Jesus told the Jews who sought to kill Him, “Search the [Old Testament, JPH] scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). Christ is seen throughout the Bible, including in the life of Abraham’s son Isaac, who lived about 2,000 years before Christ came to earth:
ISAAC – Son of Abraham, the son of promise (Genesis 17:16ff)
CHRIST – Son of Abraham, the Son of promise (Gen. 3:15; 22:18; Isaiah 7:14; Matt. 1:1)
ISAAC – Birth by divine intervention (Genesis 18:9–15)
CHRIST – Birth by divine intervention (Matthew 1:18–25)
ISAAC – Named by God before birth (Genesis 17:19)
CHRIST – Named by God before birth (Matthew 1:21)
ISAAC – Time of birth set by God (Genesis 21:2)
CHRIST – Time of birth set by God (Galatians 4:4)
ISAAC – Was surrendered by his loving father (Genesis 22:1–12)
CHRIST – Was surrendered by His loving Father (John 3:16)
ISAAC – His father knew he would return (Genesis 22:5)
CHRIST – His Father knew He would return (Psalm 16:10)
ISAAC – Was bound before sacrificed (Genesis 22:9)
CHRIST – Was bound before sacrificed (John 18:12)
ISAAC – Bore the wood for his own sacrifice (Genesis 22:6)
CHRIST – Bore the cross for His own sacrifice (John 19:17; Luke 23:26)
ISAAC – Willingly submitted to death (Genesis 22:9)
CHRIST – Willingly submitted to death (John 10:17–18)
ISAAC – Ram was offered instead (Genesis 22:13)
CHRIST – God’s Lamb was offered instead of man (Isaiah 53:5–7; John 1:29; Revelation 13:8)
ISAAC – Sacrificed in Moriah (Genesis 22:2, 14)
CHRIST – Sacrificed in Moriah (2 Chronicles 3:1; 2 Samuel 24:18ff; Matthew 20:18)
ISAAC – Was figuratively resurrected (Genesis 22:5; Hebrews 11:17–19)
CHRIST – Was literally resurrected (Luke 24:1–9; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4)
Jason,
Would it be correct to say this foreshadowing be a revelation of the comming of Christ. Maybe to prepare those then that may have trouble bareing the weight of such an astounding event. Possibly an “awakening”.
Mr pete
That’s a thoughtful question, Mr. Pete. Yes, I believe God used foreshadows like Isaac to point forward to Christ and help prepare mankind for the coming of the Messiah. While people in the Old Testament may not have fully grasped all the implications, these events laid a foundation. They were part of God’s unfolding revelation, helping those who were spiritually attentive to recognize Christ when He came (cf. Luke 24:27; Galatians 3:24).