The Binding of Isaak begins with an inner calling*, in which God speaks to Abraham, “Abraham,” and Abraham replies, “Here am I.” (22:1) Taken at face value, it seems strange that God would be calling out for Abraham, as if the Omniscient Creator would not be able to find him independently. Yet, more profoundly, God’s calling may be seen as the first

God’s request. Abraham leaves his home, takes his son, and begins a journey that is simultaneously physically demanding and replete with inner strife. Slowly, Abraham’s path is revealed to him. “On the third day,” as it is written, “Abraham lifted his eyes, and saw the place a far off.” (22:4) Abraham is a servant to the call of God; it is his humility that allows him to follow. Indeed, Abraham’s humility leads him to the point of binding “Isaak his son” and “[stretching] forth his hand, and [taking] the knife to slay his son.” (22: 9-10) Abraham has completely let go of himself, of what he loves and treasures. This is the moment of utter egolessness, and it is at this moment that revelation becomes possible. Again comes the call, this time from the mouth of an angel, saying, “Abraham, Abraham.” Again, Abraham must find himself, must evaluate where he has been, and see where he is in this moment of sacrifice. “Here am I,” he responds, devoted and earnest. (22:11)

Abraham’s journey is not a story of a man’s blind faith to a God we cannot know. Rather, it is the story of inward spiritual struggle and renunciation which leads a person to vision and to a multiplication of vision which is God’s sight. It is a taste of the universe. It is Abraham’s awakening.

Some topics in this essay:
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