Our exploration today takes us deep into Midrash Tehillim, specifically Psalm 110, where we uncover a fascinating interpretation of Abraham's pivotal role in shaping the spiritual landscape.
The verse sets the stage: "The Lord says to my lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'" But how does this connect to Abraham? The Midrash cleverly links this to Isaiah 41:2: "Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service?" According to this, Abraham awakened the nations who were sleeping under the wings of the Shechinah (שְׁכִינָה), the Divine Presence. He beckoned them to seek refuge there. It wasn’t just about physical awakening, though. Righteousness itself was dormant, and Abraham stirred it into action.
How did he achieve this monumental task? The Midrash tells us Abraham built a lodge, an eshel (אשל), opening its doors to all travelers, welcoming both passersby and those returning home. Genesis 21:33 tells us, "And he planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called in the name of the Lord, the eternal God." Rabbi Azariah elaborates on the meaning of eshel, explaining that it was a place for eating, drinking, and providing hospitality. By acting righteously and calling in God’s name, Abraham inspired others. It was said that the righteous of the world would accompany him.
Now, let's dive into the dramatic account of Abraham's war with Amraphel and his allies. Isaiah 41:2 states, "He makes his sword like dust." What does this "dust" signify? Here, we encounter a debate between Rabbi Judah and Rabbi Nehemiah. Rabbi Judah suggests that Abraham literally threw dust at his enemies, and it transformed into swords, while straw became bows and arrows. Rabbi Nehemiah challenges this interpretation, arguing that the verse doesn't say "dust and straw" but "like dust and straw." He proposes that Amraphel's weapons turned into dust and straw, symbolizing their ineffectiveness against Abraham.
The Midrash continues with Isaiah 41:3: "He pursues them and moves on unscathed." What's meant by "on foot"? It wasn't that he brought a massive army, but rather that the ground compacted before him as he pursued his enemies. Some traditions even suggest that Abraham's stride was incredibly long, either two or three cubits, and yet, the ground remained undisturbed by his steps. This almost superhuman element highlights Abraham's divinely supported mission.
There’s even a discussion about dirty feet! Rabbi Judah, son of Rabbi Abbahu, citing Rabbi Bibi, points out that while the infant Moses' feet would get dusty in his home, Abraham’s feet remained clean. "One should not walk with dirty feet," the passage concludes, suggesting a theme of purity and elevated status surrounding Abraham.
But the story takes a more profound turn. Rabbi Elazar ben Pedat, quoting Rabbi Yose ben Zimra, reveals that after the battle, Abraham's heart softened. He worried that he might have inadvertently killed a righteous person. God reassured him, saying, "Abraham, you will not come to this sin with your feet." This suggests that Abraham was protected from even unintentional wrongdoing due to his righteousness.
Who truly fought these battles? Was it just Abraham with a small band of men? Rabbi Yochanan, the son of Rabbi Yose, suggests that Abraham may have only had his servant Eliezer, whose merits were great. Ultimately, the Midrash emphasizes that it was God who guided Abraham, telling him, "Turn to your right hand, and I will fight for you." This brings us back to the initial verse from Psalm 110: "The Lord said to my lord, 'Sit at my right hand.'" The Midrash connects this to the Messiah, citing Isaiah 16:5, "And a throne shall be established in mercy, and he shall sit upon it in truth." God declares, "He will sit, and I will make war for him." The final call is to study and uphold the Torah, which is called truth, echoing Proverbs 23:23: "Buy truth and do not sell it." Let the Messiah sit upon it in truth.
So, what do we take away from this intricate tapestry of stories and interpretations? It’s a reminder that even the most extraordinary individuals are often instruments of a higher power. Abraham's actions, guided by divine will, set in motion a legacy of righteousness that continues to resonate through the ages, ultimately pointing towards the Messianic era. His story encourages us to strive for righteousness, to open our doors to others, and to trust that even in the face of overwhelming odds, we are not alone.