Isaac – PB

Isaac was, the second patriarch of Israel (Moses was the first), son of Abraham and Sara, and father to Jacob and Esau. He was born to when Abraham and Sara were in their old age and his name means “to laugh.”

After he was weaned, his half-brother, Ishmael, was banished with his Egyptian mother, Hagar (Gen 21:8-20), as Isaac alone was designated as Abraham’s heir.

Isaac’s destiny was confirmed when Abraham proved willing to comply with the divine command to sacrifice his son on Mount Moriah, but an angel stopped Abraham from slaying Isaac, and offered a ram as a substitute (Gen 22:1-14).  This incident is an example of absolute faith and obedience in God.  Abraham hadn’t hesitated to do what God told him to do, showing that his love was greater towards God then towards his one and only son.  This symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ – God gave his only begotten son to the world (Jn 3:16).

Isaac was 40 years old at the time of his marriage to Rebekah and she eventually bore him twins, Esau and Jacob (Gen 25:21-26).  He became very wealthy as a farmer in Gerar and later returned to the region of Beersheba.  In his old age he grew blind and through a ruse by Rebekah and Jacob gave his blessing to Jacob when due to traditions and his own preference, it should have gone to Esau.

Isaac died at the age of 180 and was buried by his two sons (Gen 35:28-29).

The story of Isaac is found in Genesis, chapters 21-35.