The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob taught that Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac “is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son” (Jacob 4:5). This event is called the Akedah (עֲקֵידָה), which is the Hebrew word for “binding.” Here are some similarities between this event and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ:
| The Akedah | Jesus Christ |
|---|---|
| Isaac was the only begotten son of Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 22:2, 12, 16; Hebrews 11:17). | Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God (John 1:14, 18; Jacob 4:5, 11). |
| Abraham and Isaac traveled to the land of Moriah, traditionally associated with Jerusalem (Genesis 22:2). | Jesus traveled to Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11). |
| Abraham had the servants stay behind (Genesis 22:5). | Jesus asked the disciples to sit and pray for Him while He went further into the Garden of Gethsemane alone (Matthew 26:36-38). |
| Isaac carried the wood for the sacrifice (Genesis 22:6). | Jesus carried His own cross (John 19:17). |
| Abraham bound Isaac (Genesis 22:9). | Roman soldiers and temple officers bound Jesus in Gethsemane (John 18:12). |
| Abraham said three times, “Here am I” (Genesis 22:1, 7, 11). | Jesus volunteered to be our Savior in the premortal life by saying, “Here am I” (Abraham 3:27). |
| God provided a ram to offer in the place of Isaac (Genesis 22:13). | Jesus suffered in our place (Doctrine and Covenants 19:15-17). |
| Abraham named the place Jehovah-jireh (יְהוָ֣ה ׀ יִרְאֶ֑ה), which means “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:14). | God provided a Savior so that we can all have everlasting life (John 3:16-17). |
Today I will be grateful for the symbolism in the Akedah. I will think about the importance of the Savior’s sacrifice, and I will be grateful for the ways that Abraham and Isaac foreshadowed that sacrifice.
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