and will place thee near to himself, and thou wilt there be
to me a succorer and supporter in my old age; on which account I
principally brought thee up, and thou wilt thereby procure me God for my
Comforter instead of thyself."

4. Now Isaac was of such a generous disposition as became the son of
such a father, and was pleased with this discourse; and said, "That
he was not worthy to be born at first, if he should reject the
determination of God and of his father, and should not resign himself up
readily to both their pleasures; since it would have been unjust if he
had not obeyed, even if his father alone had so resolved." So he went
immediately to the altar to be sacrificed. And the deed had been done if
God had not opposed it; for he called loudly to Abraham by his name, and
forbade him to slay his son; and said, "It was not out of a desire of
human blood that he was commanded to slay his son, nor was he willing
that he should be taken away from him whom he had made his father, but
to try the temper of his mind, whether he would be obedient to such a
command. Since therefore he now was satisfied as to that his alacrity,
and the surprising readiness he showed in this his piety, he was
delighted in having bestowed such blessings upon him; and that he would
not be wanting in all sort of concern about him, and in bestowing other
children upon him; and that his son should live to a very great age;
that he should live a happy life, and bequeath a large principality to
his children, who should be good and legitimate." He foretold also,
that his family should increase into many nations [29] and that those
patriarchs should leave behind them an everlasting name; that they
should obtain the possession of the land of Canaan, and be envied by all
men. When God had said this, he produced to them a ram, which did not
appear before, for the sacrifice. So Abraham and Isaac receiving each
other unexpectedly, and having obtained the promises of such great
blessings, embraced one another; and when they had sacrificed, they
returned to Sarah, and lived happily together, God affording them his
assistance in all things they desired.

CHAPTER 14. Concerning Sarah Abraham's Wife; And How She Ended Her Days.

Now Sarah died a little while after, having lived one hundred and
twenty-seven years. They buried her in Hebron; the Canaanites publicly
allowing them a burying-place; which piece of ground Abraham bought
for four hundred she