Son of promise, second patriarch of Israel
c. 2066–1886 BC · Old Testament
The son of Abraham and Sarah, born when his father was 100 and mother 90 — child of promise, bound for sacrifice but spared by God's provision, husband of Rebekah, father of Esau and Jacob.
Isaac was the long-awaited son of Abraham and Sarah, born when Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90 (Genesis 21:5). His name means 'he laughs' — recalling Sarah's laughter at God's promise (Genesis 18:12) and her joy at his birth (Genesis 21:6). Isaac was the child of promise, the heir of God's covenant with Abraham. When Isaac was young (perhaps a teenager), God tested Abraham: 'Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest... and offer him there for a burnt offering' (Genesis 22:2). Abraham obeyed. Isaac carried the wood for his own sacrifice up Mount Moriah. He asked his father: 'where is the lamb for a burnt offering?' Abraham answered: 'God will provide himself a lamb' (Genesis 22:7-8). At the last moment, the angel of the LORD stopped Abraham, and a ram was provided instead. The site became known as 'The LORD will provide.' This event is one of Scripture's most profound — foreshadowing Christ's sacrifice on the same mountain region (Calvary). After Sarah's death, Abraham sent a servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own people. The servant found Rebekah at a well (Genesis 24). Isaac was 40 when he married her. Rebekah was barren for 20 years; Isaac prayed, and she conceived twins — Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:21-26). Isaac favored Esau; Rebekah favored Jacob. In his old age, blind Isaac was deceived by Rebekah and Jacob into giving the blessing meant for Esau to Jacob (Genesis 27). Despite the deception, Isaac confirmed Jacob's blessing. Isaac lived in Canaan throughout his life — never leaving the land of promise. He dug wells, prospered in agriculture, and endured Philistine envy. He died at 180 and was buried by Esau and Jacob in the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 35:29). Isaac is considered the second of the three patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) — the chain through which the covenant passed.
Child of promise
God provides the ram
Isaac at age 40
After 20 years of barrenness
Deceived by Rebekah and Jacob
Buried at Machpelah
Isaac's significance: (1) He is the son of promise — God's faithfulness manifest in a long-awaited birth. (2) The binding of Isaac (Akedah) is one of Scripture's most profound foreshadowings of Christ. The willing Father, the obedient son, the substitutionary sacrifice — all point to Calvary. (3) He carries the covenant line from Abraham to Jacob (Israel). (4) Hebrews 11:17-19 sees in Abraham's offering of Isaac a picture of resurrection faith. (5) He is one of three patriarchs God identifies himself with: 'the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob' (Exodus 3:6).
“Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”— Genesis 22:7
Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah, born when his father was 100 and mother 90 (Genesis 21:5). His name means 'he laughs.' He was the child of God's covenant promise. As a young man, he was nearly sacrificed by Abraham on Mount Moriah but spared by God's provision. He married Rebekah, fathered Esau and Jacob, and died at 180. He is the second of the three patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob).
Genesis 22 — God tested Abraham, commanding him to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. Abraham obeyed. Isaac carried the wood for his own sacrifice and asked 'where is the lamb?' At the last moment, God stopped Abraham and provided a ram instead. The event is called the Akedah (Hebrew 'binding'). It is one of Scripture's most profound foreshadowings of Christ's sacrifice on the same mountain region.
Several ways: (1) Both were sons of promise. (2) Both willingly went to the sacrificial mountain. (3) Both carried the wood for their own sacrifice. (4) Both were offered by a loving father. (5) Isaac was spared by a substitute; Christ was the substitute. (6) Hebrews 11:17-19 says Abraham received Isaac back from death 'in a figure' — pointing to Christ's resurrection. The Akedah is one of the OT's clearest gospel pictures.
The Bible doesn't specify, but Jewish tradition often places him as a young man rather than a small child — old enough to carry the wood for his own sacrifice (Genesis 22:6). Some traditions suggest 25-37 years old. If older, his cooperation with Abraham becomes even more profound — he could have resisted but submitted, mirroring Christ's willing submission to the cross.