Abraham's silence

In class today we discussed Soren Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling. At some point of our discussion on the point of faith, the professor subtly put in this point: When told about the destruction of Soddom and Gomorrah, Abraham 'negotiates' (bordering argument) with God, on behalf of the people.  But when Yahweh asks him to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham hardly asks a single question or possible alternatives.

Painting by Jan Lievens

Of course, standing where we stand today, at a historical distance, we can very comfortably speak of Abraham's choices and ways.  We may very well relegate it all to saying that it was merely a 'story' for our enlightenment or edification.  Yet to stand in his shoes and live those moments is something beyond anyone's possibility.