What is a “Jewish” approach to the Binding of Isaac?

Even within traditional rabbinic literature, there is no one Jewish approach to the Akedah. Rather, there is a range of approaches and a continuing conversation over the ages. Rabbis famously disagree about everything, so it’s not a surprise that they also disagree about the Akeidah. While the disagreements are bounded by the text of Bereshit 22:1-19, the extent of the disagreements can be surprising. Of course, there are disagreements about the moral or theological lessons that can be drawn from the episode. However, even basic features of the narrative are up for debate.

Here are just two out of many examples:

The clarity and content of G-d’s command regarding Isaac

Rambam: This episode inform us how prophets truly believed in that which was revealed to them by G‑d during a prophetic vision. Abraham would not have agreed to offer his only son if there had been the slightest doubt in his mind about the veracity of the prophecy.

vs.

Ralbag: G-d’s prophetic command to Abraham about the binding of Isaac was unclear in its wording. “Bring him up him there for a burnt-sacrifice” can be understood to mean that (1) Abraham should slaughter Isaac and offer him as a burnt-offering, or that (2) Abraham should bring Isaac up to mountain to offer a burnt-offering together to teach him about how to serve G-d.

vs.

The Noam Elimelech: both Avraham and Itzhak knew all along that G-d did not intend for Itzhak to be slaughtered. They went up Mount Moriah only pretending (albeit in a very earnest way) that Itzhak will be killed once they reach the top.

The age of Isaac, and the nature of his relationship with Abraham during the ordeal

Rashi quoting Midrash: Isaac was 37 years old at the time, and a part of what was so amazing is that Isaac tacitly understood what was about to happen and heroically went “together” with his father and teacher Abraham, that is with united purpose, up the mountain to offer himself up to be sacrificed.

vs.

Ibn Ezra: I know that some Midrashim say this and there is a place for that understanding, but really, there’s no way Isaac could have been 37 years old at the time. If Isaac heroically submitted submitted himself to be sacrificed, the text would have mentioned that the test was not just for Abraham but also for Isaac, yet the text is silent. What makes the most sense is that Isaac was about 13 years old. That way, he’s old enough to carry the wood, but young enough that Abraham was able to overpower him for the binding and (attempted) sacrifice.