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Genesis 22:6 - Father and son united in faith

Genesis 22:6 - בראשית 22:6

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח אַבְרָהָם אֶת־עֲצֵי הָעֹלָה וַיָּשֶׂם עַל־יִצְחָק בְּנוֹ וַיִּקַּח בְּיָדוֹ אֶת־הָאֵשׁ וְאֶת־הַמַּאֲכֶלֶת וַיֵּלְכוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם יַחְדָּו׃

English Translation

And Avraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Yiżĥaq his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and the knife; and they went both of them together.

Transliteration

Vayikach Avraham et-atzei ha'olah vayasem al-Yitzchak bno vayikach b'yado et-ha'esh ve'et-hama'achelet vayelchu shneihem yachdav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקַּ֨ח אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֶת־עֲצֵ֣י הָעֹלָ֗ה וַיָּ֙שֶׂם֙ עַל־יִצְחָ֣ק בְּנ֔וֹ וַיִּקַּ֣ח בְּיָד֔וֹ אֶת־הָאֵ֖שׁ וְאֶת־הַֽמַּאֲכֶ֑לֶת וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם יַחְדָּֽו׃
וַיִּקַּ֨ח אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֶת־עֲצֵ֣י הָעֹלָ֗ה וַיָּ֙שֶׂם֙ עַל־יִצְחָ֣ק בְּנ֔וֹ וַיִּקַּ֣ח בְּיָד֔וֹ אֶת־הָאֵ֖שׁ וְאֶת־הַֽמַּאֲכֶ֑לֶת וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם יַחְדָּֽו׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Symbolism of the Wood

Rashi (Bereshit 22:6) explains that Avraham placed the wood upon Yitzchak to symbolize that Yitzchak was willingly carrying his own "burden of the altar," demonstrating his complete acceptance of the divine decree. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 56:3) further elaborates that the wood was arranged in the shape of a crossbeam (like the beam of the mizbeach), foreshadowing the future service in the Beit HaMikdash.

The Fire and the Knife

Ramban (Bereshit 22:6) notes that Avraham carried the fire and the knife himself, rather than delegating these items to Yitzchak or a servant. This shows Avraham's personal commitment to fulfilling Hashem's command with his own hands. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) comments that the fire was a miraculous flame that would not be extinguished by wind, demonstrating divine involvement in the test.

Walking Together in Unity

The phrase "vayeilchu sheneihem yachdav" ("they went both of them together") is interpreted by the Sforno as showing their shared spiritual resolve. The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayera 22) emphasizes that their hearts were united in serving Hashem, despite the emotional difficulty of the situation. This unity is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the command, even before the physical act.

The Deeper Meaning of the Akeidah

  • The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:24) teaches that the Akeidah served to establish Avraham and Yitzchak's absolute devotion to Hashem, setting a precedent for future generations.
  • The Kli Yakar highlights that Yitzchak's silent acceptance mirrors the future silent acceptance of suffering by the Jewish people, showing faith in divine providence.
  • Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that the test was not about child sacrifice (which Torah forbids) but about surrendering human logic to divine will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 89b
The verse is discussed in the context of the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac), exploring Abraham's actions and the nature of the test.
📖 Ta'anit 4a
Referenced in a discussion about the merits of the patriarchs and the significance of their actions for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham place the wood on Yitzchak instead of carrying it himself?
A: Rashi explains that Avraham placed the wood on Yitzchak to symbolize that Yitzchak was willingly carrying his own 'burden' for the sake of the sacrifice, showing his complete dedication to fulfilling Hashem's command. This teaches us the importance of willing participation in serving G-d.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'they went both of them together' in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) and Midrash highlight that 'they went together' means both Avraham and Yitzchak were united in purpose—Avraham to perform the sacrifice, and Yitzchak to be sacrificed. This demonstrates their mutual love and commitment to Hashem's will, setting an example of faith for future generations.
Q: Why does the verse mention Avraham taking the fire and the knife separately?
A: Rashi notes that Avraham carried the fire and the knife separately to avoid suspicion—people might think he was preparing to slaughter his son immediately if he carried everything at once. This teaches the importance of avoiding even the appearance of wrongdoing (mar'is ayin) and acting with wisdom in fulfilling mitzvos.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yitzchak carrying the wood for his own sacrifice?
A: The Rambam teaches that Yitzchak's willingness to carry the wood demonstrates the highest level of mesiras nefesh (self-sacrifice) for Hashem. This act inspires us to embrace challenges in serving G-d with joy and dedication, just as Yitzchak did.
Q: How does this verse connect to the concept of Akeidas Yitzchak (the Binding of Isaac) in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is central to Akeidas Yitzchak, one of the greatest tests of faith in the Torah. The Midrash emphasizes that Avraham and Yitzchak's actions here became a merit for the Jewish people, showing unwavering trust in Hashem. We recall this event daily in prayers to awaken our own commitment to G-d.