Published November 16, 2009
1)Why does Avraham refer to G-D as G-D OF THE HEAVENS and not the Earth as well when he speaks to Eliezer (24:7)?
2) Why does the Torah emphasize that Rivka waited until SHE FINISHED GIVING HIM TO DRINK before offering the camels drink as well (24:19)?
3) Why does the Torah emphasize that Eliezer was STANDING WITH THE CAMELS BY THE WELL when Lavan ran to greet him (24:30)?
Parsha Points to Ponder is prepared by Rabbi Dov Lipman, who teaches at Reishit Yerushalayim and Machon Maayan in Beit Shemesh and is the author of “DISCOVER: Answers for Teenagers (and adults) to Questions about the Jewish Faith” (Feldheim) and “TIMEOUT: Sports Stories as a Game Plan for Spiritual Success” a recent release by Devora Publishing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Answers - Ponder the questions first and then look here
1) Da’t Zekainim MiBaalei HaTosfot answers that since Avraham speaks here of the time when he lived in his hometown when G-D was unknown on Earth, he only references Him as G-D of the realm where He was known, namely in the heavens.
2) The S’forno understands that the Torah seeks to teach that one should not speak while in middle of eating or drinking. That is why she waited for him to finish before engaging in further conversation.
3) The Ohr HaChayim explains that the Torah wants us to know that Eliezer was not pulled by all the family wealth which Rivka described and did not follow her to experience that. He waited patiently by the well with the animals instead.
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