Jewish tradition, particularly the aggadah – the storytelling tradition – doesn't shy away from these questions. Let's dive into a fascinating tale from Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg), about Abraham and his encounter with the angel Michael, the herald of death.
The story begins with God instructing Michael to deliver some difficult news to Abraham: it's time to depart from this world. Michael, ever dutiful, descends to earth and finds Abraham diligently working, plowing with his oxen. Abraham, ever the hospitable host, greets the stranger – not yet recognizing him as an angel – and invites him to rest and share a meal. He even offers him a beast to ride.
But Michael refuses the mount, and as they walk towards Abraham's house, a fascinating detail emerges. They pass a large tree, and Abraham hears a voice from within its branches, proclaiming, "Holy art thou, because thou hast kept the purpose for which thou wast sent." Abraham, perceptive as ever, suspects the stranger is no ordinary traveler but keeps his thoughts to himself. It's a subtle moment, hinting at Abraham's wisdom and understanding.
Upon arriving at Abraham's house, the patriarch insists on washing Michael's feet, a gesture of utmost hospitality. As he does so, a profound realization washes over him: "I perceive that in this basin I shall never again wash the feet of any man coming to us as a guest." Overcome with emotion, Isaac, Abraham's son, begins to weep, and soon Abraham joins him. Even Michael, witnessing their grief, sheds tears. And here's where it gets really interesting: the tears of the angel, according to the story, transform into precious stones. Talk about a powerful image!
Before the meal, Michael briefly leaves, ascending to heaven in a flash. He expresses his reluctance to deliver the death notice to God, saying, "Lord and Master, let Thy power know that I am unable to remind that righteous man of his death, for I have not seen upon the earth a man like him, compassionate, hospitable, righteous, truthful, devout, refraining from every evil deed." Michael is essentially arguing that Abraham is too good to die!
God, understanding Michael's hesitation, instructs him to return to Abraham and assures him that He will take care of revealing the news in His own way. God explains that He will cast the "thought of death" into Isaac's heart in a dream, which Isaac will then relate to Abraham, and Michael is to interpret the dream. There's a wonderful touch of divine wisdom here – a recognition that sometimes, the most difficult truths are best revealed indirectly.
But there's another problem. Michael is a celestial being, not accustomed to earthly food. So God promises to send a "devouring spirit" that will consume the food on the table through Michael, so Michael won't have to physically eat, according to the tale. (Ginzberg, Legends) They share a meal, they pray together, and then retire for the night.
During the night, Isaac awakens, deeply troubled by his dream. He cries out, "Open, father, that I may touch thee before they take thee away from me." The grief intensifies, with Abraham, Isaac, and Michael all weeping together. Sarah, overhearing the commotion, realizes that their guest is no ordinary man but an angel, perhaps even one of the three they had welcomed years before, a callback to the famous story of Abraham's hospitality (Genesis 18).
Abraham, understanding the situation, asks Isaac to recount his dream. Michael interprets the dream as a premonition of Abraham's death and ascent to heaven, though his body will remain on earth until the resurrection of the dead. Abraham acknowledges Michael's divine nature and accepts his fate, but refuses to go with him. A final act of defiance, perhaps, or a testament to his strong will.
Michael returns to heaven, reporting Abraham's refusal to God. God, in turn, sends Michael back with a reminder of all the blessings bestowed upon Abraham and the inevitability of death for all mortals. Finally, Abraham relents, but with one last request: to be taken up in his body and shown all of creation. God grants this wish, a final act of grace towards His beloved friend.
What are we to make of this story? It's a powerful meditation on death, acceptance, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. It showcases Abraham’s exceptional character – his hospitality, his righteousness, and even his initial resistance to death. It also highlights God’s compassion and willingness to accommodate Abraham's final wishes.
The story, as recounted in Legends of the Jews and drawing from earlier midrashic sources, presents death not as a simple end but as a transition, a journey guided by divine messengers. It reminds us that even in the face of mortality, we can find meaning, connection, and a glimmer of hope. It is a story, in the end, about the enduring power of faith and the enduring love between God and humankind.