Komentaryong Sumisipi para sa Genesis 12:1

Although some of the tests are not clearly elucidated, starting with what appears to be the first test – when God tells Avraham to leave his homeland – each test gets progressively more difficult. For example, the first test is coupled with Divine promises assuring Avraham that he has nothing to worry about and that he will only benefit from complying with God’s wishes (Bereshit 12:1-3). Such assurances are given to Avraham even though this is a relatively easy request, especially compared to the final two. Still, God’s first explicit command needed to be one that Avraham could obey with minimum discomfort, thereby building his confidence for the tests that would follow.

“And go forth [lech lecha] to the land of Moriah.” The phrase lech lecha is mentioned [specifically] referring to your essence, because from there comes forth the material [of humanity], which was taken from the place about which it is said An altar of earth you shall make for Me (Exodus 20:21), as explained in Parshat Lech Lecha (12:1). And in the word HaMoriah, the [letters] “yah” appear superfluous, for it is [elsewhere] stated I will go to the mountain of myrrh [har hamor] (Song of Songs 4:6). Rather, this is because there is located the Even Shetiyah [Foundation Stone], from which the two worlds were founded, which were created with the Divine Name of “Yah.” For there is the gateway to heaven, and there the union between the Holy One, blessed be He, and Israel was completed, like the intimate connection between a husband and wife where the Name “Yah” mediates between them. And its companion [concept] testifies to this: the 15 steps that were from the Women’s Courtyard [in the Temple], corresponding to the numerical value of the Name “Yah.” And this was a sign for the Temple that would be built there after 15 generations from Abraham to Solomon.

שכון בארץ אשר אמר אליך. "Dwell in the land I shall tell you to." This was a general directive to accept G'd's instructions where he was to take up residence even if it conflicted with his own wishes. G'd told him this in order to be able to reward him for obeying. G'd had done something similar when He told Abraham in 12,1 that he was to go to a place G'd would designate (in the future). Five verses later on G'd specified the land, i.e. "the land of Canaan," something He could have done immediately were it not for the fact that He wanted Abraham to accumulate merit for obeying His directive.

אחד ההרים ONE OF THE MOUNTAINS — The Holy One, blessed be He, first makes the righteous expectant and only afterwards discloses fully to them his intention — and all this in order to augment their reward. Similarly we have (Genesis 12:1) “[Go to] the land which I will show thee”, and similarly in the case of Jonah 3:2 “Make unto it the proclamation which I shall bid thee” (Genesis Rabbah 55:7).