Our ancestor Abraham felt it too.
The Torah tells us, in Genesis 15:12: "About the time of the setting of the sun a trance fell upon Abraham; and lo, a great horror of darkness came over him." But what does it mean? What was this "horror of darkness" that descended upon him?
The Midrash of Philo asks this very question. And, typical of midrash, it doesn’t give us one simple answer, but a cascade of possibilities, each one illuminating a different facet of the experience.
One interpretation suggests this "horror of darkness" was a premonition, a glimpse into the future sufferings of Abraham’s descendants. Imagine, for a moment, being shown the exile in Egypt, the destruction of the Temple, the long, arduous journey of the Jewish people through history. It would be a terrifying vision, wouldn't it?
Another interpretation, equally compelling, sees this darkness as a test of Abraham’s faith. Remember, Abraham was promised descendants as numerous as the stars. But promises, as we all know, can be tested. Perhaps this "horror of darkness" was a moment of doubt, a challenge to his belief in the divine promise. Would he still trust, even when faced with darkness?
Think about that. How often are we tested by doubt, by uncertainty? How often does the "horror of darkness" descend upon us, challenging our own faith, our own beliefs?
And yet, there's another layer. The Midrash of Philo also hints at the idea that this darkness was a necessary prelude to something greater. Just as the setting sun gives way to the stars, so too does darkness sometimes pave the way for illumination. Perhaps this "horror of darkness" was a crucible, a transformative experience that would ultimately strengthen Abraham’s resolve and prepare him for his destiny.
The midrash, that beautiful rabbinic form of storytelling and interpretation, isn't about finding one definitive answer. It's about exploring the richness and complexity of the text, about finding meaning in the nuances.
So, the next time you feel that "horror of darkness" descending, remember Abraham. Remember that even in the darkest of times, there is the potential for growth, for transformation, and for the eventual dawn.