My favorite story, and now I’ve read it. What is Abraham’s reaction to God telling him to sacrifice his son? Nothing. No complaints, no begging, no bargaining. He just saddles up the ass and rides into the mountains. At the very last moment, he’s stopped,since he’s proved that he fearest God. We never learn what Isaac thinks about all this. I know how I’d feel, being bound and laid on the wood, knife drawn, and stopped only at the last instant. I’d want as little as possible to do with both my father and God.

In chapter 23, we hear of the death of Sarah. And like most other things that happen to women in the bible, we read about how it affects the men. Abraham want to buy a burial cave, and everyone is good to him, and will give him any cave he wants for free. Her death is made up by the fact that his brother has had many children: eight by his wife, and four by his concubine. love those concubines!

In chapter 24, we learn that first cousins can marry. Of course, we already knew that half-siblings are ok, so this should come as no surprise.

Tomorrow: Genesis 25-26.