The Ram in Scripture (2)—The Substitute - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, behind was a ram caught in the thicket by its horns; and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt-offering instead of his son.
Genesis 22:13 JND

The Ram in Scripture (2)—The Substitute
Our verse above is the second mention of the ram in Scripture. Abraham is told to take his son, his only son whom he loved, and to offer him for a sacrifice on one of the mountains of Moriah.

This chapter gives us a beautiful picture of the divine Father and His divine Son whom He loves: "The Father loves the Son" (Jn. 3:35). We see in type the Father and Son going together to the great work of sacrifice on the cross (Gen. 22:6, 8). How much it cost the Father to give His Son! How much it cost the Son to give Himself for us! Isaac on the altar also speaks of our giving ourselves to be a "living sacrifice" (Rom. 12:1). We are no longer to live for ourselves, but we are to live to please our Savior (2 Cor. 5:15).

Whatever lessons we learn in this way, however, in himself Isaac was not personally suitable to be a sacrifice to God. He is included under the statement of Romans, that "all have sinned" (3:23). We then see a substitute was provided for Abraham. A ram was caught in the thicket by its horns. It was offered in the place of Isaac, just as Christ was offered in our place.

He was caught by his horns, speaking of its strength; yet the ram itself remained without blemish and suitable for sacrifice. Again, we are pointed to the blessed One who is our "Almighty Savior." The ram, of course, could not voluntarily give itself. But the Son of God has loved us, and has given Himself for us. Today, may our hearts respond to such great love and such a great sacrifice!

-- Kevin Quartell

Jesus Lord, Almighty Savior,

Bowed in death on Calvary's tree!

Darkest hour of bitter judgment

Borne to set Thy people free!

-- G. D. Mattos