The story of the binding of Isaac is one of the foundational narratives in the history of the Jewish people. Almost nothing is stated in the Torah about the journey of Abraham and his entourage to the binding. The Sages describe a path that was full of challenges.

Why does the verse teach that Abraham arose early? It is because the vigilant are quick to perform mitzvot. Satan preceded him on the way and appeared to him in the image of an older man. Satan said to him: Where are you going? Abraham said to him: I am going to pray. Satan said to him: And does one who is going to pray carry equipment to build a fire, and a knife in his hand and wood on his shoulder? Abraham said to him: Perhaps we will stay there one or two days, and we will slaughter animals, bake, and eat. Satan said to him: Old man, wasn’t I there when the Holy One, blessed be He, said to you: Take your son? Will an old man like you go and kill a son that was given him at the age of one hundred years? Haven’t you heard the parable: He lost what was in his possession, and he seeks from others? Even if you say: I will have another son, still, will you listen to the Accuser and eliminate a soul, for which you will be legally liable? Abraham said to him: It was not the Accuser who instructed me; rather, it was the Holy One, blessed be He. I will not listen to you. Satan went, and reappeared like a lad, and stood to the right of Isaac. He said to Isaac: Where are you going? Isaac said to him: To study Torah. Satan said to him: During your lifetime or after your death? Isaac said to him: Is there a person who studies after his death? Satan said to him: Wretched son of a wretched mother; how many fasts did your mother fast before you were born to merit to have you, and the old man has gone insane and he is going to slaughter you. Isaac said: Nevertheless, I will not transgress the wisdom of my Creator or the command of my father. “On the third day…” (Genesis 22:4).(Tanĥuma, Vayera)