GEN883 The Torah is ... concerned that our relationship with God be an honorable one, in which we show gratitude for what God has done for us. It focuses on our character as a people. We should be sensitive enough to recognize God’s acts of caring for us and to respond appropriately – namely, by living our lives in the ways God has taught us.  In the rabbinic mind, the mutual relationship between God and Israel means that God also owes us for what we do for God. Here is one example of that: “It was taught: Abraham said before the Holy Blessed One: ‘It is revealed and known to you that at the time You told me to offer him [Isaac] as a burnt offering, I had grounds to object. Yesterday You said to me that your posterity will be through Isaac [this verse], and now You tell me to offer him as a burnt offering? I, however, overcame my inclination [to disobey] (other version: I overcame my compassion for my son) to do Your will. So too, may it be Your will that when Isaac’s children have troubles and there is no one to defend them You should be their defense attorney. (Other version: When Isaac’s children sin and do evil, this binding should be remembered on their behalf, and You should be filled with mercy for them).   J. Ta’anit 2:4; Genesis Rabbah 56:10 DORFFLGP 154