Date

8-6-2025

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MA)

Chair

James Mann

Keywords

Aqedah, sacrifice, typology, binding, biblical studies, Old Testament

Disciplines

Christianity | Religion

Abstract

In this thesis, I outline a problem of logical consistency within the typological interpretation of the Aqedah narrative in Genesis 22. I also attempt to provide a more consistent interpretation that still seeks to remain faithful to the text while recognizing how this account fits into the overall narrative of Scripture.

In times past, the literature on this topic has been saturated with the identification of Isaac as a type of Christ; this is seen most readily in the Early Church Fathers’ interpretation. I also explore other modern readings to demonstrate the multiplicity of understandings that have arisen regarding this narrative. It will also be noted that no direct parallels to this saga exist within the Ancient Near East. However, there are certain themes that are repeated and given new contexts. Additionally, an exegesis of the passage will be employed, highlighting various issues within the text based on its original Hebrew and the Greek LXX. Related biblical texts will also be examined to aid in understanding how this narrative fits into the Old Testament first, and then within the overarching redemptive history seen in Scripture. Finally, my assertion of Isaac as a type of humanity rather than a type of Christ will be demonstrated by showing how his portrayal corresponds to human nature rather than the divine. It is my hope that this thesis will aid not only in refining the typological interpretation of this isolated account in Scripture but also provide some precedent for how one is to proceed with this type of interpretation in similar passages.

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