Abraham’s Prayer after the Akedah

y. Ta’aniyot 2:4, 65d

220–400

R. Bibi Abba said in the name of R. Yoḥanan, “Abraham said before the Holy One: Master of the universe! It is revealed and known before You that when You told me to sacrifice my son Isaac, I had a ready response to you; I could have said before You: ‘Yesterday You told me: for in Isaac your seed shall be called for you (Genesis 21:12), and now You say: and sacrifice him for a burnt offering (Genesis 22:2).’ God forbid, I did not do so; rather, I conquered my inclination and performed Your wishes. So may it be Your will, Lord my God, that when the sons of Isaac my son are in distress and have no one to defend them, that You will be the one to defend them.”

Translated byAvi Steinhart.

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.

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