“And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.””
Genesis 22:18
BSBGo deeper on this verse (4)
What does "because you have obeyed My voice" mean?
The Hebrew verb shama' means to hear, and it is also the word for obey. To hear God's voice properly is to act on it. Abraham heard God and walked three days on what he heard.
Read the whole studyHow did Israel first hear God's oath?
God gave the reason for His oath: "because you have obeyed My voice." The Hebrew, shama'ta beqoli, comes from shama', to hear, and qol, voice, and Hebrew has one verb for hearing and obeying. At Sinai God offered Israel His covenant in the same words, so Israel heard their own calling in Abraham, who heard God's voice and acted on it.
Read the whole studyConnection with Esau selling his birthright
This promise to Abraham was the heart of the birthright passed down his family line. When Esau sold his birthright in Genesis 25, this sentence was the inheritance he gave away.
Read the whole studyConnection with obeying God's voice
Genesis uses the phrase "listened to the voice" of people and of God. "Abram listened to the voice of Sarai" when she proposed Hagar as a way to the promised son (Genesis 16:2). Here the phrase is used of God's own voice, and in Genesis 26:5 God told Isaac He would bless him "because Abraham listened to My voice".
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Cross-References
Promises spoken to Abraham and his seed — Christ
“The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ.”
To your seed — meaning one person, who is Christ
“The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ.”
Read next
How to Hear God’s Voice: A Practical Guide for BelieversScripture is the record of a God who speaks. This guide covers how to hear Him today and keep what He says.Engage with Genesis 22:18 in a fresh way
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