Isaac, the Lamb, and the Cross: The Akeidah Behind the Gospels
In the Midrash, Isaac is called "the lamb", he carries his own cross, and serves as an atonement for Israel. Explore the root of many themes that find their parallel in the Apostolic writings, and how these impact the Apostolic message.
The Binding of Isaac, known in Hebrew as the Akeidah¹ (עֲקֵדָה), remains one of the Bible's most important events. For many centuries, Jewish tradition has customarily read this section of Genesis in the daily morning prayers.
Many recall this story as an amazing account of Abraham's faith, but Jewish tradition has a lot to say about Isaac's role.
Abraham's Quest
For those unfamiliar with the story, Abraham is charged with an impossible quest to sacrifice his son Isaac on an altar.
After waiting for many years for the miraculous birth of Isaac, sacrificing his only son is heartbreaking and counterintuitive. Nevertheless, Abraham rises in the morning and begins his journey with Isaac to Mount Moriah.
Along the way, Isaac realizes that something important is missing and asks his father where the animal for the sacrifice is. Abraham assures him that G_D will see to it. The scene looks ominous.
When they arrive at their destination, Abraham builds the altar and binds Isaac to it. Just when Abraham is about to carry out his mission, an angel stops him. The Biblical scene seems to end there, but the Midrash takes us down a few different paths.
And many of these themes are layered throughout the Gospels.
The Midrashic Traditions
1. Isaac Carries His Cross
In Genesis 22:6, we're told that Isaac carried the wood for his own sacrifice. A famous Midrash likens this to one who carries their cross:
“Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering,” like someone bearing his own cross on his shoulder. - Genesis Rabbah 56:3
We've unpacked this one in more depth, along with more parallels in the crucifixion narrative².