surrender our most cherished possessions to God's sovereign plan. This passage encourages us to continually look for Christ throughout the entirety of Scripture, recognizing that the Old Testament narratives are intricately woven into God's overarching plan of salvation, culminating in the person and work of Jesus, the perfect Lamb. Our faith, like Abraham's, should not merely be intellectual assent but a living, active trust that moves us to obey God even when the path is unclear or demands great sacrifice, confident that He will ultimately "see to it."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently being called to trust God's provision, even when you cannot see the way forward?**
* **How does Abraham's willingness to obey, despite the emotional cost, challenge your understanding of true faith and obedience?**
* **How does the foreshadowing of Christ in this passage deepen your appreciation for God's redemptive plan and the sacrifice of Jesus?**
* **What "lamb" or cherished possession might God be asking you to lay on the altar of surrender, trusting His ultimate provision?**

### FAQ
**Did Abraham know God would provide a ram instead of Isaac?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state that Abraham knew God would provide a *ram*. His declaration, "God will provide himself a lamb," indicates a profound trust that God *would* provide *something* for the offering, or even that God was capable of raising Isaac from the dead ([Hebrews 11:19](/hebrews/11-19 "Abraham's Belief in Resurrection")). His faith was in God's ability to fulfill His promises, not in a specific foreknowledge of the ram. It was a statement of profound confidence in God's character and power.

**How does Genesis 22:8 foreshadow Jesus Christ?**

Answer: This verse powerfully foreshadows Jesus in several profound ways. Isaac, a beloved, only son, was offered by his father, mirroring God the Father offering His only begotten Son, Jesus ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")). Abraham's statement about God providing "himself a lamb" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who is called the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus as the Lamb of God")). The substitutionary nature of the ram caught in the thicket for Isaac also points to Jesus as the ultimate substitute, bearing the penalty for humanity's sins, a "once for all" sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")).

**What is the significance of the name "Jehovah-jireh" in relation to this verse?**

Answer: "Jehovah-jireh" means "The LORD Will Provide" or "The LORD Will See." It is the name Abraham gave to the place where God provided the ram as a substitute for Isaac ([Genesis 22:14](/genesis/22-14 "Meaning of Jehovah-jireh")). This name is a direct outcome and confirmation of Abraham's declaration in [Genesis 22:8](/genesis/22-8 "Abraham's Prophecy of Provision"). It serves as a perpetual reminder of God's faithful, timely, and perfect provision in the face of human need and obedience, especially in the context of redemption. It encapsulates the truth that God sees our need and provides for it.

**Was Abraham deceiving Isaac with his answer?**

Answer: No, Abraham was not deceiving Isaac. His statement was a declaration of profound faith and prophetic insight, not a lie. He genuinely believed that God, who had made covenant promises concerning Isaac's descendants, would either provide a lamb or miraculously intervene to fulfill His word, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead ([Hebrews 11:19](/hebrews/11-19 "Abraham's Faith in Resurrection")). It was an expression of absolute trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when the means were unclear.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 22:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Abraham's prophetic declaration, "God will provide himself a lamb," points directly to God the Father's supreme act of love and provision: offering His own beloved, only begotten Son as the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sin. Just as Isaac, the son of promise, carried the wood for his own intended sacrifice up Mount Moriah, Jesus, the true Son of God, carried His cross to Calvary, a hill likely part of the same mountain range, where He, the spotless Lamb of God ([1_peter/1-19](/1_peter/1-19 "Christ, a Lamb without Blemish")), was offered once for all. The ram caught in the thicket, a divinely provided substitute for Isaac, powerfully prefigures Jesus as the ultimate substitute, bearing the penalty for our sins ([2_corinthians/5-21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Made Sin for Us")). Thus, Genesis 22:8 is not merely a story of Abraham's faith, but a divinely inspired preview of the cross, where God truly provided Himself the Lamb—Jesus Christ—to accomplish eternal redemption and reconcile humanity to Himself ([colossians/1-20](/colossians/1-20 "Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")).

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

John 1:36

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

John 1:29

¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Revelation 5:12

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Genesis 18:14

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Revelation 13:8

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 19:26

But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Revelation 7:14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.