A Study in Genesis

Genesis chapter 22 is probably one of the most well-known passages in Genesis, and arguably one of the most well-known passages found in all of the Bible. Scholars, theologians and acute Bible students alike have all sought to understand the details of this passage. Personally, I have studied this countless times over the past 30 years. However, it was not until recently that I came to grips with something rather remarkable. Genesis provides the inspired word of God. The book of Jasher which is referenced in Joshua 10:13 “So the sun stood still, And the moon stopped, Till the people had revenge Upon their enemies. [Is] this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go [down] for about a whole day.” and 2 Samuel 1:18“and he told [them] to teach the children of Judah [the Song of] the Bow; indeed [it is] written in the Book of Jasher.” the book of Jasher was common reading in the time of Christ with Paul reminding and referencing information from the book of Jasher in his letter to Timothy, 2 Timothy 3:8 “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith.” Why do I bring all this up? I bring it up because the Book of Jasher details the historical aspects of the events in Genesis 22, whereas Genesis skips some of these historical details to amplify the foundational truth that a person needs to know.

When you compare the two, you see how God’s Word (Genesis) wants the author to know the facts but highlights them in a manner that will bring about an eternal truth! That truth is a willing father to lay down his son’s life, and a willing son to lay down his own life. This is the theme of John 3:16“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” We read Genesis 22 and can see that God would not require man to do anything to save ourselves, but He Himself would provide. This fits in line with John 3:17 “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Genesis 22 further provides us the cosmic rescue of what Jesus would do one day. Isaac was not a young boy, but rather a fully grown man when he willingly offered his life to Abraham’s blade. Jesus was fully grown when He offered His life for the sins of mankind. No one forced these decisions; and yet, only Jesus could fulfill the decision and our payment of sin. John 10:13-18“The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; and I know My [sheep,] and am known by My own. 15 “As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd. 17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”

I would encourage you to study Genesis 22 thoroughly and compare it with the historical non-canonical account in the Book of Jasher. By doing this, you will see what Moses, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, thought was the eternal truth that needed to be extracted from the events. Ultimately, Genesis 22 reveals great faith from Abraham and Isaac. Both are willing to follow the guidance provided by God, and be a mere foreshadow of the true testament of God the Father and God the Son willingly providing payment for our sins.

What an amazing God we have.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

SUMMER PRAYER FEST

This week, let’s focus on praying for the knowledge that we can bring our deepest needs to God. Pray also for the knowledge that when we seek His will, His plan for us will be made clear. This week’s Bible verse and focus is Jeremiah 33:3, ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’