Another matter: Blessed is the man. This refers to Abraham, as it is said (Genesis 20:7), "Now therefore, restore the man's wife, for he is a prophet." He did not follow the counsel of the wicked. This refers to the generation of the dispersion, as it is said (Genesis 11:4), "Come, let us build for ourselves a city."
"Come, let us build," refers to counsel, as it is said (Judges 9:29), "Give ear, and listen to my voice, and let this be the counsel." "A city," refers to an idol, as it is written (Daniel 4:10-11), "The tree grew and became strong, and its height reached to heaven, and it was visible to the ends of the whole earth. Its foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it."
They divided into three groups: one said, "Let us ascend and dwell there"; one said, "Let us make war with him"; and one said, "Let us ascend and serve there as idolaters." And all three were punished with one punishment: they became like apes, demons, and wandering spirits. This is what is written (Proverbs 13:21), "Evil pursues sinners." They did not stand in the path of sinners.
This refers to the people of Sodom, as it is said (Genesis 13:13), "Now the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly." And in the dwelling of the scorners, this refers to Abimelech, as it is said (Genesis 20:15), "Here is my land before you; dwell wherever it pleases you." But Abraham sought only the will of God, as it is said (Genesis 18:19), "For I have known him, because he commands his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice."
And in His law he meditates day and night. Rabbi Samuel bar Nachmani said: Abraham had no father to teach him Torah, yet Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai teaches that the Holy One, blessed be He, summoned his kidneys, which were like two rabbis, and they flowed and taught him wisdom all night long. This is what is written (Psalms 16:7), "I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; even at night my kidneys instruct me."
And Rabbi Samuel bar Nachmani, in the name of Rabbi Jonathan, said: Abraham our father fulfilled even the laws of combining cooked dishes and combining courtyards [on Shabbat]. This refers to (Genesis 26:5), "Because Abraham listened to My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws." And the Lord took them and planted them in the Garden of Eden. Its fruit will be given in due time; this refers to Isaac. "And its foliage will not wither," this refers to Ishmael. And whatever he will do…