The dictum, מעשה אבות סימן לבנים (the deeds of the fathers are a sign for the sons), is particularly apt when speaking of the lives of Avraham and Yitzchak. The stories of father and son are surprisingly similar, and many of the episodes that define the Avraham narrative find their echo in the life of Yitzchak. In several of these cases, linguistic parallels strengthen the comparison.
Content Parallels and Contrasts
Parallels
Contrasts
I. Family Life
a. Barren wife
Despite blessings of progeny, both Sarah and Rivka are initially unable to have children.
While Sarah gives Hagar to Avraham in order to raise an heir, Hashem opens Rivkah's womb after prayer.
b. Two children
Each of Avraham and Yitzchak bear two children, one of which is favored by the mother, while the other is (also) loved by the father.1
In Avraham's case, each child is born of a different mother. In contrast, Yitzchak's sons are twins, both born to Rivka.
c. Younger son chosen
In both stories the mother (Sarah/Rivka) ensures that it is the younger child who inherits or is blessed.
Avraham knowingly banishes Yishmael due to Sarah's demand and Hashem's sanction thereof, whereas Yitzchak is duped by Rivka into blessing Yaakov..
d. Son marries non-Canaanite
Both Avraham and Yitzchak ensure that their chosen son does not marry a Canaanite, but rather a woman from the family in Charan.
While Avraham sends his servant to fetch the wife, Yitzchak sends Yaakov himself. Moreover, Yaakov has an additional purpose in leaving, his flight from Esav
e. Rejected son leaves & thrives
Both Yishmael and Esav leave their homeland, but grow to be great nations and fathers of 12 princes or chieftains.
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II. Wife-sister
a. Famine
A famine leads both Avraham and Yitzchak to uproot.2
Though both patriarchs head to Egypt, Yitzchak is told to remain in Canaan.3
b. Fear
Recognition of their wives' beauty causes both husbands to fear that the women will be taken by the locals, while they are killed.
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c. Pretense
Sarah and Rivka are passed off as Avraham and Yitzchak's sisters.
By Avraham, the pretense is believed, but Sarah is nonetheless taken by Paroh. In contrast, Rivka's true status is found out and the king calls for her protection.
d. Great wealth
The story ends with a description of the wealth of Avraham/Yitzchak
In contrast to Avraham who is enriched by the many gifts of the king, Yitzchak earns his own wealth through his successful sowing.
III. Life in Gerar
a. Digging wells
Avraham and Yitzchak both dig wells in Gerar which are a source of dispute with the Philistines.
Avraham's accusations focus on one stolen well, while Yitzchak deals with multiple squabbles.
b. Visit of Avimelekh
Avimelekh and his general Fikhol visit, stating their recognition that Hashem is with Avraham/ Yitzchak.
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c. Oath
The two sides make a covenant and swear not to harm the other.
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d. Beer Sheva
Beer Sheva is named.
By Avraham the name refers to the oath (שבועה) taken by Avraham and Avimelekh, while by Yitzchak it refers to the well named "שבע".
IV. Death
a. Old age
Both patriarchs die at a "ripe old age".
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b. Burial
Despite the earlier conflicts and potential for enmity, Yishmael and Yitzchak together bury Avraham and Yaakov and Esav join to bury Yitzchak.
