Avrohom was tested by Hashem with ten trials, each one more difficult that the other. The tenth and most difficult one was the Akeidas Yitzchok. It was only after Avrohom passed this test that Hashem said to him, “Now I know that you are a G-d fearing man.” One may ask, what of Yitzchok’s part in this test? Yitzchok’s achievement in this test was awesome! His performance prior and during the actual Akeida remains as an everlasting merit for the Jewish people. Why then is the trial aspect of the Akeida not ascribed to Yitzchok as well?
Yitzchok was ready to offer his life, and all would have been over. He was ready to give up everything, but he would not have to deal with the aftermath. He would not have to go back and face the world as Avrohom had, he would not have to face the bereaved mother. He would not have to answer “what have you done with your son”?
There is no question that the supreme sacrifice is not to be regarded lightly. But such acts of heroism are not uncommon. People risk their lives for various causes, and are soon forgotten. What Yitzchok did was definitely a great trial and sacrifice on his part. But Avrohom would have to continue and face the world and rebuild his shattered life. He would have to continue preaching the word of Hashem to people who would call him a hypocrite. The trials and tribulations facing Avrohom would be continuous, while Yitzchok’s test was over. Yitzchok fulfilled the obligation of dying as a Jew, while Avrohom had the greater task of living as a Jew.
