How Abraham Knew His Creator at Three and the Dew of Youth

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Lech Lecha 4:4

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation of "Go forth" (Lekh lekha): The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: "For you (lekha) I have sought from the dawn." For Rabbi Joshua ben Korḥah said: David said, "Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of Your warfare... the dew of Your youth" (Psalms 110:3). The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: "I was with you (immekha) on the day that you armed your forces." What is the meaning of "the dew of Your youth"? Rabbi Aḥa said in the name of Rabbi Ḥanina: At three years of age Abraham recognized his Creator. From where? As it is said, "because (eikev) Abraham heeded My voice" (Genesis 26:5). "Eikev" by gematria is 172, and all the days of Abraham were 175. From here you learn that at three years of age Abraham recognized his Creator. The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: "All the evil deeds that you did during those three years, I make them like this dew." This is the meaning of "the dew of Your youth."

Themes

AbrahamRainDavidCreationAdam Eve

Biblical References

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