There are hints in the text that Abraham never intended to kill Isaac. For example, Abraham brings along two young men on the trip, presumably to guard Isaac and him—but why take along potential witnesses to a killing, and why the need for them on a trip at God’s command? Going up Moriah, Abraham tells them: “We [Isaac and I] will…return to you” (emphasis added). When Isaac asks Abraham, “Where is the lamb for the sacrifice?” Abraham answers, “God will find for himself the lamb…” instead of “for us,” suggesting that Isaac was in no danger if the lamb was not found, but God needed the lamb in order to retain his only follower, and the founder of the world religion that would spread God’s message of ethical monotheism.