J. Richard Middleton - Abrahams Silence: The Binding of Isaac, the Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God

Drawing from a broad range of biblical, Jewish, and Christian traditions, Middleton argues in compelling fashion that Abrahams silence in Genesis 22 was a failure. In so doing, Middleton more broadly makes the case for lament as an integral practice of faith in a God who welcomes chutzpah rather than blind obedience. Whether you agree or not, you will not read the Aqedah story in the same way. Or Job and the Psalms.

William P. Brown , Columbia Theological Seminary

Ecclesiastes 3 famously says there is a time for everything, including a time to keep silence, and a time to speak (3:7). In this book, Middleton invites us to ponder the silence of Abraham before God and the words of Job and other voices of protest and lament. From Middleton you can always expect penetrating exegetical insight, but the deeper value here is his case for bold and vigorous prayer in the face of suffering and pain. Middletons rich blend of breadth and depth makes for engaging and transformative reading.

Nijay Gupta , Northern Seminary

Generations of theologians, commentators, philosophers, writers, and artistsboth Jews and Christiansstruggled and are still struggling with the most puzzling and horrifying stories: the binding of Isaac (the Akedah), who is meant to be offered as a burnt offering by his father, and the suffering of Job, the blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. Abrahams Silence is a stimulating and important contribution to the ongoing study of these incredible biblical texts where God tests his most faithful servants. The author straightforwardly discusses various theological, exegetical, and rhetorical issues in these Scriptures and sheds a fresh light on them.

Isaac Kalimi , member ordinarius, Academia Europaea: The Pan-European Academy of Sciences, Humanities & Letters

What do you say to God when bad things happen? In this fascinating and insightful study of Abraham and Job, Middleton invites us to reconsider what God desires from those who are suffering. Beware! This book will change the way you think about God and transform your spiritual life. A must-read for every student of Scripture.

Amanda W. Benckhuysen , director of Safe Church Ministry, Christian Reformed Church

Middleton brings together penetrating analysis of biblical texts, keen theological insight, and remarkable clarity of presentation. Middleton is not afraid to ask difficult, painful questionsabout God, about Abraham, and about what a life of faith should look like. Whether you agree with his arguments or not, you will undoubtedly learn and grow from this provocative book.

Shai Held , author of The Heart of Torah

Long ago The Preacher concluded, There is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak (Eccles. 3:7). Now Middleton, in the wake of the preacher, wades boldly into the enigma of silence and speech. He ponders the demanding speech addressed to God by Moses, the prophets, and most especially by Job. But then he turns to Abrahams stunning silence before God concerning the near-sacrifice of Isaac, the son whom Abraham loves. Middleton judges that Abrahams silence means that Abraham has not fully probed Gods mercy, but settles for a God less than fully merciful. Middletons indictment of Abraham is a daring judgment that collides with the usual practice of the piety and prayer of the faithful, both Jews and Christians, and with the judgment of our foremost interpreters. This is interpretation at its most daring and at its best.

Walter Brueggemann , Columbia Theological Seminary (emeritus)