בראשית, פרק ט״ו, פסוק ו׳

Deep faith in the face of an impossible reality is a defining moment in the relationship between humanity and the Creator. When a divine promise contradicts the laws of nature and human logic, absolute trust in God is required. Abraham placed complete reliance on the assurance that God would fulfill His promise without any doubt, even though he and Sarah were elderly and having a child defied the natural order [ספורנו, רד״ק, רבנו בחיי]. The essence of this faith is a total dependence on the One making the promise, even when it directly challenges human reasoning [ביאור יש״ר].

This profound interaction involves a concept of righteousness that is largely understood as an act of kindness extending beyond the strict letter of the law [הכתב והקבלה, תורה תמימה, מלבי״ם], though some view it as an expression of pure justice and fairness [רלב״ג, אבן עזרא]. The primary approach among commentators is that God Himself viewed Abraham's unwavering faith as a profound merit and an act of righteousness [רש״י, רד״ק, ספורנו, רא״ש]. God deeply valued this trust, particularly because Abraham could have easily worried that his past flaws might cause the promise to be revoked, yet he actively chose to believe [רד״ק, העמק דבר].

However, this perspective raises a significant theological question: why is this faith considered such an extraordinary merit? It seems inconceivable that a prophet would not believe God when spoken to directly, as God does not lie [רמב״ן, בכור שור, פענח רזא]. To resolve this, some explain that the special merit was not the mere act of believing, but rather that Abraham did not ask for any sign or proof regarding the promise of children. He relied entirely on God to alter his predetermined astrological fate [רש״י, מזרחי, שפתי חכמים, מלבי״ם]. Another explanation suggests that Abraham's greatness lay in his belief in the reward of the World to Come, recognizing that such a reward is not an obligation but an act of divine grace [הכתב והקבלה].

In contrast, a significant group of commentators suggests a completely different reading of the event: Abraham himself is the one who viewed the promise as an act of divine charity and grace [רמב״ן, שד״ל, רבנו בחיי, בכור שור, חזקוני, הטור הארוך]. According to this view, Abraham knew he did not possess enough personal merit to warrant such a massive miracle. He understood that the promise of a child was not a reward for his good deeds, but an expression of supreme, unearned kindness from God. Precisely because it was an act of divine grace rather than a reward dependent on his actions, Abraham was certain the promise would never be nullified, even if he were to stumble in the future [רמב״ן, מלבי״ם].

Against the backdrop of this absolute faith, a striking contrast emerges between Abraham's silent acceptance of the promise of children and his immediate request for a sign regarding the subsequent promise of inheriting the land. Some explain that the birth of a child depends solely on God, leaving no room for doubt. The inheritance of the land, however, involves other nations. Abraham feared that the Canaanites might repent, which could delay or cancel their expulsion from the land [רמב״ן, לבוש האורה]. Others argue that Abraham never doubted he would inherit the land; rather, he was asking by what merit his descendants would manage to endure there long-term without suffering exile. He was subsequently answered that their survival would be secured through the merit of the sacrifices [רש״י, שפתי חכמים, גור אריה]. Finally, an additional perspective notes that the promise of a child was destined to materialize within Abraham's own lifetime, requiring no sign, whereas the inheritance of the land was slated for the distant future, prompting him to seek a guarantee [ברטנורא].