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Why did Hashem (ה׳) choose Avrohom over ten generations of potential leaders? The Midrash reveals that wisdom (chochmah) has more power than ten rulers. Unlike Noach who received orders (dibur), Avrohom received communication (amirah) — truth that compels rather than authority that coerces.
This shiur explores a profound Midrash on the opening of Parshas Lech Lecha that compares the power of wisdom to that of ten rulers. Rabbi Zweig examines why Hashem (ה׳) chose to speak to Avrohom after remaining silent for ten generations, from Noach to Avrohom's time. The Midrash states that "HaChochma ta'oz l'chochom me'asarah shlitim" - wisdom gives more strength to the wise person than ten rulers. Rabbi Zweig initially grapples with the mathematical issue: if there were ten generations including Avrohom, how can wisdom be "more than ten"? He resolves this by noting that Avrohom stands outside the list as the wise person being compared to the ten rulers.
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Parshas Lech Lecha
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