genesis 22 the sacrifice of isaac: a similitude. elder melvin j. ballard wrote: “you remember the...

Genesis 22Genesis 22

The Sacrifice of IsaacThe Sacrifice of Isaac: :

A SimilitudeA Similitude

Elder Melvin J. Ballard wroteElder Melvin J. Ballard wrote: :

““You remember the story of how Abraham’s You remember the story of how Abraham’s son came after long years of waiting and was son came after long years of waiting and was looked upon by his worthy sire, Abraham, as looked upon by his worthy sire, Abraham, as more precious than all his possessions, yet, in more precious than all his possessions, yet, in the midst of his rejoicing, Abraham was told to the midst of his rejoicing, Abraham was told to take this only son and offer him as a sacrifice take this only son and offer him as a sacrifice to the Lord. to the Lord.

He responded. He responded. Can you feel what was in the Can you feel what was in the heart of Abraham on that occasionheart of Abraham on that occasion? ?

You love your son just as Abraham did, perhaps not quite so You love your son just as Abraham did, perhaps not quite so much, because of the peculiar circumstances, but what do much, because of the peculiar circumstances, but what do you think was in his heart when he started away from Mother you think was in his heart when he started away from Mother Sarah, and they bade her goodbye? Sarah, and they bade her goodbye?

What do you think was in his heart when he saw Isaac What do you think was in his heart when he saw Isaac bidding farewell to is mother to take three days’ journey to the bidding farewell to is mother to take three days’ journey to the appointed place where the sacrifice was to be made? appointed place where the sacrifice was to be made?

I imagine it was about all Father Abraham could do to keep I imagine it was about all Father Abraham could do to keep from showing his great grief and sorrow at that parting, but he from showing his great grief and sorrow at that parting, but he and his son trudged along three days toward the appointed and his son trudged along three days toward the appointed place, Isaac carrying the fagots that were to consume the place, Isaac carrying the fagots that were to consume the sacrifice. The two travelers rested, finally, at the sacrifice. The two travelers rested, finally, at the mountainside, and the men who had accompanied them were mountainside, and the men who had accompanied them were told to remain while Abraham and his son started up the hill. told to remain while Abraham and his son started up the hill.

““The boy then said to his father: The boy then said to his father:

‘‘Why, Father, we have fagots; we Why, Father, we have fagots; we have the fire to burn the sacrifice; have the fire to burn the sacrifice; but where is the sacrifice?’but where is the sacrifice?’

““It must have pierced the heart of It must have pierced the heart of Father Abraham to hear the trusting Father Abraham to hear the trusting and confiding son say: and confiding son say:

‘‘You have forgotten the sacrifice.’ Looking at the youth, his You have forgotten the sacrifice.’ Looking at the youth, his son of promise, the poor father could only say: ‘The Lord will son of promise, the poor father could only say: ‘The Lord will provide.’provide.’

““They ascended the mountain, gathered the stones together, They ascended the mountain, gathered the stones together, and placed the fagots upon them. Then Isaac was bound, and placed the fagots upon them. Then Isaac was bound, hand and foot, kneeling upon the altar. hand and foot, kneeling upon the altar.

I presume Abraham, like a true father, must have given his I presume Abraham, like a true father, must have given his son his farewell kiss, his blessing, his love, and his soul must son his farewell kiss, his blessing, his love, and his soul must have been drawn out in that hour of agony toward his son have been drawn out in that hour of agony toward his son who was to die by the hand of his own father. Every step who was to die by the hand of his own father. Every step proceeded until the cold steel was drawn, and the hand proceeded until the cold steel was drawn, and the hand raised that was to strike the blow to let out the life’s blood.” raised that was to strike the blow to let out the life’s blood.” (The Sacramental Covenant,” (The Sacramental Covenant,” New EraNew Era, January 1976, 9-10)., January 1976, 9-10).

Keep in mind that Abraham was saved from a Keep in mind that Abraham was saved from a similar fate instigated in wickedness by his similar fate instigated in wickedness by his own father. As with most people, Abraham own father. As with most people, Abraham must have abhorred human sacrifice. must have abhorred human sacrifice.

Why would the Lord require such a trial of his Why would the Lord require such a trial of his faith?faith?

What can be learned from the life of Abraham, What can be learned from the life of Abraham, who was faithful to the end?who was faithful to the end?

A similitude is an object, act, or event A similitude is an object, act, or event in physical reality which corresponds in physical reality which corresponds to (is similar to or is a simulation of) to (is similar to or is a simulation of) some greater spiritual realitysome greater spiritual reality..

Many miss the precise detail of this Many miss the precise detail of this similitude that God used to teach similitude that God used to teach about the future sacrifice of his only about the future sacrifice of his only Son.Son.

Learning from TrialsLearning from Trials

President Hugh B. Brown said that God commanded Abraham President Hugh B. Brown said that God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac because “to sacrifice Isaac because “Abraham needed to learn Abraham needed to learn something about Abrahamsomething about Abraham” (Truman G. Madsen, ” (Truman G. Madsen, The Highest The Highest in Us in Us (1978), 49).(1978), 49).

I recall on one occasion, when I was returning from seminary to I recall on one occasion, when I was returning from seminary to my home for lunch, that as I drove in my wife met me in the my home for lunch, that as I drove in my wife met me in the driveway. “Cliff has been killed” she said. “They want you to driveway. “Cliff has been killed” she said. “They want you to come over.” As I hastened around the corner to where Cliff come over.” As I hastened around the corner to where Cliff lived with his wife and four sons and his little daughter, I saw lived with his wife and four sons and his little daughter, I saw Cliff lying in the middle of the highway with a blanket over him. Cliff lying in the middle of the highway with a blanket over him. The ambulance was just pulling away with little Colleen. Cliff The ambulance was just pulling away with little Colleen. Cliff had been on his way out to the farm and had stopped to cross had been on his way out to the farm and had stopped to cross the street to take little Colleen to her mother who waited on the the street to take little Colleen to her mother who waited on the opposite curb. But the child, as children will, broke from her opposite curb. But the child, as children will, broke from her father’s hand and slipped into the street. A large truck was father’s hand and slipped into the street. A large truck was coming. Cliff jumped from the curb and pushed his little coming. Cliff jumped from the curb and pushed his little daughter from the path of the truck --- but he wasn’t soon daughter from the path of the truck --- but he wasn’t soon enough.enough.

““A few days later I had the responsibility of A few days later I had the responsibility of talking at the funeral of Cliff and little Colleen. talking at the funeral of Cliff and little Colleen. Someone said, ‘What a terrible waste. Someone said, ‘What a terrible waste. Certainly he ought to have stayed on the curb. Certainly he ought to have stayed on the curb. He knew the child might have died, but he had He knew the child might have died, but he had four sons and a wife to provide for. What a four sons and a wife to provide for. What a pathetic waste!’ pathetic waste!’ And I estimated that – that And I estimated that – that individual never had – had the experience of individual never had – had the experience of loving someone more than he loved himselfloving someone more than he loved himself” ” (Problems in Teaching Moral Standards, (Problems in Teaching Moral Standards, addressed delivered at seminary and institute addressed delivered at seminary and institute faculty summer school, BYU, 15 July 1958, 10-faculty summer school, BYU, 15 July 1958, 10-11).11).

Elder Oaks said: Elder Oaks said:

““The story of Abraham and Isaac shows the The story of Abraham and Isaac shows the goodness of God in protecting Isaac and in goodness of God in protecting Isaac and in providing a substitute so he would not have to providing a substitute so he would not have to die. Because of our sins and our mortality, we, die. Because of our sins and our mortality, we, like Isaac are condemned to death. When all like Isaac are condemned to death. When all other hope is gone, our Father in Heaven other hope is gone, our Father in Heaven provides the Lamb of God, and we are saved provides the Lamb of God, and we are saved by his sacrifice” (C.R., Oct. 1992, 51).by his sacrifice” (C.R., Oct. 1992, 51).

The following are some of the significant The following are some of the significant detailsdetails::

Genesis 22:2Genesis 22:2

Abraham obviously was a type or similitude Abraham obviously was a type or similitude of of the Fatherthe Father..

Interestingly enough, his name Abram, means Interestingly enough, his name Abram, means “exalted father.”“exalted father.”

Abraham means “father of a great multitude.”Abraham means “father of a great multitude.”

Both are names appropriate of Heavenly FatherBoth are names appropriate of Heavenly Father..

Genesis 22:2, 12Genesis 22:2, 12

Isaac was a type of the Son of God.Isaac was a type of the Son of God.

He was the product of a miraculous He was the product of a miraculous birth.birth.

Genesis 22:2Genesis 22:2 “Land of Moriah”“Land of Moriah”

Today Mount Moriah is a major hill of Jerusalem. The Today Mount Moriah is a major hill of Jerusalem. The site known traditionally as the place where Abraham site known traditionally as the place where Abraham offered Isaac is now the site of the Dome of the Rock, offered Isaac is now the site of the Dome of the Rock, a beautiful Moslem mosque. a beautiful Moslem mosque.

A few hundred yards to the north on a higher point of A few hundred yards to the north on a higher point of the same hill system is another world-famous site the same hill system is another world-famous site known as Gordon’s Calvary. known as Gordon’s Calvary. Its Hebrew name was Its Hebrew name was GolgothaGolgotha. .

Not only did Abraham perform the similitude, but he Not only did Abraham perform the similitude, but he performed it in the same area in which the Father performed it in the same area in which the Father would make the sacrifice of His Son.would make the sacrifice of His Son.


““Abraham took the wood of the burnt Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his offering, and laid it upon Isaac his

son.”son.”

Some have seen in this action a similarity Some have seen in this action a similarity to Christ carrying of the cross upon his to Christ carrying of the cross upon his shoulders on the way to his crucifixion shoulders on the way to his crucifixion (Clarke, (Clarke, Bible CommentaryBible Commentary, 1:139; John , 1:139; John 19:17).19:17).


Then on the third day.Then on the third day.

Three days --- journey --- Three days --- journey --- resurrection! resurrection!

5. 5. Genesis 22:5Genesis 22:5 “the lad”“the lad”

Josephus the Jewish Historian says that Isaac was Josephus the Jewish Historian says that Isaac was 25 years old.25 years old.

In Hebrew “lad” would be marriageable age.In Hebrew “lad” would be marriageable age.

The point is that Isaac voluntarily submitted to The point is that Isaac voluntarily submitted to AbrahamAbraham. He was likely an adult in his thirties. He . He was likely an adult in his thirties. He could have easily over powered his father who was could have easily over powered his father who was well over one hundred.well over one hundred.

The Book of Jasher (an apocryphal book) revealed that Isaac The Book of Jasher (an apocryphal book) revealed that Isaac was taught what would happen to him and agreed to itwas taught what would happen to him and agreed to it (59, 62- (59, 62-63). Why the authenticity of the book is questioned, the principle 63). Why the authenticity of the book is questioned, the principle taught seems correct.taught seems correct.

The Book of Jasher reports Isaac’s first response to the news: “I The Book of Jasher reports Isaac’s first response to the news: “I will do all the Lord spoke to thee with joy and cheerfulness of will do all the Lord spoke to thee with joy and cheerfulness of heart (heart (Book of JasherBook of Jasher, 61)., 61).

Isaac responded as recorded in by Jasher: “There is nothing in Isaac responded as recorded in by Jasher: “There is nothing in my heart to cause me to deviate either to the right or to the left my heart to cause me to deviate either to the right or to the left from the word that he has spoken to thee…. But I am of joyful from the word that he has spoken to thee…. But I am of joyful and cheerful heart in this matter, and I say, Blessed is the Lord and cheerful heart in this matter, and I say, Blessed is the Lord who has this day chosen me to be burnt offering before Him who has this day chosen me to be burnt offering before Him (Book of Jasher, 62).(Book of Jasher, 62).

Josephus noted the same obedient spirit: “Now Isaac was of such Josephus noted the same obedient spirit: “Now Isaac was of such a generous disposition, as became the son of such a father,…and a generous disposition, as became the son of such a father,…and said, ‘That he was not worthy to be born at first, if he should reject said, ‘That he was not worthy to be born at first, if he should reject the determination of God and of is father….’ So he went the determination of God and of is father….’ So he went immediately to the altar to be sacrificed” (Josephus, immediately to the altar to be sacrificed” (Josephus, Complete Complete WorksWorks, 37)., 37).

Abraham now understood, more keenly than ever before, the Abraham now understood, more keenly than ever before, the meaning of the atoning sacrifice. As his heart was about to burst meaning of the atoning sacrifice. As his heart was about to burst in that brief moment when he raised the knife, he felt a pain akin in that brief moment when he raised the knife, he felt a pain akin to the Father’s pain and a love akin to the Father’s love.to the Father’s pain and a love akin to the Father’s love.

Genesis is silent as to the conversation that transpired between Genesis is silent as to the conversation that transpired between father and son on top of that holy mount. No doubt it was one of father and son on top of that holy mount. No doubt it was one of those sacred moments when silence thunders.those sacred moments when silence thunders.

Sarah died at the age of 127 Sarah died at the age of 127 (Genesis 23:1). Isaac would (Genesis 23:1). Isaac would have been 37 at the time of her have been 37 at the time of her death. Even if the journey to death. Even if the journey to Moriah had happened several Moriah had happened several years before Sarah’s death, years before Sarah’s death, Isaac would have been in his Isaac would have been in his thirties, as was the Savior at the thirties, as was the Savior at the time of the crucifixion.time of the crucifixion.


Abide ye here!Abide ye here!

Abraham left the two young men like Abraham left the two young men like the Savior left his Apostlesthe Savior left his Apostles..


v.6v.6 and they went both of them together!and they went both of them together!

v.8v.8 so they went both of them together!so they went both of them together!

It is apparent that they were in harmony with each It is apparent that they were in harmony with each other. other.

It appears that Isaac knows that he was the It appears that Isaac knows that he was the sacrifice.sacrifice.


““And Abraham bound Isaac his son”And Abraham bound Isaac his son”

Luke 23:33Luke 23:33 “Jesus nailed to the cross”“Jesus nailed to the cross”


Significantly, Abraham did not see the substitute ram Significantly, Abraham did not see the substitute ram on Mount Moriah until after the moment that mattered, on Mount Moriah until after the moment that mattered, when he obediently “stretched forth his hand, and took when he obediently “stretched forth his hand, and took the knife….” Sometimes the cross must be taken up the knife….” Sometimes the cross must be taken up just that decisively. There is no time for an agonizing just that decisively. There is no time for an agonizing appraisal (Neal A. Maxwell, Deposition of a Disciple, appraisal (Neal A. Maxwell, Deposition of a Disciple, 76).76).


An angel of the Lord An angel of the Lord visitsvisits

Luke 22:43Luke 22:43 “An angel “An angel strengthened strengthened him”him”


And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed by be blessed; because thou hast obeyed by voice.voice.

The Abrahamic Covenant is now in full force, The Abrahamic Covenant is now in full force, unconditionally (D&C 132:29-37; 110:12; unconditionally (D&C 132:29-37; 110:12; 124:58).124:58).

Satan will lose!Satan will lose!

Little wonder that throughout the scriptures Abraham is spoken Little wonder that throughout the scriptures Abraham is spoken of again and again as a great example of one with faith, of one of again and again as a great example of one with faith, of one who was obedient.who was obedient.

““The sacrifice required of Abraham in the offering up of Isaac, The sacrifice required of Abraham in the offering up of Isaac, shows that if a man would attain to the keys of the kingdom of shows that if a man would attain to the keys of the kingdom of an endless life; he must sacrifice all things” (an endless life; he must sacrifice all things” (TeachingsTeachings, 322)., 322).

Let us observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice Let us observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation…It was through this sacrifice, necessary unto life and salvation…It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life….When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he eternal life….When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life, and has for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make the believing before God that he has been called to make the sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know most sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and than he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain. offering, and than he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life” (necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life” (Lectures on Faith Lectures on Faith 6:7).6:7).

Three Blessings of Three Blessings of TribulationTribulation

Romans 5:3-5Romans 5:3-5 D&C 122:7D&C 122:7

1. Patience1. Patience

2. Experience2. Experience

3. Holy Ghost3. Holy Ghost

Being human, we would expel from our lives physical pain and Being human, we would expel from our lives physical pain and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual ease and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual ease and comfort, but if we were to close the doors upon sorrow and comfort, but if we were to close the doors upon sorrow and distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long-suffering, and self-mastery. The sufferings of patience, long-suffering, and self-mastery. The sufferings of our Savior were part of His education…our Savior were part of His education…

No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, builds our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God…and is through sorrow and called the children of God…and is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in HeavenFather and Mother in Heaven…(Orson F. Whitney, Spencer W. …(Orson F. Whitney, Spencer W. Kimball, Kimball, Faith Proceeds the MiracleFaith Proceeds the Miracle, 1975, 98)., 1975, 98).

Isaac as a type or shadow of ChristIsaac as a type or shadow of Christ

1.1.Long wait for his birth (Gen. 17:17)Long wait for his birth (Gen. 17:17)

2.2.His name and birth were foretold by an angel (Gen. His name and birth were foretold by an angel (Gen. 17:16)17:16)

3.3.His mother conceived miraculously and brought forth a His mother conceived miraculously and brought forth a son (Gen. 21:2, 6-7)son (Gen. 21:2, 6-7)

4.4.He was called the “only begotten son” (Heb. 11:17)He was called the “only begotten son” (Heb. 11:17)

5.5.Traveled to Jerusalem with a donkey (Gen. 22:3)Traveled to Jerusalem with a donkey (Gen. 22:3)

6.6.Those with him were asked to wait while he went yonder Those with him were asked to wait while he went yonder to worship/pray (Gen. 22:5)to worship/pray (Gen. 22:5)

7.7.Was to be sacrificed on a hill in the area of Moriah (Gen. Was to be sacrificed on a hill in the area of Moriah (Gen. 22:2)22:2)

8.8. Carried the wood to be instrumental in his death Carried the wood to be instrumental in his death (Gen. 22:6)(Gen. 22:6)

9.9. Was one with his father (Gen. 22:6, 8)Was one with his father (Gen. 22:6, 8)

10.10.Was in similitude of his father (Abr. 1:5-16, Gen. Was in similitude of his father (Abr. 1:5-16, Gen. 26:1-4, 24)26:1-4, 24)

11.11.Voluntarily submitted to the will of his father (Gen. Voluntarily submitted to the will of his father (Gen. 22:8-9)22:8-9)

12.12.Those who accept the gospel become his seed --- his Those who accept the gospel become his seed --- his sons and daughters (Abr. 2:10; Gen. 26:1-4, 24)sons and daughters (Abr. 2:10; Gen. 26:1-4, 24)

Because spiritual events can be discerned only Because spiritual events can be discerned only by spiritual senses.by spiritual senses.

Fortunately, there were some who understood the Fortunately, there were some who understood the spiritual significance of sacrifices. For four spiritual significance of sacrifices. For four thousand years every believer who raised a knife thousand years every believer who raised a knife to slay the firstborn of his flock might momentarily to slay the firstborn of his flock might momentarily identify with the Father of us all. Which of these identify with the Father of us all. Which of these pastors could thrust his blade with glacial emotion pastors could thrust his blade with glacial emotion into the warm flesh of a lamb he had lovingly into the warm flesh of a lamb he had lovingly nurtured --- and perhaps on occasion defended nurtured --- and perhaps on occasion defended from both element and enemy --- and not wince from both element and enemy --- and not wince when the pulsating blood stained his cold steel?when the pulsating blood stained his cold steel?

On such occasion the hearts of both sheep and On such occasion the hearts of both sheep and shepherd were pierced. As significant as was the shepherd were pierced. As significant as was the symbolism of this moment, however, the lasting symbolism of this moment, however, the lasting lesson was not of the mind, but of the heart. We lesson was not of the mind, but of the heart. We can never understand the passionate symbolism can never understand the passionate symbolism of this event by cold logic alone; it must be felt. of this event by cold logic alone; it must be felt. Every herdsman who looked forward to a Every herdsman who looked forward to a Redeemer would undergo his own spiritual Redeemer would undergo his own spiritual catharsis, his own broken heart. Bu such catharsis, his own broken heart. Bu such experience, he would begin to feel, however experience, he would begin to feel, however small those swellings might be, the depth of small those swellings might be, the depth of sacrifice yet to be made in the meridian of time sacrifice yet to be made in the meridian of time (Tad R. Callister, (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite AtonementThe Infinite Atonement, 281)., 281).

genesis 22 the sacrifice of isaac: a similitude. elder melvin j. ballard wrote: “you remember the...

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