desirous to make an experiment of Abraham's religious disposition
towards himself, appeared to him, and enumerated all the
blessings he had bestowed on him; how he had made him superior to
his enemies; and that his son Isaac, who was the principal part
of his present happiness, was derived from him; and he said that
he required this son of his as a sacrifice and holy oblation.
Accordingly he commanded him to carry him to the mountain Moriah,
and to build an altar, and offer him for a burnt-offering upon it
for that this would best manifest his religious disposition
towards him, if he preferred what was pleasing to God, before the
preservation of his own son.

2. Now Abraham thought that it was not right to disobey God in
any thing, but that he was obliged to serve him in every
circumstance of life, since all creatures that live enjoy their
life by his providence, and the kindness he bestows on them.
Accordingly he concealed this command of God, and his own
intentions about the slaughter of his son, from his wife, as also
from every one of his servants, otherwise he should have been
hindered from his obedience to God; and he took Isaac, together
with two of his servants, and laying what things were necessary
for a sacrifice upon an ass, he went away to the mountain. Now
the two servants went along with him two days; but on the third
day, as soon as he saw the mountain, he left those servants that
were with him till then in the plain, and, having his son alone
with him, he came to the mountain. It was that mountain upon
which king David afterwards built the temple. (28) Now they had
brought with them every thing necessary for a sacrifice,
excepting the animal that was to be offered only. Now Isaac was
twenty-five years old. And as he was building the altar, he asked