Symbolism of the Patriarch: Abraham and the Only Son

Symbolism of Abraham and the Only Son

“See, My Son – there he stands –

A man unequaled on earth.

It is time for Thee upon these lands:

Assure fulfillment of a son’s birth.

A son to Abram long I’ve promised;

Descendants numbering the stars!

Although he is aged –

and his wife passed her time –

The fulfillment is a year far.

Take two angels with Thee, My Son.

Abram, running, shalt Thou approach.”

“Abram, a son shalt thee finally have…

Sera, thou laughed? I reproach!

Remember, God keeps His Word –

Thou didst not laugh? Behold, thou did!

I heard thee! But nevertheless,

A child soon thy doubt will rid.”

“Behold, My Son, the son of promise:

Isaac, a foreshadowing of Thee –

An only son, through whom the nation

Israel will be born to Me.

Ishmael, born of servant Hagar

I’ve promised to be blessed.

But Sera’s Isaac I have selected

From out among the rest.

I instruct Abram, now Abraham

To sacrifice Isaac to me.

I know his heart and intentions true;

Now to men made known they’ll be.

I desire that years and years ahead

Many marvel at the symbol now –

Manifested in an only son

To cleanse a nation – I’ll not accept a cow,

Bull, ram, sheep or goat – Not yet!

They’ll see that innocent blood alone

Is required that sin’s price is met.

Behold Abraham call his son and rise,

Avoiding the young, questioning eyes.

Hear the youthful, plaintive voice:

“We have wood, tether, stone and fire,

But where, O father, is the lamb?”

“Son, thou art right – here is the pyre,

But lo, thou art to be the slain.

Fear thee not! It is God’s Will,

And He sees the future, plain.

Hold thou still; pray and believe –

He shall not abandon ye, His child.

He promised thee to me

That we might all be reconciled. *

Again, I shall ye receive;

What He takes He can restore – “

“Father, He knoweth Thou conceive

A plan! He moves to slay his son…”

“Yea, I see. Abraham, still!

Later shalt this be done;

I shall send My Son, the Lamb.

Lift up thy son of promise.

Raise thine eyes – in the thicket – a ram.

Sacrifice this trapped creature instead.

It shall suffice until upon the earth

My Son shall purposefully tread,

And on a dark and violent Friday

The Son of God has bled.