Isaac: The Passive Patriarch

Throughout his life Isaac remained a passive tent dweller. He did not go to find a wife; his servant brought a wife to him. He did not go to war; and when conflict arose he withdrew. In the story of his binding he was passive and it appears as though he was bound forever on the altar. Isaac was dominated by his father Abraham his wife Rebecca Abimelech king of Gerar and his sons Jacob and Esau. For most of his life he is led by others and his actions are reactions to the developing situations. He appears to have little personality and is better known as the son of his father Abraham or the father of his sons Jacob and Esau.