might not be altogether ignored in the patriarchal history. The
Samaritan tradition identified Moriah with Shechem.[1] This view
has been revived in two forms: (1) that the name is a corruption or
variant of (
Hebrew characters) in 126 etc. (Bleek, SK, 1831, 520 ff.; Tu., v. Gall [see G
inf.]); and (2) that it is a corruption of (Hebrew characters) ('land of the Ḥamorites'
[3319]) (We.). But both these names are too local and restricted to suit
the context; and the distance is perhaps too great. Of the attempts
to recover the original name, the simplest is (Hebrew characters), which would be a
natural designation of Palestine in E:[2] see on 1016. If the legend be
very ancient, there is no certainty that the place was in the Holy Land
at all. Any extensive mountainous region, well known at the time, and
with a lingering tradition of human sacrifice, would satisfy the conditions.
Hence, Che.'s suggestion that the land of 'Muṣri' is to be read
(EB, 3200; Wi. GI, ii. 44), is not devoid of plausibility. On Gu.'s
solution, see below.
which I will name to thee] When this more precise direction
was imparted, does not appear.—3. While the outward preparations
are graphically described, no word is spared for the
conflict in Abraham's breast,—a striking illustration of the
reticence of the legends with regard to mental states.—4.
saw the place afar off] The spot, therefore, has already been
indicated (v.2). We are left to imagine the pang that shot
through the father's heart when he caught sight of it.—5.
Another touch, revealing the tense feeling with which the
story is told: the servants are put off with a pretext whose
hollowness the reader knows.—6. "The boy carries the
heavier load, the father the more dangerous: knife and fire"
(Gu.). It is curious that OT has no allusion to the method
of producing fire.—7, 8. The pathos of this dialogue is
inimitable: the artless curiosity of the child, the irrepressible
(Hebrew characters) ('worship').—3. (Hebrew characters)] So Nu. 2222. The determination is
peculiar. That it means the two slaves with whom a person of importance
usually travelled (Gu.) is little probable. It is possible that in this
legend Abraham was conceived as a man of moderate wealth, and that
these were all the servants he had.—5. (Hebrew characters)] On (Hebrew characters) as demonst. of
place, see BDB, s.v. ('rare, chiefly in E'); cf. 3137.—7. (Hebrew characters)] 'Yes,
my son'; the 'Here am I' of EV is much too pompous. G V excellently:
(Greek characters); Quid vis, fili?—8. (Hebrew characters)] [E] G om. art. (Ba.).,
