Abraham's Blessing Comes Before God's in the Amidah

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Lech Lecha 5:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation (of Gen. 12:2): "And I will make you into a great nation." What is the greatness of your children? It is in the Torah, as it is said (Deut. 4:6): "Surely [this great nation] is a wise and understanding people." "And I will bless you" — that I, in My glory, bless you. "And I will make your name great" (Gen. 12:2) — that your name is made great in the world. "And be a blessing" (ibid.) — what is the meaning of "and be a blessing"? Your blessing precedes My blessing, since they say "Shield of Abraham," and afterward they say "Who revives the dead."

Themes

AbrahamBlessingDivine Promise

Biblical References

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Apocalypse of AbrahamAbraham Mocks His Father's Gods to His FaceAbraham arrived home, watered the donkey, set out hay, and placed the silver from the idol sale into his father's hand. Terah was delighted. "Blessed are you, APesikta RabbatiThe Lord Remembered Sarah and the Keys of the WombSarah had spent decades hearing herself called barren. Rulers mocked her; even she had once told herself plainly, the Lord has held me back from bearing. And thYalkut Shimoni on TorahGod Spoke to Abraham Only After Lot Departed From HimNotice the timing. The verse pointedly says God spoke to Abraham "after Lot had separated from him" (Genesis 13:14). The Sages read that delay as meaningful. SoYalkut Shimoni on TorahThe Priesthood Is Taken from Shem and Given to AbrahamMelchizedek is called "priest to God Most High," yet the tradition reads his priesthood as a thing he lost in the very moment of this meeting. Rabbi Abba bar KaYalkut Shimoni on TorahOg Mocks Isaac at the Feast and Is Doomed by His LineWhen Abraham made his great feast, the Sages say the celebration drew in the powers of the world, including the giant Og and the kings of the earth. These were Yalkut Shimoni on TorahAbraham Blessed in All by the Merit of the TitheWhen Scripture says that the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things, the sages press on that little word "all" and ask what stands behind so total a gift. They