In the obedience of faith, Abraham had forsaken his native country--had turned away from the graves of his fathers and the home of his kindred. He had wandered as a stranger in the land of his inheritance. He had waited long for the birth of the promised heir. At the command of God he had sent away his son Ishmael. And now, when the child so long desired was entering upon manhood, and the patriarch seemed able to discern the fruition of his hopes, a trial greater than all others was before him.

I troslydighed havde Abraham forladt sit fædreland, sine fædres grave og sine slægtninges hjem. Han havde vandret om som fremmed i det land, han skulle arve. Han havde ventet længe på, at løftets søn skulle fødes. På Guds befaling havde han sendt sin søn Ismael bort, og nu, da det så længe ventede barn havde nået manddommen, og patriarken syntes at se sine håb modnes, kom den største af alle prøver.