level, the absence of detail and the suspense reveal the narrator’s purpose for the story. This disturbing narrative makes a profound statement about the freedom God allows people to decide and to act. God does not control human actions, obedience, or response. God has called Abraham for a mission, but Abraham’s participation is Abraham’s choice. Abraham cannot initiate the mission, but he can choose to take part in what God has begun. Subsequent theological reflection has raised questions the text