Our story begins with the seemingly simple phrase, “After these matters [devarim]…”. The Hebrew word devarim can mean both "matters" and "words," and as we delve into Bereshit Rabbah 55, a collection of rabbinic homilies on the Book of Genesis, we discover layers of meaning within this ambiguity.
The text asks: After which "words" or "matters" was this spoken? It suggests Abraham himself was contemplating something. He realized, "I rejoiced and caused everyone else to rejoice when Isaac was born! But I didn't set aside anything from my feast for the Holy One, blessed be He – not even a bull or a ram!"
Now, isn't that human? To be swept up in the joy of the moment, perhaps forgetting to offer thanks in the way one feels is most appropriate. But the Holy One, blessed be He, understands. God responds, essentially, "I don't need your gifts. I know that if I asked you to sacrifice your own son, you wouldn't refuse." A pretty powerful statement, right?
Rabbi Elazar offers another perspective, building upon an idea he presents elsewhere in Bereshit Rabbah (51:2). He explains that when the text reads "and God" instead of just "God," it refers to Him and His court – God acting in concert with the angels. So, according to this interpretation, the ministering angels were the ones observing Abraham’s oversight. They murmur, "Abraham rejoiced, but he didn't set aside anything for God!" But God, again, defends Abraham, knowing the depth of his devotion.
But the story doesn't end there. We then hear of an argument between Isaac and Ishmael. Each is claiming to be more beloved by God. Ishmael argues, "I am more beloved because I was circumcised at thirteen, when I could understand and consent." Isaac retorts, "I was circumcised at eight days old!"
One variant reading of the text continues with Ishmael pressing his point: "I am more beloved because I had the ability to protest, but I didn't!" Isaac, not to be outdone, declares, "If only God would ask me to sever a limb, I wouldn't refuse!" In another version Isaac says to Ishmael, "Everything that you gave over to the Holy One blessed be He amounted to three drops of blood. I, though, am thirty-seven years old now, and if He were to ask me to be slaughtered, I would not refuse."
And then, the dramatic climax: The Holy One, blessed be He, responds to Isaac, "The hour has come!" And immediately following this statement: "After this, “God tested Abraham.”"
Wow. Talk about a cliffhanger. This passage from Bereshit Rabbah paints a vivid picture. It highlights the constant dialogue between humanity and the Divine, the internal struggles within families, and the ultimate test of faith. It also reminds us that God sees not just our actions, but also the intentions of our hearts. Perhaps, most importantly, it sets the stage for one of the most pivotal (and challenging) narratives in the Torah – the binding of Isaac, the Akeidah. What does it mean to be truly devoted? And what does God truly ask of us? These are the questions that linger long after the story is told.