Type:		Electronic Citation
Book Title:		Encyclopedia of Religion
Title:		Isaac
Author(s):		Greenspahn, F.
Date:		2005
Abstract:		ISAAC, or, in Hebrew, Yitsḥaq; the second of the biblical patriarchs and the only son of Abraham and Sarah. Although not known from elsewhere, the name Yitsḥaq conforms to a well-known Northwest Semitic type and means "may God smile"; Ugaritic texts from the thirteenth century bce refer to the benevolent smile of the Canaanite god El. The Bible, however, ascribes the laughter to Isaac's mother, who was amazed to learn that she would have a child despite her advanced age.
Issue:		Isaac
Link:		http://www.encyclopedia.com/article-1G2-3424501540/isaac.html