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Parashas Vayeira (72)This week's sedra records several dramatic events - The birth of Isaac; Abraham's unsuccessful plea to save the evil population of Sodom; the destruction of Sodom and Lot's rescue; and finally the Akaida (binding) of Isaac. The meaning of Abraham's binding and intended sacrifice of his beloved son, Isaac, has been interpreted in various ways.We will compare Rashi's interpretation with that of his grandson Rashbam. Genesis 22:1 `And it was after these events that G-d tested Abraham and He said to him, "Abraham", and he said "Here I am."
RASHIAfter these events (words): Rashi: There are those of our Rabbis who say the meaning is, After the words of the Satan who accused (Abraham) and said 'Of the banquet which Abraham made he did not sacrifice even one bull or ram (in thanksgiving to G-d.) Then (G-d) said to him 'Did he not do all this only for his son, if I would say to him 'Slaughter your son for Me, he would not refuse!' Other (Rabbis) say 'After the words of Ishmael who boasted to Isaac, that he (Ishmael) allowed himself to be circumcised at the age of 13 and did not protest. Isaac said to him 'With one part of your body (the circumcision) are you boasting to me ! If G-d would ask me to sacrifice myself (completely) I would not refuse.'
WHAT IS RASHI SAYING?Rashi is clearly relating to the Torah's words "After these "devarim." The Hebrew word "devarim" can mean either events or words. The fact that the Torah begins this section of the Akaida with the word "After" implies that there is some kind of connection with previous verses. Which verses? This uncertainty lead to the two opinions of the Rabbis that Rashi cites. The first opinion refers back to Verse 21:8 where Abraham's feast for Isaac's being weaned at two years old is described. The second opinion refers further back to verse 21:4 where Isaac's circumcision at eight days is mentioned. That Ishmael was circumcision at age 13 is mentioned even earlier in verse 17:25.
BACKGROUNDThe Torah's use of the word "nisa" is usually taken to mean "tested," that is G-d was testing Abraham, to see if his faith was steadfast and his obedience would stand up to this difficult test. Also after Abraham showed his willingness to do anything for his G-d, the Torah testifies to this. Verse 22:12. says "for now I know that you are G-d-fearing, for you have not withheld your only son from Me." All the commentaries follow this line.
A QUESTIONA Question: Why does the All Knowing G-d need to test Abraham to know the extent of his faith in G-d. He certainly knows each man's heart, so why the need for a test?
RAMBAN'S EXPLANATIONThe Ramban explains that in this case the test served the purpose of allowing Abraham to actualize his inner potential. Although G-d knew that Abraham had the faith to perform the difficult act of sacrificing his dearly beloved son. But once a person acts on his inner belief he has given that belief even more validity.
RASHBAM'S ORIGINAL VIEWThe Rashbam (Rashi's grandson) offers an original, startling, view of this "test." He says: "…After Abraham made a treaty with Avimelech, between him, their sons, their grandsons and their great grandsons, then G-d was angry with him because the land of the Philistines was part of the Land of Israel and the Holy One commanded "You shall not let live any soul" therefore G-d "provoked" Abraham He provoked him and caused him pain. (the Rashbam then cites examples in Tanach where the word 'nisa" means "provoked" and not "tested".) Rashbam continues: "This is to say that he (Abraham) was proud of the son that G-d had given him and made a covenant for this son and Avimelech's son. Now (says G-d) bring him as an offering on the altar and we will see what becomes of your covenant." The Rashbam continues by quoting a Midrash, that Hashem made an oath "since you offered seven sheep (in the covenant ceremony) the Philistines will kill seven of your Righteous and destroy seven of you temples. Ohel Moed, Gilgal, Nov, Shilo, Givon, and the two Temples. This is really a startling interpretation (and of timely relevance!). Can you find textual validity for Rashbam's interpretation over Rashi's? Your Answer
WHAT'S BOTHERING THE RASHBAM?An Answer: Both Rashi & the Rashbam are connecting the chapter of the Akaida with a previous event. The two interpretations that Rashi offers are both based on Drash not P'shat. The Torah does not record Ishmael's conversation with Isaac nor the conversation between the Satan and Hashem. The Rashbam's interpretation, on the other hand, is very close to p'shat. because the Akaida does come after the covenant which was explicitly made between Abraham's son and Avimelech's son. And we also know that Israel was commanded not to make a treaty with the inhabitant's of the Land and even to destroy them. Abraham had gone against this command. The terrifying provocation of G-d to kill his son was his punishment!
A LESSONI find the lesson from this interpretation both startling and eye-opening! Living in Jerusalem at this point in time of our vicissitude-filled history, I am wondering if the Torah ( according to the Rashbam) is not speaking to us. Are such thoughts "merely" political or are they p'shat?!
Shabbat Shalom
"What's Bothering Rashi?" is produced by the Institute for the Study of Rashi and Early Commentaries. The five volume set of "What's Bothering Rashi?" is available at all Judaica bookstores.
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