CHAPTER VIII

Of the Picture of _Abraham_ sacrificing _Isaac_.

In the Picture of the Immolation of _Isaac_, or _Abraham_ sacrificing his son, _Isaac_ is described as a little boy; which notwithstanding is not consentaneous unto the authority of Expositors, or the circumstance of the Text. For therein it is delivered that _Isaac_ carried on his back the wood for the sacrifice; which being an holocaust or burnt offering to be consumed unto ashes, we cannot well conceive a burthen for a boy; but such a one unto _Isaac_, as that which it typified was unto Christ, that is, the wood or cross whereon he suffered; which was too heavy a load for his shoulders, and was fain to be relieved therein by _Simon_ of _Cyrene_.

Again, He was so far from a boy, that he was a man grown, and at his full stature, if we believe _Josephus_, who placeth him in the last of _Adolescency_, and makes him twenty five years old. And whereas in the Vulgar Translation he is termed _puer_, it must not be strictly apprehended (for that age properly endeth in puberty, and extendeth but unto fourteen) but respectively unto _Abraham_, who was at that time above sixscore. And therefore also herein he was not unlike unto him, who was after led dumb unto the slaughter, and commanded by others, who had legions at command; that is, in meekness and humble submission. For had he resisted, it had not been in the power of his aged parent to have enforced; and many at his years have performed such acts, as few besides at any. [SN: _Men of eminent fame and prowess at 25._] _David_ was too strong for a Lion and a Bear; _Pompey_ had deserved the name of Great; _Alexander_ of the same cognomination was _Generalissimo_ of _Greece_; and _Anibal_ but one year after, succeeded _Asdruball_ in that memorable war against the _Romans_.