The Binding of Isaac in Art & Literature

"The Sacrifice of Isaac" by Caravaggio (ca. 1601–02)

Genesis 22 has found its way into numerous works of art, pieces of literature, and songs. Here are just a few. Feel free to provide links to some more if you know of any.

“Abraham to kill him…”

by Emily Dickinson

Abraham to kill him—
Was distinctly told—
Isaac was an Urchin—
Abraham was old—

Not a hesitation—
Abraham complied—
Flattered by Obeisance
Tyranny demurred—

Isaac—to his children
Lived to tell the tale—
Moral—with a Mastiff
Manners may prevail.

"Sacrifice of Isaac" by Chagal (ca. 1960–65)

“The Parable of the Old Man and the Young Man”

by Wilfred Owen
Owen’s parable ends a tad differently than Genesis 22.

So Abram rose, and clave the wood, and went,
And took the fire with him, and a knife.
And as they sojourned both of them together,
Isaac the first-born spake and said, My Father,
Behold the preparations, fire and iron,
But where the lamb for this burnt-offering?
Then Abram bound the youth with belts and straps
and builded parapets and trenches there,
And stretchèd forth the knife to slay his son.
When lo! an angel called him out of heaven,
Saying, Lay not thy hand upon the lad,
Neither do anything to him, thy son.
Behold! Caught in a thicket by its horns,
A Ram. Offer the Ram of Pride instead.
But the old man would not so, but slew his son,
And half the seed of Europe, one by one.

Excerpt from “Highway 61 Revisted”

by Bob Dylan

God said to Abraham, “Kill me a son.”
Abe said, “Man, you must be puttin’ me on.”
God said, “No.” Abe said, “What?”
God said, “You can do what you want, Abe, but
“The next time you see me comin’ you better run.”
Abe said, “Where do you want this killin’ done?”
God said, “Out on Highway Sixty-One.”