Location
Seminary Commons
Start Date
14-2-2019 5:30 PM
End Date
14-2-2019 6:30 PM
Description
The Aqedah (“Binding of Isaac”) or the Sacrifice of Isaac of Genesis 22:1–19 is framed as a divine test (v. 1). Scholars recognize the “structure matches exactly what a test is made up of.” Yet, paradox and tension mark Abraham’s trial. Why does God test Abraham by requiring the horrific sacrifice of Isaac then reverse himself? Since literary structure reveals the vision of the narrator, Jacques Doukhan’s chiastic structure (vv. 1–12) convincingly delineates the plot tension and dialogues. But verses 13–19 also correlate with parts of the chiasm and covenant revelations assuming the shape of a metaphorical key. If the list of covenant blessings is a divine interpretation of Abraham’s test response—“because you have done this thing”—God’s last words in the Aqedah may be the test answer key to this enigmatic test.
Is There a Hidden Test Answer Key in the Aqedah? A Literary Structural Study.
Seminary Commons
The Aqedah (“Binding of Isaac”) or the Sacrifice of Isaac of Genesis 22:1–19 is framed as a divine test (v. 1). Scholars recognize the “structure matches exactly what a test is made up of.” Yet, paradox and tension mark Abraham’s trial. Why does God test Abraham by requiring the horrific sacrifice of Isaac then reverse himself? Since literary structure reveals the vision of the narrator, Jacques Doukhan’s chiastic structure (vv. 1–12) convincingly delineates the plot tension and dialogues. But verses 13–19 also correlate with parts of the chiasm and covenant revelations assuming the shape of a metaphorical key. If the list of covenant blessings is a divine interpretation of Abraham’s test response—“because you have done this thing”—God’s last words in the Aqedah may be the test answer key to this enigmatic test.