Implications of the Akeida Part 10: Mei HaShiloach and the Obscured Vision

In this shiur, we will discuss comments by the Mei HaShiloach on the Akeida – different from anything we have seen thus far. What was the big test of the Akeida? In the face of radical uncertainty, the challenge for Avraham was to eliminate personal bias or consideration from affecting his decision.

According to the Mei HaShiloach, Avraham was unsure whether it was really God’s command to sacrifice his son – he had an unclear prophetic vision. He spent three days neutralizing his feelings to arrive at an objective stance. He had to completely negate his feelings for his son to determine what God was commanding.

At times it can be difficult to know what to do – when mercy will lead to cruelty, and when harshness will lead to goodness. When in doubt, it is better to be wrong, but merciful – because that is the essence of the Divine.