Genesis

בייה

Genesis 22 – Validation

This discussion is offered in the loving memory of Walter Honeychurch, ז”ל.

There are many excellent revelations in (Genesis 22). The Akeidah is the story of Abraham’s most difficult challenge.

Now after 37 years of living in tranquility, Abraham is faced with his tenth and final test, the commitment to offer Isaac as a burnt offering. I don’t know about you, but I struggle with this story. Was it necessary for The Creator of the universe to prove Abraham in this way, seeing as our Creator Knows everything in the past, present, and future? My human emotional side objects to a test like this, seeing as Lord Knows the outcome. Lord Knows Abraham will be faithful. Lord Knows Sarah’s heart will break, and she will die when she learns Abraham offered her son Isaac on the altar to Lord.

In a little while, we will learn that Abraham completed the ultimate test for us. We needed to see the extent Abraham was willing to go because he believed in God.

When we combine our discussion with the previous studies of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac, Abraham and Sarah went through so much adversity to bring Isaac into the world. Then, facing the possibility of offering Isaac as a burnt offering is just unimaginable. Remember Lord did not Instruct Abraham to sacrifice Issac. Lord Instructed Abraham to ‘OFFER’ Isaac.

(Genesis 22.) says, ‘And it happened after these things, that God Proved Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham;’ and he said, ‘Behold, here I am.’ And [Lord] Said, ‘Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell you.’

(Talmud, Sanhedrin 89b) informs us that Lord Said to Abraham, ‘Take your only son.’

Abraham said, ‘I have two sons.’

God says, ‘Your only son.’

Abraham replies, ‘Yishmael is an only son of Hagar, and Isaac is the only son of Sarah.’

God says, ‘Take the one whom you love.’

Abraham says, ‘I love them both.’

God says, ‘Take Isaac!’

Ibn Ezra says, ‘philosophers teach that there are two kinds of knowledge, knowledge of events before their occurrence, and knowledge of what is presently in existence. The latter is the meaning of God did Prove Abraham in (Genesis 22.1). And in (Genesis 22.12) for now, I Know.’ There is a purpose to everything God Does. So, why did God Test/Scrutinize Abraham? Saadiah Gaon says that ‘did prove’ means that God Tested Abraham to demonstrate his piety to humankind and to show Abraham was a God-fearing man.‘ Abraham was tested to teach us his righteousness and respect for God. In (Genesis 18.19) Lord Says, For I Know him/Abraham. Lord did not need to try Abraham because God Knows everything about us. (Genesis 22.3) reinforces what we are supposed to be learning here. So early next morning, the 137-year-old Abraham showed zeal, eagerness, enthusiasm, fervor, and haste in doing what God instructed him. Abraham saddled his ass and took two servants and his son Isaac with him. He split the wood for the burnt offering, and he set out for the place of which God had told him. Abraham’s actions showed us the material that a pillar is made of.

Rashi says Ishmael and Eliezer were the two servants referred to as lads. A man of high standing should not travel without two men as attendants (Leviticus Rabbah 26:7) so that if one needs to ease himself and goes aside for this purpose, the other will remain with him (Midrash Tanchuma, Balak 8).’

Dear family and friends, The Torah Teaches us how human we are. We face challenges in our pathway occasionally because God is Examining us. Genesis Chapter 22.1 says, ‘God Examined Abraham.’ Like Abraham, we experience the trials of life. We feel pressure, stress, and anxiety. Feeling weak, surprised, or vulnerable when our test feels overwhelming is not unusual. When the pressure is on and the heat is turned up, we may doubt God or the Torah of Lord. We may feel like God does not keep His Word. We might STOP believing The Holy Scriptures. Perhaps we may feel abandoned, isolated, and lost in the vast universe. What do we do when everything seems upside down and backward? How do we keep our souls from being lost at sea? What happens when just about everything we believe seems to evaporate? It is reasonable to be frightened, worried, and insecure when threats are pounding on our doors and lurking around us. We cry out to Lord! (Psalms 34.) reminds us that ‘The righteous cry and Lord Hears, and Saves them out of all their troubles. Lord is near to the brokenhearted and Saves those of a contrite spirit. [Even though there] are many afflictions of the righteous. Lord Saves them from all of them. Lord Redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.’

May each of us be blessed with Torah Learning to encourage us, enlighten our way, help us help ourselves, and help others become stronger and better equipped for life’s challenges.

Good Sabbath,

Dr. Akiva Gamliel Belk

Author