Returning to his tent, he went to the place where Isaac lay sleeping the deep, untroubled sleep of youth and innocence. For 151 a moment the father looked upon the dear face of his son, then turned tremblingly away. He went to the side of Sarah, who was also sleeping. Should he awaken her, that she might once more embrace her child? Should he tell her of God's requirement? He longed to unburden his heart to her, and share with her this terrible responsibility; but he was restrained by the fear that she might hinder him. Isaac was her joy and pride; her life was bound up in him, and the mother's love might refuse the sacrifice.

Da han kom tilbage til teltet, gik han hen til det sted, hvor Isak sov ungdommens og uskyldighedens dybe, ubesværede søvn. Et øjeblik så faderen på sin søns kære ansigt og vendte sig så skælvende bort. Han gik hen til Sara, der også sov. Skulle han vække hende, for at hun for sidste gang kunne omfavne sit barn? Skulle han fortælle hende om Guds krav? Han længtes efter at lette sit hjerte over for hende og dele det frygtelige ansvar med hende; men frygten for, at hun skulle hindre ham, holdt ham tilbage. Isak var hendes glæde og stolthed. Hun var stærkt knyttet til ham, og moderkærligheden ville måske nægte at bringe offeret.