Definition: By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten [son],

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hebrews 11:17. It’s a really important and fascinating passage about faith! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a remarkable act of faith that Abraham took when he was facing serious challenges. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “By faith…” : This just means acting on belief, trusting in something without proof. It's about doing what you believe, even when things are tough. “…Abraham…” : This refers to Abraham, a very important figure in the Bible – considered the father of many people in Judaism and Christianity. “…when he was tried…” : “Tried” means facing difficulties or hardships. It’s not about being punished , but rather experiencing something difficult. “…offered up Isaac…” : This is the key part! Abraham offered up his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. Isaac was his beloved son. “And he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten [son]” : This is where it gets really interesting. Someone (likely God) had given Abraham promises – basically, a guarantee of something good for him. Abraham received those promises. This person then gave up his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice to show his faith and commitment to God. What does this mean practically? The verse suggests that Abraham's faith was so strong, he willingly gave up something precious – his only son – in order to receive rewards (promises). It’s a powerful example of trusting in God even when it feels like everything is against you. Important Note: The word "begotten" here refers to Isaac being the son of Abraham and Sarah. Why is this important? This story is seen as a foundational moment in Christian theology because it shows: Total Trust: Abraham trusted God completely, even when facing immense difficulty. Sacrifice & Commitment: He gave up something valuable to demonstrate his devotion. God’s Provision: It highlights that God works in mysterious ways and can provide for those who trust Him. In short, Hebrews 11:17 tells us that Abraham's faith was so strong that he willingly sacrificed his son as a demonstration of his belief in God. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the significance of this story within a specific context (like the Old Testament)?