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Why did Hashem (ה׳) answer Eliezer, Moshe, and Shlomo before they finished speaking? The shiur explores whether this represents the highest level of answering prayer—allowing the person to ask and feel heard—or paradoxically shows Hashem wasn't responding to their request at all, but doing what was right independently. A third approach suggests that for an eved, speech is merely information-sharing, not requesting.
The shiur analyzes a Midrash discussing three people whom Hashem (ה׳) answered before they finished speaking: Eliezer (servant of Avrohom), Moshe Rabbeinu, and Shlomo HaMelech. The Gemara (גמרא) states that Eliezer hadn't even finished his prayer at the well when Rivka appeared; Moshe was answered as he finished speaking about the earth swallowing Korach; and Shlomo's prayer for the Shechinah to dwell in the Beis Hamikdash was answered as he concluded. Rabbi Zweig poses the fundamental question: What is the significance of being answered before finishing one's request? There are three levels of divine response: (1) a person asks and receives an answer, (2) Hashem anticipates needs before they are asked ("terem yikra va'ani e'eneh"), and (3) this intermediate level where Hashem answers while the person is still speaking. What distinguishes this third category?
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Bereishis 24 (Eliezer at the well)
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