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The prologue is focused on a single character: Abraham. He alone knew what was about to happen. To his wife he said: We are going to pray. To his son he said: We shall study and meditate. The secret was his alone; he alone knew there was a secret—and he refused to share it. Sarah and Isaac barely participated in the drama as it unfolded. They were there but their presence is not sustained. As for God, He was present only by virtue of Abraham’s lie. We know that He was present, watching, listening, waiting; we know it because Abraham lied for Him, because Abraham hid his fear and grief from Him. What would Abraham do? Which side would he choose? God’s or the victim’s? Someone knew the answer. Sarah and Isaac did not even know the question. Not yet. But Satan did. At that moment he seems to have been closer to God than man.

With his appearance on stage, the drama gains in suspense. Still, his behavior seems irrational. Having suggested—no, demanded—Isaac’s sacrifice, he now abruptly did his utmost to prevent it. Having tried—successfully—to influence God, he now tried to influence Abraham.

Let us listen to the Midrash:

As Abraham journeyed toward Moriah, an old man appeared before him. It was Satan in disguise. He asked: Where are you going? — To prayer, said Abraham. — With a knife? With a firestone and wood? Nobody goes to prayer like that. — Well, Abraham explained, we may be delayed a day or two. We then would have to slaughter a lamb, place it on a fire to feed ourselves; it is best to be prepared. — Thereupon Satan dropped his mask and said: Poor old man with your poor old tales! Do you think you can fool me? Don’t you know I was present when the order was given? — Abraham did not reply. — Satan continued shouting: Tell me, old man, have you lost your mind, have you emptied your heart of all human feeling? Will you really sacrifice your son, given to you at the age of one hundred? — Yes, said Abraham, I shall. — But tomorrow, old fool, He will demand more sacrifices, more cruel yet; will you be able to perform them too? — I hope so, replied Abraham. I hope to always be able to obey Him. — But tomorrow, poor mortal, He may accuse you of murder, He who issued the order! He will condemn you for having killed your son, He will condemn you for having obeyed! Will you do it nevertheless? — Yes, I shall, Abraham insisted, I shall do it anyway. I must obey Him, that is my desire.

Having failed with the father, Satan tried his luck with the son. He appeared before him disguised as a young boy: Where are you going? — To study Torah, answered Isaac. — Now or after your death? — What a foolish question, said Isaac. Of course now. Don’t you know the Torah is given only to the living? — Poor son of a poor woman, said Satan. For years and years she lived in hope and prayer to give birth to you, and now this old man, your own father, has gone mad. Look at him, he is going to kill you! Isaac would not believe him; instead he looked at his father with love. So Satan went on, feigning compassion: Yes, you are about to die, believe me. And do you know who will rejoice? Your brother Ishmael. He will be happy. Your clothes, your possessions, the gifts meant for you, he will get them all. — This argument, so childish, so human, gave Isaac pause. He turned to his father and shyly asked him: Look at this person, Father. Listen to what he says. — Don’t pay any attention, son, said Abraham. His words are empty of meaning and truth. Do not listen.