The Talmud relates that a time will come when G-d will be angry with the Jewish people, and will turn to the forefathers to defend them. Only Yitzchak accomplishes this, while Avraham and Ya’kov both respond, “Let them be destroyed in sanctification of Your Name”. It appears shocking that Avraham and Ya’akov would not pray on behalf of their children.

In explanation, the Beit HaLevi (Responsa, vol. II, derush 13) explains that punishments actually exist on two levels. The actual punishment that is created on a spiritual level as a consequence of sin is incalculable. However, the physical punishments that are described in the Torah work to rectify the desecration of G-d’s Name and thus create a healing in this world. Thus, when Avraham and Ya’akov were confronted with the possibility of their children experiencing the actual spiritual costs of their actions, they instead requested a response that will restore the sanctification of G-d’s Name in this world, and hence mitigate the terrible cost that would otherwise be paid.