The Bible’s first love

A special love

It is very important to note that in a romantic sense the Hebrew verb אהב (ahav) -“love” occurs here for the first time in the entire Torah (and for the second time overall). Abraham loved Sarah, yet the Scripture doesn’t use this word to describe their relationship. Isaac’s feelings for Rebecca must have been very strong if the Torah finds it necessary to describe them using this verb. 
  

Isaac – a beloved son

Even more remarkable is the fact that the first time we find this root is in Genesis 22, where God says to Abraham, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love (אהבת - ahavta)”. It’s really interesting to note that on both occasions, the verb “to love” is attached to Isaac; he was the one who was loved in Genesis 22, and he is the one who loves in Genesis 24.
 

Discover the profound Hebrew message

Looking at Isaac’s story in Hebrew, we see subtle layers of meaning: we should love our children, so they will be full of love when they grow. But I believe, the message is even more profound: God wants everyone to be loved in order for them to be able to love. Enroll today in our live online Biblical Hebrew course and discover a new love for the Scripture!