Vayeira: Divine Tests and Human Potential

By Ethan Dalva

Hashem doesn’t give someone a challenge that he cannot overcome. This expression is a fundamental principle in Emunah, and has been a lifeline for so many people in times of struggle, but how exactly do we know that it’s true? Where does this idea come from, that any trial sent our way, no matter how difficult it seems, can be overcome? The answer originates in this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayeira.

Beginning in Parshas Lech Lecha, and culminating in Parshas Vayeira – according to most opinions – we are introduced to Avraham and his ten trials. Hashem chose Avraham to be the father of a new mankind, but He did not choose Avraham by default. Instead, the Mishna in Avos 5:3 tells us that Avraham had to pass a series of ten challenges to determine his worthiness. Many commentators ask, since Hashem knows how all future events will unfold, and how every person will respond to situations that arise, what was the purpose of testing Avraham? Since Hashem knew that Avraham would go on to pass each trial he was confronted with, why did He need present him with the trial?

The Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim 3:24 addresses this question, and explains that Hashem did not actually need to test Avraham. He knew that Avraham would pass each test, and therefore tested Avraham not for Avraham’s sake, but for the rest of humanity. According to the Rambam, Avraham’s tests were solely recorded in the Torah to show the world how a Tzadik obeys the commandments of Hashem. Avraham’s successes in cases of extreme pressure serve as a model and lesson for us to learn from and strive to achieve as well. The Ramban, however, has a different approach to the concept of tests.

Parshas Vayeira, in Bereishis 22:1, says “והיו אחר הדברים האלה והאלוקים נסה את אברהם...”. The Ramban uses this passuk, which sets the scene for the test of Akeidas Yitzchak, as a springboard to explain his philosophy regarding trials from Hashem. The Ramban explains that from Hashem’s perspective, there is no such thing as tests. Hashem knows how each of us will respond to a test we’re given, and it would therefore be cruel for Hashem to give us a challenge that He knows we will not be able to overcome.

The Ramban writes, therefore, והנה כל הנסיונות שבתורה לטובת המנוסה. Hashem only gives us a test when he knows that we have the power and capability to succeed, and the purpose of the test is to take the potential that we have and turn it into action, so that we can receive greater reward. It’s only a test from our perspective, since we have the free will to choose to obey or disobey Hashem’s will. In reality, however, we are only receiving the test because we are capable of succeeding. Hashem wants us to succeed, and only gives us the test because he knows we can.

May we use this perspective of the Ramban as a beacon during times of struggle, when we are faced with challenges that we feel we are unable to overcome. We should always remember that we have the ability, and therefore the responsibility, to persevere and be mekadesh Shem Shamayim in every avenue of our lives.