The Last Trial: On the Legends and Lore of the Command to Abraham to Offer Isaac as a Sacrifice

by Shalom Spiegel, Shalom Spiegel

“We find that the story of Abraham and Isaac rises almost spontaneously in the mind of one generation after another.... Constantly past and present react to and upon each other, and life is given an order, a coherence, by the themes which govern the Holy Scriptures and the reinterpretations of those themes.”
―from the Introduction by Judah Goldin Shalom Spiegel’s classic examines the total body of texts, legends, and traditions referring to the Binding of Isaac and weaves them together into a definitive study of the Akedah as one of the central events in all of human history. Spiegel here provides the model for showing how legend and history interact, how the past may be made comprehensible by present events, and how the present may be understood as a renewal of revelation.

Genres: Judaism, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1993

Reviews

[Daniel Goldman]

A beautiful way to reread the Akeda.

[Matthew Day]

Fascinating book. I read this alongside a fair amount of rabbinical literature that Spiegel used to write this essay and I believe having a working knowledge of rabbinical literature, at the very least, may be required to read this. As I read more rabbinical literature, I grew to appreciate this book more and more (especially the poem at the end that the whole book leads to). I look forward to rereading this later, now that I have a wider perspective on rabbinic literature - and will continue to learn about rabbinic literature. Hopefully, I'll be able to read it in its original language next time, as well so I can better appreciate the beautiful language used throughout! Overall great book!

[Henry]

I would really rate this one 3 1/2 to 3 3/4 stars, can't do half stars on here. The book focuses on a medieval poem, which reflects Jewish interpretation of Abraham's obedience to God, with his willingness to sacrifice Isaac. It shows both how the poem reflected the current era, with Christians persecuting Jews, but also takes and engages centuries of interpretations of the event, with some interpretations being rather interesting (like Abraham sacrificed Isaac, Isaac was brought back to life, and Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac again until he was stopped).

[Laura S]

As a modern, Western reader of the Old Testament, it is hard to comprehend the superstitious, pagan society the patriarchs came from and how it has shaped traditions in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

[Vinaykumar]

The most persuasive and articulate writer.

[Gregory Ashe]

Fascinating excursion into the possibly pagan roots of the Akeidah and Crucifixation stories of the Bible and New Testament.

[Jordon Gyarmathy]

I really enjoyed this read. The Midrash on the story of the Akedah or Binding of Isaac has way more depth and interpretations than I could have imagined. The author quotes famous commentaries on Genesis 22, compares the binding of Isaac to programs, and contrasts Isaac and the Christian figure of Jesus. On top of that, modern Biblical commentary is added using the critical study of authorship. Very comprehensive and informative, and quite accessible as well.

[Robert]

shalom spiegel is one of the most thoughful academic theologians of the last 30 years.

[Leah]

Fascinating, but hard to read

[Laura Robinson]

Would have liked clearer dating and chronological references in the sources. But fascinating legends and texts.