Feeding the Fire

Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and put it on his son Isaac. (Genesis 22:6)

This detail, offered by the biblical text, seems straightforward enough. Abraham has chosen to leave his servants and the pack mule at the base of the mountain. He and Isaac will continue alone. No one else must know of the dreadful act that is to be performed. Abraham and his son will make the climb by themselves, Abraham carrying the firestone and the knife and Isaac the wood.

The Rabbis, were not content to gloss over this detail. They suggested two possible interpretations. Under the view that this trial was Abraham's alone, Isaac may be seen as bearing his own cross, unaware that he was on the way to his own execution. Alternatively, Isaac may be viewed as an active player: he carried his own wood. Abraham went to offer the sacrifice and Isaac went to offer himself for slaughter. By this rendition they have transformed Isaac from a passive child into an active, responsible adult. The object has become the subject, and the ultimate trial of Abraham now contains within it the ultimate trial of Isaac.