Seeing From Afar and the Distancing of the Shekhinah

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 99:3

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

Rabbi Yitzchak said: What is the meaning of "from afar"? In the future the Divine Presence (Shekhinah) is destined to be distanced from its dwelling place. Could this be forever? The teaching states: "This is My resting place forever and ever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it" (Psalms 132:14). Rabbi Yitzchak asked what lay hidden in the small phrase that Abraham saw the place "from afar." He heard in it a prophecy reaching far beyond that morning. One day the Divine Presence would be distanced from its dwelling place, withdrawn and far off, just as the holy mountain first appeared to Abraham at a distance.

Themes

ShekhinahDivine PresenceConsolation

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