Among the Hebrews, Abraham was the most famous and well‑known person from the Old Testament. They regarded him as their biological father (Luke 3:8). Here in Hebrews, the faith of Abraham is pointed out as an example. He is introduced in Hebrews 11:17 as the man who had received the promises. The ESV and NIV rightly translates that Abraham had embraced the promises (in plural = all that God promised him about his offspring and the land Canaan). He accepted them, although it was very strange and difficult that God had promised a child for such an old man. In hope he believed against hope (Romans 4:18–22). Abraham waited patiently and obtained the promise: a son (Hebrews 6:15).
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son,