The Book of Genesis
164
where Abraham's descendants might later bring their sacrifices to God, and consecrate themselves to His service, just as Father Al)raham did of old. place
NOTES V.
The land
2.
of
Aloriah; presnnial)ly
the
in
salem, where, in historical times, Mt. Moriah, the
vicinity
of Jeru-
Temple mount, was
located.
Here, too, just as in the story of his call, Abraham does not But he relies on God's word, that exactly whither he is going. at the right moment He will point out the proper mountain upon
know
which
to offer the sacrifice.
The
Abraham drew
rabbis told that as
near the end of his journey, he saw the pillar of fire, in which God was later to lead Israel through the desert, upon the top of one of the mountains. He asked Isaac if he saw it too, and Isaac answered
But the two servants, when questioned, replied that they Then Abraham realized that this was no ordinary mountain, l)ut tlie one destined for the sacrifice, and that the pillar of fire symbolized God's presence, revealed to him and Isaac alone. It is s beautiful thorght that God's presence is revealed to those who live and work in perfect faith in Him. and who seek Him with their whole heart. that he did.
saw
nothing.
The saddle
3.
consisted only of a small pi^ce of cloth fastened
to the animal's back. in
East.
the
rode; y.
As
is
Elaborate saddles with stirrups were unknown customary in the Orient, only the old man
still
others accompanied him on
the
foot.
was necessary to carry itire from those days lire was not easily kindled. It
6.
since in
be carried with them, since in Palestine not
easily
V.
13.
created by It
was
moment
wood
is
the
hearth at home,
Wood,
too,
had
to
very scarce, and so
gathered.
The God
created,
rabbis told that this at
twilight of
they
told,
the
just
ram had been one eve of the
that
it
might
of the things
Sabbath of creation. offer
itself
at
this
for sacrifice in place of Isaac.
Vv. 14-18 are really an interpolation into the original story, and, on the whole, rather detract from than add to the merit of the The story is much more complete and artistic if we read narration. This must have been the original v. 19 immediately after v. 13. form of the storv.
