The Ancient World (HUM 124 - UNC Asheville)/Texts/Genesis 22
Themes
[edit | edit source]Lineage
[edit | edit source]In the text, God seems to very interested in controlling the descendants of Abraham, and Isaac is especially important to Abraham's lineage. Isaac would one day become Abraham's heir and the key to his lasting legacy. So by offering his legacy and future lineage to be killed, Abraham is demonstrating the ultimate devotion to God. This entire act is symbolic of the importance of family and descendants to the Hebrew culture.
Lineage is actually a deep metaphor for the ongoing quest to create a legacy for one's self. Abraham is blessed by God with Isaac who produces a lot of offspring for him, and Abraham himself goes on to produce a lot of offspring as well; this gift from God is considered to be the ultimate gift, the gift of a legacy. This importance of a legacy is similar to Gilgamesh's journey to secure a legacy for himself. The king tried to gain everlasting life and when that failed he relied on the tales that were inscribed into the walls of his city to guarantee a legacy for himself. This need to be remembered for all eternity is definitely a theme that is recurring in these ancient texts.
Loyalty
[edit | edit source]In Genesis chapter 22, the idea of loyalty plays a large role. In the story, God asks Abraham to offer his beloved son as a burnt offering. Later in the story, just before Abraham would sacrifice his son, the God and the angels see that Abraham is willing to sacrifice even his own son in the name of the Lord. This commitment demonstrates that Abraham is a "God-fearing man", and shows his loyalty to God. Because Abraham has shown such loyalty, God tells to Abraham, "I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven". In this story, loyalty is a great virtue in that he who shows loyalty to God will be greatly blessed. Abraham for example is said that his seed will be blessed in all nations of the world "because thou hast hearkened to My voice".
I agree with the author above about the importance of loyalty in this story. People often did not put their trust God, and Abraham is a perfect example of unquestionable loyalty. Today Christians may often question God and his actions: not trusting God. This story gives Christians the hope and trust that they should have in God. Abraham followed God's every command and never once questioned him. Abraham was asked to sacrifice his own son and he was going to do it because God told him. At the last minute God told Abraham that it was a test and to make the Ram the burnt offering instead of his son. This story demonstrates the importance of having trust and loyalty to God. Overall the previous author said it perfectly, that loyalty is a great virtue. I also would like to recognize the audience. Although this was written a very long time ago, I believe that this story is made for everyone to hear. The message is still valid in today's society and gives hope to a lot of people who are seeking it. This text could be for anyone who believes in god and is questioning their trust> This text could also be for someone who already trusts god and wants reassurance. Anyone could read this and gain some type of value from it. - Samantha Kershner 9/4/2020
Symbols
[edit | edit source]The story of Abraham holds many symbols and foreshadowing of greater messages that are repeated throughout the Old Testament and reflected in many beliefs.
Connections to the New Testament
[edit | edit source]Genesis 22 shares many ideas with the New Testament of the Christian Bible. For example, when Isaac asks his father where the sacrifice is, Abraham answers by saying "My son, God will provide himself a lamb". This does prove to be true, as God later provides a ram for sacrifice. However, Abraham unintentionally spoke prophecy of how God will provide His son, Jesus, as a sacrifice.
"And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh". Many names given in the times of the Old testament, to both people and places, hold great significance. Jehovah-jireh is interpreted as meaning "the Lord will provide". A name that holds great power, this relates back to the notion of the prophecy of Jesus as a sacrifice that is contained in Genesis 22.
Origin
[edit | edit source]Author
[edit | edit source]In that the story is of and about Abraham, it is probable that he was the original storyteller. Many historians however, believe that the story was passed down to Moses who likely was the one who actually wrote the story down. Alternatively, the story could be have been written down after Abraham but prior to Moses
Time Period
[edit | edit source]The exact time in which the story takes place is not known, however it is commonly believed to have taken place around 2000 BC, but was most likely written years later around 400 to 250 BC.