Talk about trials! And the tenth, according to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, that's the one that really takes the cake.
"And it came to pass after these things, that God did prove Abraham" (Genesis 22:1). That's how the story begins. Simple enough. But what follows is anything but. According to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, these trials weren't just random occurrences. God was testing Abraham, trying to know his heart, to see if he could persevere and keep all the commandments. for a second. Keeping all the commandments... but the Torah hadn't even been given yet! How is that possible? Well, the text continues, explaining that Abraham kept all the precepts of the Torah before it was even given! As it is said, "Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my Torah" (Genesis 26:5). Abraham was already living a life of obedience and devotion. He was ahead of the curve.
But what does this have to do with the binding of Isaac, the Akeidah? What does it have to do with the tenth trial? Well, the text sets the stage, reminding us of Abraham's commitment, his unwavering faith.
And then, almost as an aside, we get this little detail: "And Ishmael went repeatedly from the wilderness to see his father Abraham." It's a small line, but it hints at the complex family dynamics at play. It reminds us that Abraham wasn't just a figure in a religious text; he was a father, a husband, a man with relationships and responsibilities. And perhaps, just perhaps, these relationships played a part in the trials he faced. We see a glimpse of the human element amidst the divine testing. It is important to note that the Akeidah story will continue, exploring the depths of Abraham's faith and the unimaginable request God makes of him.