It's like a song with a recurring chorus, reminding us of something vital. Let's look at one of those refrains, the reassurance "Fear not, Abram," and see what echoes it holds.
The Midrash, specifically Bereshit Rabbah 44, offers an intriguing interpretation, linking Abram's initial fear to the destiny of Israel. It begins by quoting Isaiah 41:8-9: "But it is you, Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendants of Abraham who loved me, whom I have taken from the ends of the earth…". This passage connects the promise given to Abram with the entire nation of Israel. According to this reading, God's reassurance to Abram isn't just for him as an individual, but for his future descendants.
The verse continues, "And from its noblemen I called you…I called you…I designated you. I chose you and did not reject you." (Isaiah 41:9). The Midrash sees a beautiful progression here. "I chose you" – when you were Abram; "and did not reject you" – when you became Abraham. Even with the name change, signifying a shift in destiny, God's commitment remained steadfast. The Zohar echoes this idea – the names we are given and the names we earn reflect our evolving relationship with the Divine.
Then comes the core message: "Do not fear, as I am with you; do not waver, as I am your God" (Isaiah 41:10). But what exactly is this fear?
Rabbi Hoshaya offers a powerful illustration. He connects this "fear not" to a moment of intense vulnerability for Jacob. Remember when Isaac, nearing blindness, asks Jacob to come close so he can feel him and determine if he is Esau (Genesis 27:21)? Rabbi Hoshaya says that Jacob was so frightened during this deception that "his water spilled onto his knees and his heart became soft as wax." Imagine the sheer terror!
According to the Midrash, God intervened. Two angels were appointed, one to Jacob's right and one to his left, to support him and prevent him from collapsing. And this, Rabbi Hoshaya suggests, is what the verse means by "Do not waver [tishta], as I am your God" – do not be like wax [tishva]. It’s a play on words in Hebrew, but it carries a profound message: even in moments of weakness and fear, divine support is present.
The passage from Isaiah continues: “I strengthened you, even helped you…behold, [all who provoke you] will be ashamed and humiliated” (Isaiah 41:10–11). The Midrash clarifies that these are those who are hostile to you. "They will be like nothing, and the people who quarrel with you will perish" (Isaiah 41:11) – those who incite quarrels with you. "You will seek them…but not find them" (Isaiah 41:12) – those who contend with you.
The message culminates in the reaffirmation: “For I am the Lord your God…who says to you: Fear not” (Isaiah 41:13), which brings us back to where we began: “Fear not, Abram.”
So, what does it all mean? This passage from Bereshit Rabbah isn't just about comforting Abram. It's about reassuring us, his descendants, that even in our moments of deepest fear and uncertainty, even when our hearts feel like melting wax, we are not alone. The promise given to Abram extends to us, a constant reminder that God is with us, strengthening us, and ultimately ensuring our survival. It’s a powerful thought, isn’t it? A chorus echoing through the ages, inviting us to release our fear and embrace faith.