Isaac as promise : a study of the symbolism in Hebrews 11,19

Abstract

The Epistle to the Hebrews manifests a particular interest in the promises made by God to Abraham in Genesis. This can be seen from the frequency with which the words "promise" and "I promise" are found in Hebrews.l But there are many more indications, such as the extended imagery of the entry of the people of Israel into the Promised Land in Heb 3,7 - 4,11, or the rehearsing in Heb 6,13-18 of the oath of God in Gen 22,16-17 with regard to progeny.2 The present study will focus on Heb 11,19 and the implications with regard to "promise" suggested by the context (vv. 17-18): "In faith Abraham has offered Isaac while being tested: he who had received the promises offered up his only son, he to whom it was said that 'By Isaac your seed will be called', having rea-soned that God was able to raise even from the dead; hence he received him [sc., Isaac] back as a symbol".