Initially, it should be noted that the notion of God testing is primarily a part of a theology of Israel and Torah, for this is where the language overwhelmingly occurs, particularly in the key passage Exod. 20:20. It follows from this that the use of this language with regard to Abraham is an extension or reapplication. Why should this be? This is another instance where a basic perspective on the patriarchal stories as non-Israelite material told from Israel’s context is illuminating. This may perhaps