Before delving into the whole 'philosophy' of the Akedah (the binding of Isaac), I thought it would be a good exercise to ask myself what was the purpose of including that incident in the Bible.
Among the many reasons that my mind could come up with, the one that was a bit weird but different was the following. The test of Abraham's faith was not to prove God's righteousness or graciousness. The demand to sacrifice his only son, was for Abraham a test for himself and others. God actually has very little to do in this whole scenario. This is the only sensible way of interpreting not just the whole episode but also responding to why the 'test' at all. It was basically for others to know Abraham better. That's it, and nothing more.
The simple analogy that I can think of is the corresponding exams and tests we have in schools and colleges. The one who does the evaluation is hardly known or remembered. What counts is the score. The recorded score is the one by which everyone comes to know of the academic 'qualifications' of the student; but they only serve as an introduction, not a conclusive explanation. When one applies for a job, the certificates and marks are considered because they are a way of assessing the candidate. However, once on the job, the marks barely matter; what one actually does is the criterion. So one might have a very high mark, but if the person is unable to really work, he or she may soon find himself or herself, looking for a new job!
The akedah is therefore for me a mere introduction of Abraham to someone who would not know him. But once you know Abraham, from the various other aspects and experiences, the initial introduction hardly matters.
Among the many reasons that my mind could come up with, the one that was a bit weird but different was the following. The test of Abraham's faith was not to prove God's righteousness or graciousness. The demand to sacrifice his only son, was for Abraham a test for himself and others. God actually has very little to do in this whole scenario. This is the only sensible way of interpreting not just the whole episode but also responding to why the 'test' at all. It was basically for others to know Abraham better. That's it, and nothing more.
The simple analogy that I can think of is the corresponding exams and tests we have in schools and colleges. The one who does the evaluation is hardly known or remembered. What counts is the score. The recorded score is the one by which everyone comes to know of the academic 'qualifications' of the student; but they only serve as an introduction, not a conclusive explanation. When one applies for a job, the certificates and marks are considered because they are a way of assessing the candidate. However, once on the job, the marks barely matter; what one actually does is the criterion. So one might have a very high mark, but if the person is unable to really work, he or she may soon find himself or herself, looking for a new job!
The akedah is therefore for me a mere introduction of Abraham to someone who would not know him. But once you know Abraham, from the various other aspects and experiences, the initial introduction hardly matters.
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