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Genesis 22:10 - Ultimate test of faith

Genesis 22:10 - בראשית 22:10

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁלַח אַבְרָהָם אֶת־יָדוֹ וַיִּקַּח אֶת־הַמַּאֲכֶלֶת לִשְׁחֹט אֶת־בְּנוֹ׃

English Translation

And Avraham stretched out his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

Transliteration

Va'yishlach Avraham et-yado va'yikach et-hama'achelet lishchot et-b'no.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח אַבְרָהָם֙ אֶת־יָד֔וֹ וַיִּקַּ֖ח אֶת־הַֽמַּאֲכֶ֑לֶת לִשְׁחֹ֖ט אֶת־בְּנֽוֹ׃
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח אַבְרָהָם֙ אֶת־יָד֔וֹ וַיִּקַּ֖ח אֶת־הַֽמַּאֲכֶ֑לֶת לִשְׁחֹ֖ט אֶת־בְּנֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Test of Avraham

The verse (Bereishit 22:10) describes the climax of the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak), where Avraham demonstrates his complete devotion to Hashem by preparing to offer his son as a sacrifice. Rashi explains that Avraham's action was deliberate and unwavering, emphasizing the phrase "וַיִּשְׁלַח אַבְרָהָם אֶת־יָדוֹ" ("And Avraham stretched out his hand") as a sign of his wholehearted commitment to fulfill the divine command.

The Significance of the Knife

The machelet (knife) is a central symbol in this narrative. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:24) teaches that the Akeidah served to demonstrate Avraham's absolute faith, rejecting human emotion in favor of divine will. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 56:8) notes that the knife was specially prepared for this act, highlighting the meticulousness of Avraham's obedience.

Avraham's Internal Struggle

While the verse portrays Avraham's decisive action, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) suggests that this moment was fraught with spiritual tension. The angels wept (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 31), witnessing the profound test of faith. The Zohar (1:120a) adds that Avraham's love for Hashem overcame his natural paternal love, fulfilling the verse (Mishlei 23:26), "Give me your heart, my son."

Lessons from the Akeidah

  • Emunah Beyond Reason: The Akeidah exemplifies serving Hashem even when His commands surpass human understanding (Ramban on Bereishit 22:1).
  • Sacrifice for Kedushah: Avraham's readiness to offer Yitzchak became a paradigm for Jewish martyrdom (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayera 23).
  • Divine Mercy: The halted sacrifice teaches that Hashem desires devotion, not human sacrifice (Malbim on Bereishit 22:12).

📚 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 sages analyze Abraham's actions and the test of his faith.
📖 Ta'anit 4a
Mentioned in relation to the merit of the Akeidah and its significance in Jewish tradition and prayer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Avraham taking the knife in Genesis 22:10?
A: This moment in the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak) demonstrates Avraham's complete devotion and willingness to fulfill Hashem's command, even when it went against human nature. Rashi explains that Avraham took the knife 'with a willing heart,' showing his absolute trust in Hashem.
Q: Why did Hashem test Avraham with the Akeidah?
A: The Midrash teaches that this test revealed the depth of Avraham's faith and established him as the father of the Jewish people. Rambam explains in Moreh Nevuchim that tests from Hashem allow individuals to actualize their potential and demonstrate their commitment.
Q: How could Avraham agree to sacrifice his son Yitzchak?
A: Traditional Jewish sources explain that Avraham understood this as a direct command from Hashem. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) discusses how Avraham reasoned that if Hashem commanded it, there must be a higher purpose, even if he couldn't understand it.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham's actions in this verse?
A: The Akeidah teaches the importance of complete faith in Hashem and willingness to make sacrifices for our beliefs. Jewish tradition holds this as the ultimate example of mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) for Hashem's will.
Q: Why does the Torah include such detailed descriptions of the Akeidah?
A: The detailed narrative emphasizes the gravity of this test and establishes it as a foundational event in Jewish history. Ramban explains that it serves as an eternal merit for the Jewish people and demonstrates the special relationship between Avraham's descendants and Hashem.