Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering' mean in Genesis 22:8?
A: When Avraham tells Yitzchak (Isaac) that 'God will provide a lamb,' he is expressing his deep faith that Hashem will either provide an actual sacrifice or show them the proper way forward. Rashi explains that Avraham prophetically hinted that a lamb would ultimately be provided (as it was—the ram caught in the thicket later in the story). This teaches us about complete trust in Hashem's plan.
Q: Why is it significant that Avraham and Yitzchak went 'both of them together' in Genesis 22:8?
A: The phrase 'they went both of them together' emphasizes their unity in fulfilling Hashem's will. The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 56:3) highlights that Avraham, though aware he might have to sacrifice his son, and Yitzchak, though aware he might be the sacrifice, both went with equal devotion. This shows the ideal of mutual commitment to serving Hashem, even in difficult tests.
Q: How does Genesis 22:8 relate to the theme of sacrifice in Judaism?
A: This verse underscores the principle that true sacrifice is about willingness and devotion to Hashem, not just the physical act. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:4) teaches that Avraham’s test was to demonstrate the depth of his love and fear of Hashem. The 'lamb' represents that Hashem ultimately desires our sincere intent, not unnecessary suffering—hence why Yitzchak was not actually sacrificed.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham's words in Genesis 22:8?
A: Avraham’s statement teaches bitachon (trust in Hashem) even when the situation seems unclear. As the Talmud (Berachot 60a) says, a person should always say, 'Whatever the Merciful One does is for the good.' Avraham didn’t know how the test would end, but he trusted that Hashem would guide him—a lesson for us in facing challenges with faith.
Q: Why did Avraham say 'God will provide' instead of explaining the situation to Yitzchak?
A: Avraham’s response was both truthful and wise. On a simple level (peshat), he didn’t want to distress Yitzchak prematurely. On a deeper level (derash), as the Sforno explains, Avraham was teaching that serving Hashem requires patience—we may not always understand His ways immediately, but we must trust that He will provide clarity in due time.
Avraham's Faith and Divine Providence
The verse (Bereshit 22:8) records Avraham's response to Yitzchak's question about the lamb for the offering. Avraham declares, "Elohim yireh-lo haseh le'olah bni" ("God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering, my son"). Rashi explains that Avraham spoke prophetically, hinting at the future Temple in Yerushalayim, where offerings would be brought. The term "yireh" (will provide/see) alludes to the name "Har HaMoriah" (the mountain where God is seen), the future site of the Beit HaMikdash.
The Deeper Meaning of "Yachdav" (Together)
The phrase "vayeilchu shneihem yachdav" ("so they went both of them together") appears twice in the Akeidah narrative (Bereshit 22:6 and 22:8). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 56:4) highlights that their unity in fulfilling God's will was complete—Avraham with the knife, and Yitzchak willingly bound. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:3) cites this as the ultimate example of mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) for kiddush Hashem.
The Lamb as a Symbol
Theological Implications
The Talmud (Ta'anit 16a) connects this verse to the concept of "zechut Avot" (merit of the Patriarchs), noting that the Akeidah became an eternal merit for Bnei Yisrael. The Zohar (1:119b) teaches that Avraham's declaration revealed the divine attribute of mercy (Midat HaRachamim), which would temper justice in future generations.