Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 11:19

"accounting that God [is] able to raise up, even from the dead; from whence he did also in a figure receive him back." — Hebrews 11:19 (ASV)

Now the author explains why Abraham, who believed that God was going to fulfill his promises through Isaac, was nevertheless ready to offer up his son. He “reasoned” (GK 3357) that God could raise the dead. This fits in with the Genesis narrative, for as Abraham went off with the boy to sacrifice him, he said to the servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you” (Genesis 22:5).

“And figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.” Abraham had reconciled himself to the death of the son in whom he had thought the promises of God would be realized. To have Isaac alive was like getting someone back from the dead. Abraham’s unswerving faith in God was vindicated.