Shabbat Vayeira - 5787

Shabbat Vayeira - 5787

Rabbi Hal Miller

  God appeared to him in the plains of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance

  of the tent in the heat of the day [Bereishit 18:1]

The Torah tells us that God appeared to Avraham, but it does not tell us for what purpose nor what He may have said. Why does the Torah write this verse?

Rashi tells us that the sole reason was to demonstrate visiting the sick. In Bava Metzia, R'Chama bar Chanina explains that it was the third day since Avraham's circumcision and that this was the worst point of the recovery, so God came to inquire about him. Radak writes that there is no reason for God to make an appearance to investigate something as He already knows all, therefore this visit was for Avraham's benefit, to know that God was paying attention to him. This is supported by Rav Moshe Feinstein from Sotah [14a].

Rambam argues that the entire episode is a prophetic vision, that "Avraham lifted his eyes in the vision and behold three men were standing over him." This means that God did not actually appear, rather these three angels did, and that the interaction was only in a vision. Rashbam agrees with Rambam. Ramban, though, argues strongly against this position, asking that how could the verse say "God appeared" and then only have these men eating. If Rambam was correct, how would there be fallout from Sarah's laughter? Thus according to Ramban, the three men and God were separate visitors, all in furtherance of God's purpose.

Rav Hirsch, supported by Malbim, notes that God is everywhere all the time, so to suddenly appear somewhere that He had not been, makes no sense. Therefore, the appearing is not an action attributed to God, but to Avraham. Having just performed the circumcision, Avraham had enabled himself to recognize and to appear before the Divine presence. This is the first time Avraham is at the level of prophecy.

Rav Soloveitchik notes three other occasions where the Torah tells us that God appeared to Avraham. In each case, some message was passed, using the word vayomer, "and He said". Here that does not happen. Instead, Avraham had a need, and because of the circumcision, God was now changing His relationship with Avraham. Instead of just business, there is now a friendship aspect, a new intimacy which does not require passing of a message. This could be supported from verse 18:17, "And God said, shall I conceal from Avraham what I do" where God is reflecting on that new relationship.