Komentarz do Rodzaju 17:22

מעל אברהם [GOD WENT UP] FROM ABRAHAM — This is a more fitting expression to use of God, and we learn from it that the righteous are the Chariot of the Omnipresent God (Genesis Rabbah 47:6).

AND G-D WENT UP FROM ABRAHAM. This is an expression of respect towards G-d,⁴⁵⁸Since the Shechinah was standing beside Abraham, why then is it written, And He went up, suggesting that G-d had been above him? It is out of respect to G-d that this is so written. (Gur Aryeh.) and we learn from it that the righteous are the Chariot of the Holy One, blessed be He. Thus the language of Rashi. But the saying of the Sages in the Bereshith Rabbah⁴⁵⁹47:8. is: “It is the patriarchs⁴⁶⁰But not the other righteous. that constitute the Chariot.” This is an allusion to that which is written: Thou wilt give truth to Jacob, kindness to Abraham;⁴⁶¹Micah 7:20. And the Fear of Isaac had been on my side.⁴⁶²Further, 31:42. The student learned [in the mysteries of the Torah] will understand.

ויעל אלוקים מעל אברהם, this formulation is juxtaposed with that when G'd terminated his conversation with Kayin where the latter is described as "walking away from G'd." (Genesis 4,16)

ויכל לדבר אתו, Up until now G'd had always finished His conversation with Avraham on the same day. The conclusion of this vision is mentioned specifically as it was unusually long.

ויעל אלוקים מעל אברהם, “G-d ascended from above Avraham.” The patriarchs on earth are considered as occupying positions parallel to that of the cherubs in the celestial regions. This is why the Torah describes G-d’s departure as “from above Avraham.” We find a parallel expression in Ezekiel 9,3 וכבוד ישראל נעלה מעל הכרוב, “The Presence of the G-d of Israel rose from above the cherub.” Our sages in Bereshit Rabbah 47,6 are even more explicit when they stated: “the patriarchs are the real carriers of G-d’s entourage (מרכבה), i.e. “they are the real cherubs.

ויעל אלוקים מעל אברהם, a euphemism for the disappearance of G'd's presence. This teaches that G'd had appeared and had now withdrawn wrapped in a cloud. Our sages, as quoted by Rashi, conclude from here that the patriarchs acted as the merkavah for G'd's glory, i.e. as carriers of His chariot. This is a beautiful explanation for all those who understand it. [clearly, the key to this is the word מעל instead of simply מאברהם. The word מעל, "from above," conjures up in our mind a physical contact which preceded this separation. Ed.]