Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. Abraham resolved the impossible paradox through resurrection faith. He 'accounted' (logisamenos, λογισάμενος, 'reckoned' or 'calculated'—same root used for imputed righteousness) that if Isaac died, God could and would raise him from the dead to fulfill His promises. This is Scripture's first explicit reference to resurrection faith, showing Abraham believed in God's power over death itself.
The phrase 'from whence also he received him in a figure' (en parabolē, ἐν παραβολῇ, 'in a parable' or 'as a type') indicates Abraham did receive Isaac back as from death. When the knife was raised, Isaac was as good as dead; when God provided the ram substitute, Abraham received Isaac back as if from resurrection. This served as a 'figure' or 'type'—a prophetic picture of Christ's actual death and resurrection. Isaac's three-day journey to Moriah (Genesis 22:4) prefigures Christ's three days in the tomb.
Abraham's resurrection faith reveals the essence of saving faith: confidence in God's power to bring life from death. This is the gospel pattern—Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We are saved by faith in resurrection power (Romans 10:9). Abraham looked forward to this through types and shadows; we look back at the accomplished reality. Both are saved by faith in the same God who 'gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist' (Romans 4:17 ESV).
Historical Context
Abraham lived approximately 2000 BC, roughly 2000 years before Christ's actual death and resurrection. Yet by divine revelation and faith, Abraham grasped the principle that God can and will bring life from death to accomplish His purposes. No one had yet been resurrected, making Abraham's faith in this possibility even more remarkable. His willingness to proceed with sacrificing Isaac, believing God could restore him, demonstrated faith in God's power beyond all human experience or precedent. This prefigures our faith in Christ's resurrection—an event unique in history, requiring faith in God's testimony rather than empirical proof.
Questions for Reflection
How does Abraham's resurrection faith strengthen your confidence that God can bring life from the 'dead' situations you face?
In what ways is Isaac a 'figure' or type of Christ, and how does understanding this deepen your appreciation of the gospel?
What areas of your life require faith that God can resurrect what seems dead—relationships, ministries, hopes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. Abraham resolved the impossible paradox through resurrection faith. He 'accounted' (logisamenos, λογισάμενος, 'reckoned' or 'calculated'—same root used for imputed righteousness) that if Isaac died, God could and would raise him from the dead to fulfill His promises. This is Scripture's first explicit reference to resurrection faith, showing Abraham believed in God's power over death itself.
The phrase 'from whence also he received him in a figure' (en parabolē, ἐν παραβολῇ, 'in a parable' or 'as a type') indicates Abraham did receive Isaac back as from death. When the knife was raised, Isaac was as good as dead; when God provided the ram substitute, Abraham received Isaac back as if from resurrection. This served as a 'figure' or 'type'—a prophetic picture of Christ's actual death and resurrection. Isaac's three-day journey to Moriah (Genesis 22:4) prefigures Christ's three days in the tomb.
Abraham's resurrection faith reveals the essence of saving faith: confidence in God's power to bring life from death. This is the gospel pattern—Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We are saved by faith in resurrection power (Romans 10:9). Abraham looked forward to this through types and shadows; we look back at the accomplished reality. Both are saved by faith in the same God who 'gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist' (Romans 4:17 ESV).