“And God said: Let us make Man” – with whom did He consult? Rabbi Yehoshua said in the name of Rabbi Levi: He consulted with the works of the heavens and the earth. This is analogous to a king who had two members of his council and he would not do anything without their knowledge. Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥman said: He consulted with what was made on each and every day.
This is analogous to a king who had an adviser and he would not do anything without his knowledge. Rabbi Ami said: He consulted with His heart. This is analogous to a king who built a palace through the services of an architect, but it was not pleasing for him. At whom should he be angry?
Is it not the architect? This is a rhetorical question. That is, “He was saddened in His heart” (Genesis 6:6).16This could also be translated, “He became upset at His heart.” Rav Asi said: This is analogous to a king who conducted a business transaction through an intermediary, and he suffered a loss.
At whom should he be angry? Is it not the intermediary? This is a rhetorical question. That is, “He was saddened in His heart.”