Q&A: The Trial of the Binding of Isaac
The Trial of the Binding of Isaac
Question
Hello Rabbi,
What is the plain meaning of God saying to Abraham, in the trial of the binding of Isaac, “Now I know that you are God-fearing”? Did He not know that before?
Did He need the trial in order to know that? (I am familiar with Maimonides, who explains that it was intended for us, but then what does “I know” mean?
Answer
Perhaps the meaning is, “Now I have made it known.” Or perhaps the binding of Isaac not only testified to Abraham’s devotion but actually created that devotion, and therefore the “I know” applies to him only from now on.
But as I have written more than once, I do not deal with the Bible; usually these are unimportant homiletic interpretations that do not teach us anything relevant, if anything at all.
Discussion on Answer
Adiel,
A. Why go far afield? There is a Rashi on the portion:
“For now I know” — from now on I have something to answer Satan and the nations of the world, who wonder what special affection I have for you. Now I have something to say, since they see that you are God-fearing.
The knowledge is what to answer Satan and the nations of the world.
B. As for your second question: if Rashi and Nachmanides, Ibn Ezra and Abarbanel, Malbim and Or HaChaim, and many others dealt with interpreting the Bible, then clearly these are not mere homiletic flourishes with nothing to learn from them.
I am not worthy to compare myself to them. All I am saying is that in my view this does not have much value.
Have a good week, Rabbi.
Does what the Rabbi said above imply that there is no value to homiletic interpretations learned from the Bible? That studying interpretations of the Bible or of the weekly Torah portion is not considered Torah study, and that one should study something else?