A Case for the Old Testament: Does Isaac foreshadow Jesus?

Genesis Chapter 22:

As we continue our study in the Old Testament, and the all important foundational book of Genesis, we come upon a well known, and often misunderstood story in chapter 22: The [almost] sacrifice of Abraham’s son Isaac. Even though human sacrifice was common in surrounding pagan nations at this time, it is forbidden in God’s Design and Law. So why did God ask Abraham to do this?

Before we look at the answer to that question, it would be helpful to review a few of the focus points along with the “big picture” of the Bible:

The Bible, the Old Testament in particular, gives us history, and specifically God’s historical relationship with us, His creation. God made sure that we would have a record of human history and an understanding of the redemptive plan He enacted after the ‘Fall’ in order to redeem us from eternal death because of sin (separation from Him). This historical record is often two fold in nature: Things that happened then pictured, or foreshadowed, things that would happen in the future. The picture, or foreshadow, always points to Jesus and this is a focus we want to have as we study the Old Testament.

Watch this short clip on Foreshadowing in the Bible:

These real historical narratives are not myths, as many non-believers would claim, and we have evidence in corroborating records of other cultures and in archeology that support the places, people, and events spoken of in the Scriptures. One of the most exciting things we find as we read and study through the Bible’s Old Testament is the many pictures and foreshadows in these real events. This narrative of Abraham and Isaac gives us a special picture, or foreshadow, of what God would do through His Son Jesus, the Messiah, and the importance of having faith in God and His Word.

Here are just a few of the foreshadows we see:

There was a lot of anticipation in the expected birth of Isaac as Abraham and Sarah had waited 25 years (Israel had been waiting hundreds of years for their Messiah when Jesus came)
The angels brought the good news of Isaac’s pending birth (Just like an angel told Mary and Joseph, and angels announced it to the shepherds)
Isaac’s birth was miraculous, Sarah was 90 and Abraham was 100 (Jesus birth was a miraculous virgin birth)
The Father’s suffering is demonstrated through Abraham’s grief as he walked for three days with Isaac, knowing what he would have to do (The Father was grieved knowing He would have to give His one and only Son to be crucified for us)
Isaac carried the wood on his back (Jesus carried the cross on His back)
Mt. Mariah’s shoulder is Golgotha (Jesus was crucified on Golgotha)
Abraham and Isaac’s journey was three days to Mt. Moriah (Jesus was three days in the grave)
Isaac willingly submitted to his father (Jesus willingly submitted to His Father)
Isaac was somewhere between the ages of 25 and 35 (Jesus was 33)
The ram provided by God at the last minute was a substitutionary atonement for Isaac and Abraham’s faith (Jesus is the lamb that is a substitutionary atonement for our faith)
Abraham spoke prophetically saying “God will provide Himself the lamb for a burnt-offering” (see 22:8 in KJV/ASV/RSV/CJB/OJB)
Abraham’s faith showed belief that God could raise Isaac from the dead and the ram provided by God was a substitute that symbolized the resurrection of Isaac – Cross reference this fact by reading Hebrews 11:17-19. (Jesus’ resurrection would be evidence of the defeat of death and Satan on behalf of all that would believe upon Him)

Abraham’s faithfulness to God is a testament to us about the importance of trusting God and His Word in our lives, no matter what. Read about Abraham’s faithfulness in the New Testament books of Romans chapter 4; Galatians chapter 3; and Hebrews chapter 11.

The importance of understanding Abraham’s faithfulness applies to us because we are saved by faith in Christ Jesus’ works and not by anything we can do in works ourselves. This is the gift of grace offered in no other belief system because it can only come from the true and living Creator God of the Bible.

Genesis chapter 23: Sarah dies at age 127 (Abraham later dies at age 175). Abraham purchases property for the burial of Sarah with typical bartering still practiced today in the Middle East. But, Abraham pays the full asking price which is a shock to the barterers, but they gladly accept it.

Note: Abraham would now own property in the Promised Land.

Genesis chapter 24: Abraham sends his oldest servant Eliezar to Haran to get a wife from Abraham’s family for Isaac (his name is not given but most scholars agree it would be him as he was mentioned earlier in 15:2 Abram said, “O Lord God, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”). God answers Eliezar’s prayer and he miraculously finds Rebekah and brings her home as a bride for Isaac. (Point of interest: Putting your “hand under the thigh” for an oath was basically swearing on the family jewels).

Pictures or Typologies in this story:

Isaac can be seen as a ‘type of Christ’ who was an obedient son to the father and who eagerly and patiently waited for his bride (some 20 years)
Eliezar, Abraham’s servant, can be seen as a type of the Holy Spirit who leads the bride (Church) to the Son (Christ) as directed by the Father (God)
Rebekah can be seen as a type of the Church, the bride of Christ, who eagerly and faithfully comes to Isaac and trusts that what God has done is in line with the purpose of her life

Going Deeper:

Check out this presentation by Amir Tsarfati: “Jesus in the Old Testament”

BIBLE STUDY:

Read Genesis chapters 22-24

From the story of Abraham and Isaac what are some examples that foreshadow Jesus you’d like to remember and be able to share? (Gen. Ch. 22 and notes above)
What happened when Abraham tried to find and buy land in which to bury Sarah? (Gen. Ch. 23)
Why do you think it was important for Isaac to get a wife from Abraham’s relatives and not from the local Canaanites? (Gen. Ch. 24) What are some important things you can note from this story?
How does the faith and obedience of Abraham and Isaac apply to us today? Give an example from your own life experience.

Join us next week as we continue our “Case for the Old Testament!”

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

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Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15