1871 BC · AM 2133 · Patriarchs
The offering of Isaac on Moriah
God tested Abraham, who bound Isaac on the altar at Moriah before the angel of the LORD stayed his hand and a ram was provided (Genesis 22:9-14). Isaac was no small child; he himself carried the wood for the offering up the mountain (Genesis 22:6), and Ussher, citing Josephus, reckons him about 25 years old, in the prime of his strength.
genealogical dating
Ussher dates the offering to 1871 BC (AM 2133), with Isaac about 25 per Josephus as cited by Ussher
📖 Genesis 22:1–3
1Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. 2“Take your son,” God said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” 3So 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.
Connections
Quotation
God's oath to Abraham
Hebrews quotes the promise God confirmed with an oath after Abraham did not withhold Isaac and points to Abraham's patient reception of what was promised.
Hebrews 6:13–15
When God made His promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply your descendants.” And so Abraham, after waiting patiently, obtained the promise.
Genesis 22:15-18 records God swearing by Himself to bless Abraham and multiply his descendants; Hebrews 6:13-15 quotes that promise while emphasizing the certainty of God's oath.
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