Abraham the One Who Trembles at God's Word in Isaiah 66

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayera 2:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[And He appeared to him.] This is what Scripture says: "Thus says the LORD: The heavens are My throne, etc., and all these things My hand has made, etc." (Isaiah 66:1-2). Who is the one who trembles at the word of the Holy One, blessed be He? This is Abraham, "and the LORD appeared to him, etc." (Genesis 18:1). What is written? "But to this one will I look, to the poor and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word" (Isaiah 66:2). And if you wish to know that Scripture speaks about Abraham, see what is written: "He who slaughters the ox" (Isaiah 66:3) — this is Abraham, "and Abraham ran to the herd, etc." (Genesis 18:7). "He who slays a man" (Isaiah 66:3) — for he killed Nimrod; Nimrod is Amraphel. "He who sacrifices the lamb" (Isaiah 66:3) — when? When he offered up Isaac his son, as it is said, "God will see to the lamb [for the burnt offering], my son" (Genesis 22:8).

Themes

AbrahamHospitality

Biblical References

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