Difference between revisions of "Purpose of Akeidat Yitzchak/2/en"
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<point><b>Hashem's knowledge</b> – According to Ralbag, Hashem's knowledge is not complete.  While He knows all the choices open to man He does not know which man will choose to do.  As such, He did not know in advance whether or not Avraham would acquiesce to sacrifice his child upon Hashem's demand.<fn>According to Ralbag this lack of knowledge does not impact on Hashem's perfection, because</fn> </point> | <point><b>Hashem's knowledge</b> – According to Ralbag, Hashem's knowledge is not complete.  While He knows all the choices open to man He does not know which man will choose to do.  As such, He did not know in advance whether or not Avraham would acquiesce to sacrifice his child upon Hashem's demand.<fn>According to Ralbag this lack of knowledge does not impact on Hashem's perfection, because</fn> </point> | ||
<point><b>עַתָּה יָדַעְתִּי כִּי יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים אַתָּה</b> – Ralbag is able to explain this verse according to its simple sense; only "now" after the fact" did Hashem know how God-fearing Avraham was.</point> | <point><b>עַתָּה יָדַעְתִּי כִּי יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים אַתָּה</b> – Ralbag is able to explain this verse according to its simple sense; only "now" after the fact" did Hashem know how God-fearing Avraham was.</point> | ||
| − | <point><b>The test</b> – Ralbag asserts that | + | <point><b>The test</b> – Ralbag asserts that Hashem</point> |
<point><b>How can Hashem command murder?</b></point> | <point><b>How can Hashem command murder?</b></point> | ||
<point><b>Avraham's feelings</b></point> | <point><b>Avraham's feelings</b></point> | ||
Version as of 12:21, 9 September 2017
Purpose of Akeidat Yitzchak
Exegetical Approaches
For Hashem
Hashem tested Avraham in order to evaluate the extent of his faith. Before the trial, Hashem did not know whether or not Avraham would be willing to sacrifice his son for God.
For Avraham
Avraham, rather than Hashem, was supposed to learn something new from the experience. This position subdivides regarding whether it views the test as beneficial or punitive in nature:
Means to Reward Avraham
Acting on Hashem's directives brought Avraham to new levels of faith, and merited him rewards that he would never have received had Hashem not tested him.
Means to Punish Avraham
The experience was meant to punish Avraham for having made a covenant with the Philistines.
For Others
The trial was intended for outsiders so that they appreciate Hashem's choice of Avraham, and understand what is the correct and desired service of Hashem.
