In Isaac, a child of promise, the long-awaited heir of his great father, Abraham, one might expect to find a character of outstanding import in the steady development of the Hebrew people toward a higher concept of Deity; but, actually, relatively little is recorded concerning him. He seems to have languished, as have many men, in the shadow of an intensely forceful and distinguished parent, while Isaac's own son, Jacob, in due course won the name of Israel, one later proudly borne by the chosen people.
May it not be said that Isaac's primary mission lay in providing the essential link between his father and his son? A further relatively quiet role was that of maintaining Abraham's work, rather than pursuing the apparently more heroic paths of adventure, discovery, and leadership. However, the comparative obscurity of Isaac's activities must not blind us to the contribution which he made to the growth of Hebrew thought.
Early in the experience of Isaac, his individual faith and obedience were clearly shown, for he went fearlessly and trustingly through the trial when he was apparently to be offered in sacrifice to God.
