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Genesis 22:1 - Divine test of ultimate faith

Genesis 22:1 - בראשית 22:1

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי אַחַר הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה וְהָאֱלֹהִים נִסָּה אֶת־אַבְרָהָם וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו אַבְרָהָם וַיֹּאמֶר הִנֵּנִי׃

English Translation

And it came to pass after these things, that God did test Avraham, and said to him, Avraham: and he said, Here I am!

Transliteration

Vayehi achar hadevarim ha'eleh veha'Elohim nisah et-Avraham vayomer elav Avraham vayomer hineni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֗י אַחַר֙ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה וְהָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים נִסָּ֖ה אֶת־אַבְרָהָ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔יו אַבְרָהָ֖ם וַיֹּ֥אמֶר הִנֵּֽנִי׃
וַיְהִ֗י אַחַר֙ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה וְהָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים נִסָּ֖ה אֶת־אַבְרָהָ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔יו אַבְרָהָ֖ם וַיֹּ֥אמֶר הִנֵּֽנִי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Context of the Test

The verse begins with "וַיְהִי אַחַר הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה" ("And it came to pass after these things"), which Rashi explains refers to the events that preceded this test. Some Midrashim (Bereshit Rabbah 55:4) suggest that Satan challenged Avraham's devotion, arguing that his previous acts of kindness and faith were incomplete without a greater test. This sets the stage for the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak), the ultimate trial of Avraham's loyalty to Hashem.

The Nature of the Test

The phrase "וְהָאֱלֹהִים נִסָּה אֶת־אַבְרָהָם" ("God did test Avraham") is central to understanding the purpose of trials in Jewish thought. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:24) explains that tests from Hashem are not for His knowledge—since He knows all—but to reveal human potential and establish merit for reward. The test was to demonstrate Avraham's unwavering faith to the world.

Avraham's Immediate Response

Avraham's reply, "הִנֵּנִי" ("Here I am"), reflects his complete readiness to serve Hashem. The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayera 22) highlights that this response signifies his total submission, echoing his earlier "הִנֵּנִי" when called to circumcise himself (Bereshit 17:1) and foreshadowing Yitzchak's same reply later in the narrative (Bereshit 22:7). This teaches the ideal of mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) in divine service.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Tests Elevate: As taught by the Ramban, tests are opportunities to actualize one's spiritual potential.
  • Immediate Obedience: Avraham's "הִנֵּנִי" models the ideal of responding to Hashem without hesitation (Pirkei Avot 5:3).
  • Continuity of Faith: The Sforno notes that this test followed Avraham's covenant with Avimelech to show that his commitment to Hashem transcended all other alliances.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 89b
The verse is discussed in the context of the binding of Isaac (Akeidat Yitzchak), where the Talmud explores the nature of God's test of Abraham and Abraham's immediate response 'Here I am' (Hineni).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'God tested Avraham' mean in Genesis 22:1?
A: According to Rashi and other Jewish commentators, God tested Avraham to demonstrate his deep faith and devotion. This was the tenth and final test Avraham faced, showing his complete willingness to follow God's commandments, even when challenged.
Q: Why did Avraham respond 'Here I am' (Hineni) in Genesis 22:1?
A: The word 'Hineni' signifies Avraham's readiness and humility before God. The Midrash teaches that this response reflects his total devotion—showing he was prepared to listen and obey without hesitation, a model of faith for future generations.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'after these things' in Genesis 22:1?
A: Rashi explains that 'after these things' refers to the events in Avraham's life leading up to this test. Some Midrashic sources suggest it hints at a spiritual challenge following his previous triumphs, emphasizing that tests can come even after great achievements.
Q: How does the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak) apply to us today?
A: The Akeidah teaches the importance of trust in God and willingness to make sacrifices for our beliefs. Rambam (Maimonides) highlights that Avraham's unwavering faith sets an example for serving God with complete dedication, even in difficult circumstances.
Q: Why is this test of Avraham considered so important in Judaism?
A: The Akeidah is central in Jewish tradition because it established Avraham as the father of monotheistic faith. The Talmud and Midrash emphasize that this event demonstrated the highest level of 'mesirut nefesh' (self-sacrifice), shaping the Jewish people's relationship with God for all time.