Difference between revisions of "Purpose of Akeidat Yitzchak/2/en"
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<point><b>Meaning of "נסיון"</b> – Ralbag understand the word to mean "test", a procedure established for purposes of evaluation.  Hashem was testing Avraham so as to discern his level of fear and obedience.</point> | <point><b>Meaning of "נסיון"</b> – Ralbag understand the word to mean "test", a procedure established for purposes of evaluation.  Hashem was testing Avraham so as to discern his level of fear and obedience.</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>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 | + | <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 trial, did Hashem know how God-fearing Avraham was.</point> |
| − | <point><b>The test</b> – Ralbag asserts that Hashem</point> | + | <point><b>The test</b> – Ralbag asserts that Hashem intentionally worded His demand ambiguously so that it could be understood in one of two ways: to sacrifice Yitzchak as an Olah offering, or to bring Yitzchak in order to sacrifice an Olah, and thereby be educated in the worship of Hashem.  Since the second reading is one which a person would only hear if they find the ifrst reading objectionable, first understanding is clearly the more obvious one, and teh secondHashem wanted to see if Avraham would be willing to abide by it, despite having an alternative, but poorer, reading to fall back upon as an excuse.</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 21:39, 10 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.
Sources:Ralbag
Meaning of "נסיון" – Ralbag understand the word to mean "test", a procedure established for purposes of evaluation. Hashem was testing Avraham so as to discern his level of fear and obedience.
Hashem's knowledge – 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.1
עַתָּה יָדַעְתִּי כִּי יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים אַתָּה – Ralbag is able to explain this verse according to its simple sense; only "now," after the trial, did Hashem know how God-fearing Avraham was.
The test – Ralbag asserts that Hashem intentionally worded His demand ambiguously so that it could be understood in one of two ways: to sacrifice Yitzchak as an Olah offering, or to bring Yitzchak in order to sacrifice an Olah, and thereby be educated in the worship of Hashem. Since the second reading is one which a person would only hear if they find the ifrst reading objectionable, first understanding is clearly the more obvious one, and teh secondHashem wanted to see if Avraham would be willing to abide by it, despite having an alternative, but poorer, reading to fall back upon as an excuse.
How can Hashem command murder?
Avraham's feelings
Can Hashem change His mind?
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.
Sources:Rashbam
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.
