Genesis 22:9

KJV

And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they came {H935} to the place {H4725} which God {H430} had told {H559} him of; and Abraham {H85} built {H1129} an altar {H4196} there, and laid {H6186} the wood {H6086} in order {H6186}, and bound {H6123} Isaac {H3327} his son {H1121}, and laid {H7760} him on the altar {H4196} upon {H4605} the wood {H6086}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They came to the place God had told him about; and Avraham built the altar there, set the wood in order, bound Yitz'chak his son and laid him on the altar, on the wood.

Berean Standard Bible

When they arrived at the place God had designated, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar, atop the wood.

American Standard Version

And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar, upon the wood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 22:9 marks the profound culmination of Abraham's ultimate test of faith, detailing his solemn and deliberate actions—building the altar, arranging the wood, binding Isaac, and laying him upon it—demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to God's command and an unwavering trust in His divine plan. This verse captures the critical moment of Abraham's obedience before divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
This verse represents the apex of God's extraordinary command to Abraham in [Genesis 22:2](/genesis/22-2 "God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac"), instructing him to offer his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering on Mount Moriah. Following a three-day journey to "the place which God had told him of," Abraham's actions in this verse are not impulsive but the deliberate outcome of profound obedience and careful preparation. The atmosphere is one of solemn purpose and unwavering determination as he moves to fulfill what he believes is God's will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse meticulously details Abraham's actions, each step underscoring the gravity and solemnity of the intended sacrifice:

* **Arrival at the Designated Place:** The phrase "And they came to the place which God had told him of" signifies the culmination of Abraham's three-day journey to Mount Moriah. This arrival marks the point of no return, where Abraham's faith is put to its ultimate test.
* **Construction of the Altar:** "and Abraham built an altar there." The construction of the altar is a deliberate, ritualistic act, indicating Abraham's full intent to perform a genuine sacrifice according to God's command. This was not a moment of hesitation but of resolute purpose.
* **Arrangement of the Wood:** "and laid the wood in order." This detail underscores Abraham's meticulous obedience. Every step is precise, reflecting the gravity and solemnity of the intended offering.
* **Binding of Isaac:** "and bound Isaac his son." The Hebrew word used here, *aqad* (עָקַד), specifically refers to binding an animal for sacrifice, emphasizing that Abraham was treating Isaac as a true burnt offering. This term highlights the gravity of Abraham's intent and his complete commitment to following God's instructions for a ceremonial sacrifice. Isaac's submission, though not explicitly stated as an action *he* performs, is implicit in his being bound by his elderly father, suggesting his own trust or understanding.
* **Laying Isaac on the Altar:** "and laid him on the altar upon the wood." This final act completes Abraham's preparation for the sacrifice, demonstrating his absolute surrender and willingness to offer his only son. It is the climactic moment before divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Unwavering Obedience:** Abraham's methodical actions—building the altar, arranging the wood, binding Isaac, and laying him on the altar—demonstrate a complete and unwavering obedience to God's command. This highlights a deep commitment to God's will, even when it seems incomprehensible or morally challenging.
* **Profound Faith:** This verse is a powerful testament to Abraham's extraordinary faith. He believed that God, who had promised to make him a great nation through Isaac, was capable of raising Isaac from the dead, as later described in [Hebrews 11:19](/hebrews/11-19 "Abraham's faith in God's power to raise the dead"). His willingness to proceed with the sacrifice demonstrates an absolute trust in God's character and His promises.
* **Isaac's Submissive Role:** While the verse focuses on Abraham's actions, Isaac's implicit submission is significant. As a young man, Isaac could have easily resisted his elderly father, but his willingness to be bound and laid upon the altar speaks to his own trust, perhaps in his father's faith or in God's ultimate plan.
* **The Nature of True Sacrifice:** The very act of preparing Isaac as a burnt offering underscores the concept of ultimate sacrifice and surrender to God's will. It redefines what it means to give one's "best" to God.
* **God's Sovereignty and Provision:** Although the provision comes later, Abraham's actions here are rooted in his prior declaration, "God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering" ([Genesis 22:8](/genesis/22-8 "Abraham's prophetic words to Isaac")). This highlights the underlying theme of God's ultimate sovereignty and His faithfulness to provide for His people, even in the most dire circumstances.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 22:9 profoundly challenges believers to examine the depth of their own faith and obedience. It teaches that true trust in God may necessitate the surrender of our most cherished possessions, deepest hopes, or carefully laid plans, believing that God's ultimate design is always superior and His promises unfailing. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a radical trust in God's character, embracing obedient action even when it demands significant personal cost, and to anticipate God's miraculous intervention and provision in seemingly impossible situations.

### FAQ
**Why did God command Abraham to sacrifice Isaac?**

Answer: God's command was a test of Abraham's faith and obedience, not an endorsement of human sacrifice. It was designed to reveal the depth of Abraham's devotion and to teach profound truths about God's provision and the nature of true worship. The narrative culminates in God's intervention, preventing the sacrifice and providing a substitute, thereby condemning human sacrifice while simultaneously foreshadowing the ultimate divine sacrifice.

**Did Isaac willingly submit to his father?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly state Isaac's words or actions of submission in this verse, his being bound and laid upon the altar by his elderly father implies a willing cooperation or profound trust. As a young man, Isaac could have easily resisted, suggesting his own faith or deep respect for Abraham's understanding of God's will.

**What is the significance of "bound Isaac his son"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *aqad* (עָקַד) specifically means to bind an animal for sacrifice. Its use here underscores the ritualistic and sacrificial nature of Abraham's intent, emphasizing that he was treating Isaac as a genuine burnt offering. This detail highlights the gravity of Abraham's commitment to following God's instructions for a ceremonial sacrifice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound narrative of Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac serves as a powerful and unparalleled type of God the Father's ultimate sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Just as Isaac was the "only son" of promise, carried the wood for his own sacrifice, and was laid on an altar on Mount Moriah (or a nearby hill), so too did God willingly offer His beloved Son on Calvary. This event finds its supreme fulfillment in Christ's crucifixion, where God's love for humanity led Him to provide the true Lamb for the world's sin, as declared in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's love and the gift of His Son"). The narrative of Abraham and Isaac thus points directly to the ultimate divine provision and the redemptive work of Christ.

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.