Genesis 22-24

Abraham is called to sacrifice his precious son Isaac. At the last moment, a divinely provided ram saves the poor boy. Scholars believe that rather than this being a cruel test of faith for Abraham, it was God's way of teaching against the ritual child sacrifice practiced by the Canaanites at that time.

Another interesting piece of information is that the place of sacrifice was the region of Mt Moriah. This same spot was to become the City of David and the subsequent Temple Mount. Some believe, Mt Moriah was the summit where Jesus was crucified (which will make it a fulfillment of v14: 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."

Then Sarah dies at the tender age of 127, and is buried in a cave in the field of Machpelah.

Isaac finds a wife. Or more correctly, Abraham's servant finds a wife for Isaac. Her name is Rebekah, and will become the mother of a highly contentious pair of twins.

Another interesting footnote to this reading is the oath that Ab's servant took by placing his hand under the thigh (24:2). The thigh is apparently an euphemism for the genitals. Read more about this interesting practice here and also about the possible origin of the the clasped hand posture of prayer...:)