Isaac and Ishmael Argue Over Merit Before the Akedah

Another interpretation: "And it came to pass after these things" (Genesis 22:1). What reflection was there? Isaac was reflecting on how he had contended with Ishmael, [for Ishmael was complaining,] saying: I am greater than you. I shall inherit the world, for I am the firstborn of my father, and the firstborn always inherits a double portion. Isaac said to him: Tell me, what does the Holy One, blessed be He, have from you? Ishmael said to him: I will tell you what I have done. Even if I had done nothing else but this — that I was thirteen years old when my father circumcised me, I could have said to him, "I do not wish to be circumcised"; but instead I gave my life and accepted it upon myself. Isaac said to him: Behold, all that you lent to the Holy One, blessed be He, were three drops of blood. But I know that when the Holy One, blessed be He, asks me to be slaughtered — now, when I am thirty-seven years old — and the Holy One, blessed be He, tells my father to offer me up, I will not hinder it. The Holy One, blessed be He, said to the angels: Behold, the hour has come. Immediately He sprang upon Abraham, as it is said, "And it came to pass after these things." From here you learn that there were reflections over things there.