Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/173

 The

155

Sacrifice of Isaac

Lesson XI

THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC (Genesis XXII, 1-19)

Here am For

My

I.

(Genesis XXII,

1.)

thoughts are not your thoughts, My ways, saith the Lord.

Neither are your ways

For as the heavens are higher than the earth. So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah IV,

8-9.)

Read Psahn CXXI.

As was through

stated in the Introduction, one central

the

thought that

theme runs

Abraham cycle of stories. It God tried Abraham repeatedly, to prove entire

ness for the great task for which he had been called.

the

is

his

fit-

Each'

He thus far had tested Abraham in a different way. had stood the first test of faith he had proved his ability to subdue his own inclinations and passions in order to prehe had shown serve peace with kinsmen and f ellowmen conclusively that he would serve for the sake of duty alone, and without thought of reward he had demonstrated his

trial







and consciousness of brotherhood, his eagerness to pursue after duty, as well as to perform it when it came to him, his all-embracing love and compassion for his fellowmen, even when they were sinners, his readiBut one test ness to put duty to God above everything else. more was necessary to complete God's trial of Al)raham. Would he give up at God's behest that which was to hiiu the

hospitality, generosity,

very dearest thing in

all

life?

The

story of the sacrifice of