Abraham’s Silence: The Binding of Isaac, the Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
It is traditional to think we should praise Abraham for his willingness to sacrifice his son as proof of his love for God. But have we misread the point of the story? Is it possible that a careful reading of Genesis 22 could reveal God was not pleased with Abraham’s silent obedience?
Widely respected biblical theologian, creative thinker, and public speaker J. Richard Middleton suggests we have misread and misapplied the story of the binding of Isaac and shows that God desires something other than silent obedience in difficult times. Middleton focuses on the ethical and theological problem of Abraham’s silence and explores the rich biblical tradition of vigorous prayer, including the lament psalms, as a resource for faith. Middleton also examines the book of Job in terms of God validating Job’s lament as “right speech,” showing how the vocal Job provides an alternative to the silent Abraham.
This book provides a fresh interpretation of Genesis 22 and reinforces the church’s resurgent interest in lament as an appropriate response to God.
- Provides a fresh interpretation of Genesis 22 and reinforces the church’s resurgent interest in lament as an appropriate response to God
- Explores the rich biblical tradition of vigorous prayer, including the lament psalms, as a resource for faith
- Focuses on the ethical and theological problem of Abraham’s silence
Top Highlights
“More importantly, how will we sustain a relationship with God if we are reduced to silence?” (Page 6)
“Turn your gaze away from me, that I may smile again’ (39:13a). It doesn’t have to be theologically correct speech. But it has to be gut-honest speech.” (Page 36)
“Could it be that the book of Job is an intentional response to (and critique of) the Aqedah?” (Page 167)
“The combination of humility and boldness required for such prayer is fundamentally an expression of trust in God (and leads to further trust, when practiced regularly).” (Pages 38–39)
“Just like that, without rejoinder, God simply accepts what Moses asks. It is as if this is what God wanted all along.” (Page 47)