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Genesis 22:14 - Divine providence revealed on mountain

Genesis 22:14 - בראשית 22:14

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא אַבְרָהָם שֵׁם־הַמָּקוֹם הַהוּא יְהוָה יִרְאֶה אֲשֶׁר יֵאָמֵר הַיּוֹם בְּהַר יְהוָה יֵרָאֶה׃

English Translation

And Avraham called the name of that place Adonay-yir᾽e: as it is said to this day, In the mount the Lord will appear.

Transliteration

Vayikra Avraham shem-hamakom hahu Adonai yireh asher ye'amer hayom behar Adonai yera'eh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֧א אַבְרָהָ֛ם שֵֽׁם־הַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא יְהֹוָ֣ה <small>׀</small> יִרְאֶ֑ה אֲשֶׁר֙ יֵאָמֵ֣ר הַיּ֔וֹם בְּהַ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה יֵרָאֶֽה׃
וַיִּקְרָ֧א אַבְרָהָ֛ם שֵֽׁם־הַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא יְהֹוָ֣ה ׀ יִרְאֶ֑ה אֲשֶׁר֙ יֵאָמֵ֣ר הַיּ֔וֹם בְּהַ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה יֵרָאֶֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Naming of the Place: "Hashem Yireh"

The verse states: "And Avraham called the name of that place 'Hashem Yireh,' as it is said to this day, 'On the mountain of Hashem, He will appear.'" (Bereishit 22:14). This naming commemorates the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak) and reflects Avraham's recognition of Divine Providence.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Avraham prophetically named the site in anticipation of future events. The phrase "Hashem Yireh" ("Hashem will see") alludes to the future Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple), where Hashem's presence would be revealed. Rashi connects this to the phrase "On the mountain of Hashem, He will appear", indicating that this is Har HaMoriah, the future site of the Mikdash (Rashi on Bereishit 22:14).

The Midrashic Perspective

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 56:10) elaborates that Avraham declared: "You (Hashem) see the blood of the Akeidah as if it were actually offered." This teaches that Avraham's willingness to sacrifice Yitzchak was considered as meritorious as the act itself. The name "Hashem Yireh" thus signifies that Hashem sees and acknowledges human devotion.

Rambam's Insight

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:24) discusses how the Akeidah established Har HaMoriah as a place of Divine encounter. The name "Hashem Yireh" reflects the eternal bond between this location and prophecy, as it became the focal point for future revelations, including the Mikdash.

Significance in Jewish Tradition

  • Connection to the Mikdash: The verse links the Akeidah to the future Temple, emphasizing its sanctity (Zevachim 62a).
  • Divine Providence: The name teaches that Hashem "sees" and guides human actions, rewarding sincere devotion.
  • Eternal Lesson: The phrase "as it is said to this day" implies that the message of the Akeidah remains relevant for all generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 62b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the significance of the place where Abraham demonstrated his faith and devotion to God.
📖 Ta'anit 16a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the importance of prayer and divine providence, linking it to Abraham's actions and God's response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Adonay-yir'e' mean in Genesis 22:14?
A: The name 'Adonay-yir'e' means 'Hashem will see' or 'Hashem will provide.' Avraham named the place after the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak) to commemorate that Hashem saw his devotion and provided a ram as a substitute offering (Rashi on Genesis 22:14).
Q: Why did Avraham name the place after the Akeidah?
A: Avraham named it to acknowledge that Hashem saw his complete faith and tested him with the Akeidah. It became a lasting reminder of Divine providence and the future site of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), where Hashem's presence would dwell (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 56:10).
Q: What is the significance of 'In the mount the Lord will appear'?
A: This phrase refers to Har HaMoriah (Temple Mount), where the Akeidah took place. It became the eternal place of Divine revelation, where the Beit HaMikdash would later stand, and where Hashem's presence is most felt (Rambam, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 2:1-2).
Q: How does Genesis 22:14 connect to Jewish prayer today?
A: The Akeidah is mentioned daily in Jewish prayers (Shacharit) to recall Avraham’s devotion. The verse reminds us that just as Hashem provided then, He continues to watch over and provide for us (Talmud Berachot 26b).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham naming the place 'Adonay-yir'e'?
A: We learn to recognize Hashem’s constant presence in our lives. Just as Avraham acknowledged Divine providence after the Akeidah, we must also see Hashem’s hand in our challenges and blessings (Mesillat Yesharim, Chapter 1).