Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 27:74 (Spring 2023)
Article: Isaac And Jesus: From Conception To Consummation
Author: Kenneth R. Cooper

JODT 27:74 (Spring 2023) p. 7

Isaac And Jesus: From Conception To Consummation

Kenneth R. Cooper

* Kenneth R. Cooper, Ph.D., professor of Bible & theology, Tyndale Theological Seminary and Biblical Institute [The author read an earlier draft of this article at the southwest regional meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society on 12 March 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana]

The biblical story of the binding of Isaac in Genesis 22 never ceases to cast its spell of fascination. Jewish and Christian scholars alike have come under this spell and sought to explicate its meaning. On the other hand, many Old Testament theologies often make only passing reference to it in connection with other themes, such as, the promise theme, the Angel of the Lord, human sacrifice, or divine providence.1 To be fair, many of these theologies do address more than one aspect of the story but few, if any, go into any great detail when discussing it.

Ironically, the story of Isaac plays a central role in the development of God’s promise in the book of Genesis, an important factor when considering the relationship of Isaac to Jesus. Duane L. Christensen, drawing upon the work of Kikawada and Quinn, divided the book of Genesis into five parts, illustrating the centrality of the story of Isaac.