Genesis 22:3

¶ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Genesis 22:3 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, showcasing Abraham's immediate and unwavering obedience to God's most challenging command to sacrifice his son, Isaac.

Context

This verse immediately follows God's call to Abraham in Genesis 22:2, which demands the unthinkable: the sacrifice of his beloved son, Isaac—the very son through whom God had promised to build a great nation (Genesis 21:12). Abraham's response in verse 3, rising "early in the morning," underscores his promptness and resolve. This was not a hasty decision, but a deliberate act of faith, as they embarked on a three-day journey to the appointed place, traditionally believed to be Mount Moriah.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Immediate Obedience: Abraham's actions demonstrate a profound and swift submission to God's will. There is no hesitation, no debate, only diligent preparation. This swiftness highlights the depth of his trust in God's character and sovereignty.
  • Profound Faith: This passage is a testament to Abraham's extraordinary faith, often referred to as the "father of faith." He believed that God, who gave him Isaac in old age, was also able to raise him from the dead (Hebrews 11:19), even as he prepared to obey the command.
  • Solemn Preparation: The details—saddling his ass, taking his young men, and particularly "clave the wood for the burnt offering"—emphasize the gravity of the task. Abraham meticulously prepared for the sacrifice, knowing full well its implications, yet proceeding with unwavering resolve.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "rose up early in the morning" (Hebrew: hashkēm babbōqer) signifies not just an early start, but a resolute and purposeful action, indicating Abraham's determination and lack of delay in carrying out God's difficult command. The act of "clave the wood" (Hebrew: baqa' - to split or cleave) is a stark and poignant detail, as Abraham himself prepares the very materials for a sacrifice that he expects will be his son.

Practical Application

Genesis 22:3 challenges believers today to consider the nature of their own obedience and trust in God. Abraham's example encourages us to:

  • Respond Promptly: When God's will is clear, do we act without hesitation, even when it's difficult or counter-intuitive?
  • Trust God's Character: Can we trust that God's plans are always good, even when His commands seem to contradict our understanding or desires? This test refined Abraham's faith, demonstrating that God's ultimate purpose is always redemptive and good (Romans 8:28).
  • Prepare Diligently: Spiritual obedience often requires careful preparation and resolve, not just impulsive action.

This verse sets the stage for one of the most profound displays of faith and obedience in the Old Testament, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice God himself would make for humanity.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 119:60 (4 votes)

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

  • Matthew 10:37 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    ¶ 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.