Like many actual historical events of the Old Testament, the birth of Isaac foreshadows the birth of our Lord.

The Parallels Between the Birth of Isaac and the Birth of Jesus

Birth of Isaac

Birth of Jesus

His birth was impossible. Abraham and Sarah were long past the age of being able to have children. Gen. 17:17 18:10–14 21:7

His birth was impossible. He was born of a virgin. Isa. 7:14 Matt. 1:22–23 Luke 1:26–31

His birth was unique. No one in the Bible was born the same way as Isaac. 21:1–2

Our Lord’s birth was unique. No one was ever born as He was. Luke 1:36–37 John 3:16 (only-begotten = uniquely born).

His birth was foretold. God, on many occasions, spoke to Abraham, telling him that Isaac would be born to him. Gen. 12:7 13:15–16 15:1–5 17:1–7, 16 18:10

His birth was foretold on many occasions in the past. Gen. 3:15 Isa. 7:14 9:6–7 Luke 1:26–31, 35

There was a long interval between the prophecy of birth and birth. From the first time that Abraham heard about his offspring, it was 25 years before this was brought to pass.

There was a long interval between the prophecy of birth and our Lord’s birth. Isaiah’s prophecies are the best known, and he wrote and spoke about 700 years before the birth of our Lord.

When the announcement of the impending birth was made, Sarah was incredulous, and thought it impossible. Gen. 18:9–12

When the announcement of the impending birth was made, Mary was incredulous, and thought it impossible. Luke 1:34

Isaac was named before his birth. Gen. 17:19

Jesus was named before His birth. Matt. 1:21

His birth was a result of a visit from God. Gen. 21:1–2

His birth was a result of a visit from God. Matt. 1:18 Luke 1:35

The birth of Isaac occurred at God’s appointed time. Gen. 21:2

The birth of Jesus occurred at God’s appointed time. Gal. 4:4

The greatest parallel of all comes in the next chapter, where God asks Abraham to sacrifice his uniquely-born son.

Some of these examples came from http://www.ovrlnd.com/Teaching/Typology.html