A ram in Isaac’s stead

The promised son Isaac was born. God said to Abraham, “It is through Isaac that offspring shall be named for you” (Gen. 21:12). But, God also commanded Abraham, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love… and offer him there as a burnt offering” (Gen. 22:2). Abraham never questioned. He, along with his son Isaac and some young men went out. While they were going, Isaac, noticing that they did not have any lamb, asked his father, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for  burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” As they reached the place, Abraham prepared an altar, bound his son and laid him on top of the altar. As he took the knife to kill his son, the angel of the LORD spoke, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son from me.” Then, they saw a ram caught in a thicket by its horns and took it and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of Isaac. Abraham then called that place “The LORD will provide (Jehovah-Jireh)”.

How obedient Abraham was! He knew that God could raise him from the dead (Heb. 11:19) and trusted in Him.

They did not bring with them a lamb for the burnt offering. He knew that the LORD will provide. Indeed, the LORD provided a ram in Isaac’s stead.

Look at us sinners. While we were lost in sin, the LORD thought of us. Like Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering” he provided for us His only Son Jesus Christ who was offered as a burnt offering in our place.

A ram was offered in Isaac’s place.

A lamb was offered in our place.