Lesson 9

“God Will Provide Himself a Lamb”

Abraham 1; Genesis 15–17; 21–22

Study the following scriptures:

1. Abraham 1:1, 5–20. As a young man, Abraham is persecuted by the false priests of Pharaoh. They attempt to sacrifice him, but he is saved by Jehovah.

2. Genesis 15–17; 21. Later in his life, Abraham is promised seed (15:1–6). Sarah gives Hagar to Abraham as his wife; Hagar bears Ishmael (16:1–16). God again speaks of his covenant with Abraham, promising that Abraham will be the father of many nations (17:1–14). The birth of Isaac, through whom the covenant would continue, is announced (17:16–22). Sarah bears Isaac (21:1–12).

3. Genesis 22. God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (22:1–2). Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac, but God provides a ram to be sacrificed instead (22:3–19).

Note: Genesis 17 tells of the Lord changing Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah (see verses 5, 15). The names Abraham and Sarah are used throughout this section.

• How did Abraham respond to God’s command to sacrifice Isaac? (See Genesis 22:2–3.) How did Isaac respond to this situation? (See Genesis 22:3–10.) What can we learn from Abraham and Isaac about faith and obedience? (See Hebrews 11:17–19; James 2:21–23.)

• Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac was a similitude of Heavenly Father’s willingness to sacrifice his Only Begotten Son (Jacob 4:5; Genesis 22:8, 13). What are some similarities between Abraham’s experience and Heavenly Father’s? What is the greatest difference?

Additional reading: Hebrews 11:8–19; James 2:21–23; Jacob 4:5; Doctrine and Covenants 132:34–36.