The Offering of Isaac

(John 3:1–21)

Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him,“Abraham!”

“Here I am,” he answered.

2 

“Take your son,” [God] said,“your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”

3 

So Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took along two of his servants and his son Isaac. He split the wood for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had designated

4 

On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told his servants.“The boy and I will go over there to worship, and then we will return to you.”

6 

Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac. He himself carried the fire and the sacrificial knife, and the two of them walked on together.

7 

Then Isaac said to his father Abraham“My father!”

“Here I am, my son,” he replied.

“The fire and the wood are here,” said Isaac,“but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

8 

Abraham answered,“God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two walked on together.

9 

When they arrived at the place God had designated Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar, atop the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.

11