Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'the third day' refer to in Genesis 22:4?
A: Rashi explains that 'the third day' refers to the third day of Avraham's journey to Mount Moriah. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 56:1) teaches that this hints at future events—just as Avraham saw the place on the third day, the Jewish people would later receive the Torah on the third day of preparation (Shavuot), and future redemption will come on the 'third day' (Hosea 6:2).
Q: Why did Avraham see the place 'from afar' in Genesis 22:4?
A: The Ramban explains that Avraham saw a divine cloud hovering over Mount Moriah, which was a sign from Hashem confirming this as the place for the Akeidah (binding of Yitzchak). The Talmud (Ta'anit 16a) also teaches that 'seeing from afar' symbolizes Avraham's deep spiritual perception—he recognized the holiness of the site even before arriving.
Q: What is the significance of Avraham lifting his eyes in Genesis 22:4?
A: Lifting his eyes signifies Avraham's complete trust in Hashem. Rashi notes that this phrase appears when someone is about to receive divine insight or prophecy. Here, it shows Avraham's readiness to fulfill Hashem's command despite the difficulty. The Midrash (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer 31) adds that this act demonstrated his humility—he looked upward for guidance rather than relying on his own understanding.
Q: How does Genesis 22:4 connect to prayer in Judaism?
A: The verse is linked to prayer because Mount Moriah later became the site of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple), where Jews directed their prayers. The Talmud (Berachot 26b) derives from Avraham's actions that the Shacharit (morning) prayer corresponds to his early journey. Just as Avraham 'lifted his eyes' to connect with Hashem, we lift our hearts in prayer.
Q: Why is the 'place' in Genesis 22:4 not named directly?
A: The Torah often uses indirect language to teach lessons. Here, 'the place' (הַמָּקוֹם) is a reference to Mount Moriah, but it’s also one of Hashem’s names—teaching that He is the 'Place' of the world (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayetze 1). Rashi explains that Avraham recognized it as the future site of the Beit HaMikdash, where divine presence would dwell.
The Significance of the Third Day
Rashi (Bereshit 22:4) explains that the "third day" alludes to the future, as the third day is often associated with divine mercy and redemption. Just as the Torah was given on the third day (Shmot 19:16) and the resurrection of the dead will occur on the third day (Hoshea 6:2), Avraham's journey on the third day symbolizes the ultimate test of faith leading to divine compassion.
Avraham Lifting His Eyes
The phrase "וַיִּשָּׂא אַבְרָהָם אֶת־עֵינָיו" (Avraham lifted up his eyes) is interpreted by the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 56:1) as an act of spiritual awakening. Avraham did not merely see the physical location but perceived the divine presence resting upon Mount Moriah, the future site of the Beit HaMikdash. The Ramban (Bereshit 22:4) adds that this moment marked Avraham's complete submission to Hashem's will, as he recognized the sanctity of the place from afar.
The Vision of "The Place" (הַמָּקוֹם)
The term "הַמָּקוֹם" is understood by Chazal (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 31) as a reference to Hashem Himself, who is often called "HaMakom" (The Omnipresent). The Talmud (Pesachim 88a) teaches that Mount Moriah is the "place" where heaven and earth meet, as it was the site of Akeidat Yitzchak, the future Beit HaMikdash, and the binding of the spiritual and physical worlds.