Abraham and Isaac Bible Story—Why Did God Ask Abraham to Sacrifice Isaac? (Genesis 22)
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why in the Abraham and Isaac Bible story God asked Abraham to do something that seemed so hard — to give up his only son, Isaac? To sacrifice him!
This story isn’t just about obedience; it’s about trust, love, and faith in the face of what makes no sense.
The Story
Abraham’s Faith
Abraham loved God with all his heart. One of the things that Abraham did that proves his love for God was leaving the land of the Chaldeans and traveling to Canaan. That sounds simple, but it means Abraham left the land of his fathers. The country where his family, friends, and relatives were living. He then went far away at a time when traveling was not safe. He did all of that just because God asked him to.
God had promised him a son when he was 75 years old. Abraham waited for 15 years for God’s promise of a son. When he was 100 years old, Isaac was born. This was a miracle. Abraham and his wife, Sarah, were already too old to have children.
One day, God spoke to Abraham:
Gen 22: 2 He said, “Now take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go into the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will tell you of.” (WEB)
It was a command that must have made Abraham’s heart ache. Why would God ask for the very promise He had given? An only son that even God recognized Abraham loved so much!
Still, Abraham trusted God. He woke up early the next morning, gathered wood, took Isaac, some servants, then started the long journey to the mountain.
The Climb Up the Mountain
On the third day of the journey, Abraham saw the place where the sacrifice would be offered. It was still some distance away. He told the servants who were with him to stay behind with the donkey. He told them he and Isaac would go ahead to worship God. Abraham and Isaac continued on with the firewood, a knife, and fire. At some point, something bothered Isaac, so he spoke up.
Gen 22: 7 Isaac spoke to Abraham his father, and said, “My father?”
He said, “Here I am, my son.”
He said, “Here is the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”
Abraham looked at his son and said with quiet faith,
“God Himself will provide the lamb.”
8 Abraham said, “God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they both went together.(WEB)
Those words held more truth than Abraham even knew.
The Moment of Surrender
At the top of the mountain, Abraham built an altar and laid the wood in place. He tied up Isaac and reached for his knife — but then came a voice from heaven:
Gen 22:11 Yahweh’s angel called to him out of the sky, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!”
He said, “Here I am.”
12 He said, “Don’t 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.”
13 Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and saw that behind him was a ram caught in the thicket by his horns. Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 Abraham called the name of that place “Yahweh Will Provide”.[a] As it is said to this day, “On Yahweh’s mountain, it will be provided.” (WEB)
Abraham had proved that he was faithful, obedient, trusting, and loving towards God. God had now proved that Abraham loved God more than anything else.
The Promise Renewed
Gen 22:15 Yahweh’s angel called to Abraham a second time out of the sky, 16 and said, “‘I have sworn by myself,’ says Yahweh, ‘because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 that I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your offspring greatly like the stars of the heavens, and like the sand which is on the seashore. Your offspring will possess the gate of his enemies. 18 All the nations of the earth will be blessed by your offspring, because you have obeyed my voice.’” (WEB)
Due to Abraham’s obedience, God renewed His promise. Earlier in Abraham’s life, before even Isaac was born, God had promised so many offspring to Abraham. God had now tested Abraham and found him worthy of the blessing. It looked like obeying God would cause Abraham to lose his son Isaac, whom he loved so much. Instead, Abraham gained favor with God, and he also kept his son Isaac. In the Abraham and Isaac Bible story the biggest tests were to do with obedience and faith.
Abraham named the place Jehovah Jireh — “The Lord will provide.”
Lesson Summary
God sometimes tests our hearts to help us grow in faith.
True faith means trusting even when we don’t understand.
God is our provider — He always has a plan, even when we can’t see it.
This story points to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who gave His life for us.
Discussion Questions for Children
Activities and Resources
- Printable: Abraham and Isaac Bible Craft Activity for Kids | Coloring Pages Kit| Printable
- Craft Idea: Make a paper ram using cotton balls and talk about God’s provision.
- Memory Verse: “The Lord will provide.” – Genesis 22:14
- Video Resource: “Abraham and Isaac” animated Bible story for children.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Abraham and Isaac Bible Story
Why is this story important for kids?
It teaches children that trusting God means believing He will take care of them, even when life feels confusing or scary.
What can parents and teachers emphasize?
That God never truly wanted Isaac to die — it was about showing Abraham’s faith and revealing God’s nature as a provider.
How does this story connect to Jesus?
Just as God provided a ram for Abraham, He later provided Jesus — the ultimate sacrifice — for the whole world.
Closing Thought
When we trust God completely, even when things don’t make sense, we discover that He truly provides. Abraham’s story reminds every child and parent that obedience and faith always lead to blessing.
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