I just finished reading the Torah portion of Vayera, and I am left with a question about it. We learn that Abraham pleaded for the town of Sodom to great lengths; however, in regards to his own son Isaac, he appears to accept this more willingly, what is the Talmud’s position on this?
Great Question. In fact many of the commentaries ask the same one.
The common answer is that Sodom was a punishment and Abraham hoped to save them and hoped they would repent through the help of the righteous that remained. They were estranged from the service of G-d and Abraham was trying to bring them closer.
The binding of Isaac was not a punishment, rather a command from G-d for service and dedication – mercy was not the issue. It was a litmus test to see how dedicated and close Abraham was to G-d.
All the Best, Rabbi Zvi Holland