Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
‘Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac.’ Abraham – faith’s test: He had the promises. He offered up his only begotten son through whom the seed should come (11:18; Gen. 21:12). He had faith that if he killed his son in obedience, God would raise him from the dead to fulfil what He had promised (11:19). He received Isaac back from the dead, figuratively. We see the 29th prophecy in Genesis 22:8 fulfilled. The first prophecy of Abraham (Gen. 20:7). He spoke prophetically of God’s Lamb (John 1:29), and Christ’s crucifixion (1Pet. 1:19-23; 2:24; Rev. 5:5-10). This is the sixth prophecy of Christ as typified in Isaac and his substitute (Gen. 22:8-14).] Abraham’s faith was again demonstrated by knowing God would provide a sacrifice. He could not fully comprehend God’s command, but he had absolute confidence in His wisdom, love and care for himself and Isaac.
‘Only begotten son.’ The only begotten son by his legitimate wife, the only son of promise, and heir to his wealth.
‘That in Isaac shall thy seed be called.’ This is the 26th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (11:18; Gen. 21:12) – and the fifth prophecy concerning Christ in Genesis (Gen. 21:12 with Gal. 3:6-8, 16). Galatians 3:16 states: “And to thy seed, which is Christ.”
‘Accounting’ – Reckoning, supposing, concluding.
‘Figure’ [Greek: parabole] Used in Hebrews 9:9 as a shadow of the realities in Christ (8:5; 10:1). Isaac was, as far as Abraham was concerned, dead; he thus became resurrected figuratively.
Living the Word 