There were ancient Jewish traditions which held that Abraham actually killed Isaac on the mount and the Lord brought Isaac back to life. The reference in Hebrews 11: 17-19 seems to be based upon this earlier tradition; in contrast to the Genesis account (Gen. 22: 9-13.)
If Abraham actually slew Isaac, and Isaac was raised from the dead, the trial of Abraham and the test of Isaac is more analogous to Christ's sacrifice than we imagine.
Hugh Nibley writes about these earlier traditions in Abraham in Egypt, pp. 329-344, 372-375.
We imagine the difficulties of the ancients to be less than they were. Their faith was established through trial, sacrifice, obedience and consecration. Not to the will of man or men, but to the will of God. When men attempt to displace obedience to God into submission to the will of men, then it is not merely an error, it is idolatry. It is an abomination.
More often than not, obedience to God causes conflict with your fellow man. It did not get these ancient Saints applause, position, praise or notice.
