Guiding Questions: Genesis 22

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. When the full story is read – what was the test?
  2. Why is “lekh lekha” especially appropriate as an introductory phrase – and has it been encountered before?
  3. Has the text prepared the reader for “child sacrifice” as a Divine expectation?
  4. Abraham argued for others at Sedom; why not even a word at this juncture?
  5. Does Genesis 22:5 imply that Abraham knows that the request to offer up his son was not anything but a test (N.B. “we will return to you”)?
  6. Genesis 22:6 speaks of “going together” – what is the special significance?
  7. In Genesis 22:8, is Abraham’s answer an additional indication that it is not his son who will be slaughtered?
  8. How explain the son’s total inaction in Genesis 22:9?
  9. If Genesis 22:10–12 were excised and the story continued from Genesis 22:9 directly to Genesis 22:13, how would that radically change the point of the narrative (i.e. Abraham understood by himself that his son was not to be offered)?
  10. Might the current narrative be a melange from writers with two differing points of view – (a) Abraham’s self-awareness or (b) his need to be instructed?
  11. In Genesis 22:14, who, what, will be seen?
  12. Why (Genesis 22:15) the second message and is anything “new”?
  13. In Genesis 22:19, why “Abraham returns to his servants”? Where is the son?
  14. Was the test, then, “from what I already know of you, you couldn’t want me to do this” or, “God’s demand whatever, must be obeyed”?
  15. Why the genealogy (Genesis 22:20–24) at this point? When will Bethuel be encountered (soon) again?

Author

  • Exploring Judaism

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

    View all posts

Perek Yomi materials originally produced by the USCJ and Dr. Morton K. Siegel.
We are grateful to be able to share this material.

Author

  • Exploring Judaism

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

Share This Post

Exploring Judaism Recent Posts

Find meaning in your inbox.

Subscribe to receive our latest content by email.

We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
Got questions?