succorer and supporter in my old age; on which account I
principally brought thee up, and thou wilt thereby procure me God
for my Comforter instead of thyself."

4. Now Isaac was of such a generous disposition as became the son
of such a father, and was pleased with this discourse; and said,
"That he was not worthy to be born at first, if he should reject
the determination of God and of his father, and should not resign
himself up readily to both their pleasures; since it would have
been unjust if he had not obeyed, even if his father alone had so
resolved." So he went immediately to the altar to be sacrificed.
And the deed had been done if God had not opposed it; for he
called loudly to Abraham by his name, and forbade him to slay his
son; and said, "It was not out of a desire of human blood that he
was commanded to slay his son, nor was he willing that he should
be taken away from him whom he had made his father, but to try
the temper of his mind, whether he would be obedient to such a
command. Since therefore he now was satisfied as to that his
alacrity, and the surprising readiness he showed in this his
piety, he was delighted in having bestowed such blessings upon
him; and that he would not be wanting in all sort of concern
about him, and in bestowing other children upon him; and that his
son should live to a very great age; that he should live a happy
life, and bequeath a large principality to his children, who
should be good and legitimate." He foretold also, that his family
should increase into many nations (29) and that those patriarchs
should leave behind them an everlasting name; that they should
obtain the possession of the land of Canaan, and be envied by all
men. When God had said this, he produced to them a ram, which did
not appear before, for the sacrifice. So Abraham and Isaac