Abraham's Silence: The Binding of Isaac, the Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God

J. Richard Middleton suggests that we have misread and misapplied the story of the binding of Isaac, emphasizing the ethical and theological problem of Abraham's silence and exploring the rich biblical tradition of vigorous prayer as a resource for faith. He also examines the book of Job in terms of God validating Job's lament as right speech, providing an alternative to the silent Abraham.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2021
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Rewritten text:

The traditional view holds that we should praise Abraham for his willingness to sacrifice his son as evidence of his unwavering love for God. However, have we perhaps misinterpreted the core message of the story? Could a closer examination of Genesis 22 reveal that God was not satisfied with Abraham's passive obedience?

Renowned biblical theologian, innovative thinker, and public speaker J. Richard Middleton offers a compelling perspective that challenges our understanding of the binding of Isaac. Through his insightful analysis, Middleton suggests that we have misread and misapplied this narrative, emphasizing that God desires something more profound than mere silent compliance in challenging circumstances.

Middleton delves into the ethical and theological complexities of Abraham's silence, exploring the rich biblical tradition of fervent prayer, exemplified by the lament psalms. He highlights the significance of vocalizing our emotions and concerns to God, offering an alternative to the silent Abraham. By examining the book of Job, Middleton demonstrates how God validates Job's lament as right speech, recognizing the power of vocal expression in communicating with the divine.

In this thought-provoking book, Middleton provides a fresh interpretation of Genesis 22, reinforcing the church's growing interest in lament as an appropriate response to God. He encourages readers to embrace the power of vocal prayer and lament, recognizing that it can deepen our faith, provide solace, and foster a deeper connection with the divine. Through his compelling arguments and thoughtful exploration, Middleton offers a valuable contribution to biblical scholarship and encourages us to reexamine our understanding of difficult passages in the Bible.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780801098017