[ethbr1]

In some novel, the author discussed Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac [0] as not a test of Abraham by God, but a test of God by Abraham.

As in, 'I am about to murder my only son on your orders. If you are indeed the kind of god who would order me to do such a thing, then we'll see where that leaves us...'

That interpretation always struck me as truer to Old Testament tone.

[0] https://biblehub.com/kjv/genesis/22.htm

[kristianbrigman]

At the time, child sacrifice was apparently common, enough that if a country was in trouble, the populace would demand the king sacrifice his kid to save the country (even shown in scripture … see 2 kings 3:27 though later in time). This was a very _public_ display that this God does not want that.

In short, it wasn’t really a test of either one, it was a public declaration that child sacrifice is bad.

[kridsdale3]

Didn't work out very well for Stanis Baratheon either.

[chowells]

Sounds like Dan Simmons' Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion. I think that particular bit was in the second book, but Sol spent a lot of time grappling with Abraham in both.

[ethbr1]

That sounds correct and in keeping with the themes!

[mhuffman]

I don't know. If memory serves life was pretty cheap in the old testament with millions being murdered and everyone(?) killed if you count the flood.

[edflsafoiewq]

Within the context of the narrative, Isaac's importance to Abraham was practically infinite.

[ethbr1]

Weren't those non-believers, though?

Old Testament God is pretty firm on that line. :D