Texts in Conversation
Genesis 22 begins with Abraham being tested, a hint in the narrative suggests it's because he lost reverence for God. When addressed here, Abraham answers casually and this contrasts with Genesis 15, where Abraham responds to God with fear.
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Genesis 15:1
Hebrew Bible
1 After these things the Lord’s message came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram! I am your shield and the one who will reward you in great abundance.” 2 But Abram said, “O Sovereign Lord, what will you give me since I continue to be childless, and my heir is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 Abram added, “Since you have not given me a descendant, then look, one born in my house will be my heir!” 4 But look, the Lord’s message came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but instead a son who comes from your own body will be your heir.”
Date: 5th Century B.C.E. (Final composition) (based on scholarly estimates)
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Genesis 22:1
Hebrew Bible
1 Some time after these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am!” Abraham replied. 2 God said, “Take your son—your only son, whom you love, Isaac—and go to the land of Moriah! Offer him up there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will indicate to you.” 3 Early in the morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took two of his young servants with him, along with his son Isaac. When he had cut the wood for the burnt offering, he started out for the place God had spoken to him about. 4 On the third day Abraham caught sight of the place in the distance.
Date: 5th Century B.C.E. (Final composition) (based on scholarly estimates)
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Notes and References
"... Though the narrator does not explain the reason for God’s need to test the patriarch’s obedience, Abraham's initial response (verse 1) may reflect the very reason he may have been tested. God calls him once, “Abraham!” before Abraham responds, “Yes.” With such a prompt response of readiness, one would think Abraham was quite obedient. After all, he gets up early the following morning and sets out to carry out the divine command. However, Abraham's response is not filled with fear; he does not tremble or agonize from the dread of speaking with God. His response is no different from the response he gives to his son, Isaac, who calls out, “father” (verse 7). How could Abraham answer God with the same attitude as he does with his son? He shouldn’t. Abraham may have become too familiar with God, which may reflect the justification for the test. Though the narrator is not explicit with the reason for the test, he/she may have indicated the problem through Abraham's casual response ..."
Joo, Samantha
"Abraham! Abraham!": Re-Analysis of Gen. 22:11
(pp. 66-79) Korea Presbyterian Journal of Theology, Vol. 42, 2011
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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