Whose Trial Was It Anyway?

The question of why an omniscient God need try Abraham has been investigated for centuries through many an interpretative prism. Rabbi Saadia Gaon suggested that the trial was not that of Abraham alone but rather -- a trial for four.

Firstly, the trial was for the Almighty: not to inform Him of anything unknown, but for His sake, to sanctify His great name in the world by demonstrating the commitment of His believers. God does not randomly select His chosen few. By withstanding trials, they merit election.

The second purpose was for Abraham himself. By aligning his will with that of his creator, Abraham rose to new spiritual heights and was assured great spiritual reward.

The third purpose was for Sarah. Saadia notes that Sarah and Abraham worked as a team. Scripture implies that Abraham's early morning departure was intended to make certain that Sarah would present no obstacles. Saadia disagrees; he contends that she too was tested and withstood the challenge of transcending selfhood and motherhood. Her spiritual fortitude would also be rewarded.

And lastly, Saadia claims that the purpose of this Akedah was for Isaac himself. Ishmael, the first-born underwent circumcision at age 13, but Isaac did so passively, as a newborn infant. In order to establish his dominant position as the spiritual heir of Abraham he had to withstand his own trial, the Akedah, sacrificing his entire body to God. Having been willing to do so, his primacy was assured.

In Saadia's commentary, Abraham, Sarah and Isaac are all protagonists of the biblical drama.