1. <I>After these words</I>]. Some of our teachers explain the expression: "after the words of Satan," who said to God Of all his meals Abraham sacrifices nothing to Thee, neithe a bull nor a ram. He would sacrifice his son, replied God if I told him to do it. Others say: "after the words of Ishmael," who boasted of having undergone circumcision when he was thirteen years old, and to whom Isaac answered: If God demanded of me the sacrifice of my entire being, I would do what he demanded. Abraham said: <I>Behold, here I am</I>]. Such is the humility of pious men; for this expression indicates that one is humble, ready to obey. 2. God said: <I>Take now</I>]. This is a formula of prayer; God seems to say to Abraham: I pray thee, submit thyself to this test, so that thy faith shall not be doubted. <I>Thy son</I>]. I have two sons, replied Abraham. <I>Thine only son</I>]. But each is the only son of his mother. <I>Whom thou lovest</I>]. I love them both. <I>Isaac</I>]. Why did not God name Isaac immediately? In order to trouble Abraham, and also to reward him for each word, etc. All these explanations are drawn from Talmudic (<I>Sanhedrim 89b</I>) and Midrashic (<I>Bereshit Rabba</I> and <I>Tanhuma</I>) sources. The meaning of the passage being clear, Rashi has recourse to Haggadic elaborations, which, it must be admitted, are wholly charming. Rashi will be seen to be more original in his commentary on the Song of the Red Sea, the text of which offers more difficulties. 3. SONG OF THE RED SEA (Ex. xv. 1)