Definition: And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 22:9. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious story about God’s plan for Abraham. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God told Abraham he would have to leave Ur and travel across the wilderness to find a place to plant a new garden. He wanted to provide for his family. So, God gave him a specific task – to build an altar and place Isaac (Abraham’s son) on it. Here's what happened step-by-step: 1. God’s Instructions: God instructed Abraham to go to a specific location he had previously told him about. 2. Building the Altar: Abraham started building an altar. This was a symbol of worship and a place for sacrifice. 3. Binding Isaac: This is the key part. God told Abraham to bind Isaac’s hands and feet with leather strips, and then lay him on top of the altar. It's like a protective covering. What it means symbolically (and it’s where the mystery comes in): A Test of Faith: This is often interpreted as a test of Abraham’s faith and obedience to God. It shows how strong his commitment was. Preparation for a Difficult Journey: The altar represents a journey ahead – a long and challenging one. God's Plan: It symbolizes that God is working in mysterious ways, even when we don't understand everything He’s doing. Important Note: The exact meaning of this story has been debated for centuries. Different interpretations exist, but it’s generally understood as a crucial moment in the beginning of the biblical narrative where God initiated a significant and pivotal event that shaped the future of humanity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Genesis 22? Discuss the symbolism behind the story? Answer any specific questions you have about it?