Parsha

Parshat Vayera--5783

Another Perspective on the Akeida Enigma

by Joel Verstaendig, PhD

Abraham, the patriarch of Judaism and the first to introduce the concept of monotheism to the world, was known for his acts of loving kindness towards all. Chapter 18 of Genesis, relates how Abraham rushed to welcome three wayfarers into his tent and did everything he could to make them comfortable and provide for them, despite the fact that he was healing from his late-life circumcision. According to rabbinic sources, Abraham considered the act of helping others to be so important that he had openings on each side of his tent, so that he could welcome strangers regardless of the direction of their approach.  Abraham’s compassion is further illustrated by his attempt to forestall G-d’s intention to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, whose inhabitants personified evil, because he was concerned that there may be righteous people among them.

Despite Abraham’s many positive qualities, according to rabbinic lore, G-d tested Abraham ten times. The final and ultimate test was G-d instructing Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Surprisingly, although Abraham had bargained on behalf of the people of Sodom and Gemorrah, he silently acquiesced when G-d made this demand. It is difficult to understand why Abraham did not, at that point, question G-d.  

It is commonly believed that the nature of this test, was to prove the boundless nature Abraham’s obedience to G-d: that he would even be willing to sacrifice his own son, if this is what G-d required of him.   According to the biblical text of this incident, Abraham was steadfast in preparing for the sacrifice until the very last moment when an angel called out to him telling him not to harm his child. 

Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac is difficult to understand and has been the source of countless essays trying to make sense of it; however, if we view this test from a different perspective, it becomes more comprehensible. 

Let’s  assume that Abraham’s quality of loving kindness was modeled after his conceptualization of G-d, whose 13 Attributes of Mercy are spelled out in Exodus chapter 34, verses 6 and 7.  Following this line of thinking, the test was not one of blind obedience and a willingness to do anything that G-d commanded, but rather one of Abraham having complete faith that G-d would never allow Abraham to commit such a heinous act.  Consequently, Abraham was willing to go along with the request until the very last moment, knowing that his compassionate G-d would rescind the request before it would be actualized.  Abraham knew that his behavior would demonstrate to the world that G-d represents the epitome of compassion, caring, and benevolence.  

No doubt, there are situations, where it may be impossible to understand how G-d's compassion is manifesting itself; it is beyond our comprehension. On the human level, however, we are enjoined to model ourselves after Abraham, and exhibit compassion to others at all times.