Isaac

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Yiṣḥāq (“he laughs”), reflecting the joy and surprise surrounding his birth (Genesis 17:17; 18:12; 21:6).
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period
• Main References: Genesis 17–35
• Key Connections: Abraham and Sarah (parents); Rebekah (wife); Esau and Jacob (sons); covenant promises reaffirmed to him (Genesis 26:2–5).

Who was Isaac?

Isaac was the promised son born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age (Genesis 21:1–3).
He became the next patriarch through whom Abraham’s line continued.
His life in Canaan is marked by family continuity, land-related disputes, and covenant blessing.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: His near-sacrifice on Mount Moriah, where Abraham’s obedience was tested and Isaac was spared (Genesis 22:1–14).
• Event 2: His marriage to Rebekah, arranged through Abraham’s household, securing the continuation of the family line (Genesis 24).
• Event 3: The covenant promises were reaffirmed to him amid famine, and he settled in the region of Gerar/Beersheba (Genesis 26:2–33).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Isaac’s story highlights the continuity of God’s covenant promises through generations despite social tensions and family conflict.

Key Verse

"I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him." — Genesis 17:19, ESV