The Test of Lech Lecha: Understanding Divine Motivation

Full Summary

This shiur examines a fascinating Mishnah (משנה) in Pirkei Avos about the significance of the number ten in Jewish history - ten statements of creation, Abraham's ten tests, ten miracles in Egypt and at the Red Sea, and the Ten Commandments. Rabbi Zweig focuses particularly on Abraham's first test of Lech Lecha to reveal a fundamental principle about the nature of our relationship with God. The key question addressed is why the Torah (תורה) uses the phrase 'Lech Lecha' (go for yourself) when God was already promising Abraham wealth, fame, and children - benefits that would obviously be good for him. Rabbi Zweig explains that the test wasn't whether Abraham would go, but whether he understood that God's commands are genuinely for our benefit, not God's. This challenges the common misconception that we serve God to meet His needs or desires. Drawing on Rashi (רש"י)'s explanation that the Ten Commandments were first said all at once (incomprehensibly) and then repeated individually, Rabbi Zweig demonstrates that God could have given everything simultaneously but chose a gradual approach for our benefit. Similarly, creation occurred all at once but was arranged over six days for human understanding. The unifying theme of all these 'tens' is that God's relationship with us is entirely focused on our welfare, not His. This principle has profound practical implications, particularly in parenting. Just as children often suspect their parents' motivations are selfish rather than genuinely caring, we must examine whether our guidance truly serves their interests or merely reflects our own agendas and social pressures. The Torah provides a litmus test through the metaphor of an eagle that both protects its young with its life and wakes them gently - showing that genuine care manifests in gentle, patient approaches rather than pressure and force. As we prepare for Shavuot, this understanding transforms our approach to mitzvos from obligation to genuine self-interest, recognizing that Torah observance benefits us rather than serving God's needs.