142 Torah Book & Portion, Book of Genesis, Vayeira (Genesis 18:1-22:24), Source Book Keys, EHRMAN GENESIS | 22:16 swear — GEN1142 The twelfth attribute [of Divine goodness... GEN1142 The twelfth attribute [of Divine goodness and mercy] is derived from the phrase, as You swore to our forgathers. There are so many unworthy people, and yet, Hashem still has compassion on them. The Sages taught Berachos 7a that the verse, And I shall grant “chein” [Chein seems to denote special affinity and love for a person just because “he is who he is.” When Noach found chein in the eyes of Hashem Genesis 6:8, it does not mean that he was absolutely perfect and worthy of being saved, but rather than his personality was one that Hashem “liked” – i.e. he had an inner desire to do the will of His Creator. When Shechem asked to find chein in the eyes of Dinah’s brothers Genesis 34:11, he was asking them to “like” him and follow his wishes even though he was not deserving of their friendship.] to those that I shall grant it, and have compassion on those that I shall have compassion Exodus 33:19, teaches us that Hashem has a “treasure” of compassion which He grants freely to those who are undeserving. The rationale is: “They still have the merit of their forgathers, to whom I swore; [this verse] therefore, even if the children are unworthy, I will still guide them with compassion until they eventually reach their lofty destiny.” We, too, should not insult a wicked person, nor react with cruelty, since he, after all, is also descended from Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. Although such individuals may themselves be unworthy, their ancestors were highly worthy; an affront to the descendants is an affront to the ancestors as well. Note: One should not overlook the evil of the wicked…However, one who is not actually engaged in “distancing from evil” should constantly remind himself that even the wicked are children of Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov and teat them accordingly with respect and compassion, thus emulating this attribute of Hashem. JOURNEY 548-9 Share Print Source KeyEHRMANVerse22:16Keyword(s)swearSource Page(s)(See end of excerpt) Switch article GENESIS | 22:14 vision — GEN1140 Natural theology, I believe, should link ... Previous Article GENESIS | 22:17 descendants — GEN1143 The Pentateuch does not directly consider... Next Article