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*8 A professional HTML version with WORD quality may be
   found on the web. Web version available tonight

*9 Also see the following URL for Rashi texts in English
   ---------------------------------------------------
   http://aish.com/literacy/reference/
   Search_the_Chumash_with_Rashi_-_in_English.asp
   ---------------------------------------------------

*1 - Gn22-02 says -- RAISE HIM FOR AN OLAH OFFERING
   - Gn22-04 says -- DONT TOUCH HIM

   The resolution of the contradiction is that Abraham was
   only required to bind Isaac but not kill him Thus Abraham
   was tested if he could receive prophecy using the method
   of contradictory statements

*2 -- Gn22-02e says -- OFFER ISAAC ON MOUNTAIN ILL SHOW YOU
   -- Gn22-04a says -- ABRAHAM SAW THE MOUNTAIN ON 3rd DAY
   -- Gn22-04b says -- ABE KNEW BY PROPHECY THIS WAS MOUNTAN*10

   Although there are no contradictions here nevertheless there
   is still the idea of DEVELOPMENT & RESOLUTION (MOUNTAIN
   I WILL SHOW YOU...followed by IDENTIFICATION) The idea of
   a 3 day delay to see the mountain also shows development

*3 Rashi explicitly identifies ABRAHAMS FEAR OF GOD with
   Abrahams willingness to act on contradictory statements
   (RAISE ISAAC AS AN OFFERING, DONT TOUCH HIM) and continue
   studying the matter till they were resolved. As indicated
   this is part of the hallmark of a prophet that they can
   simultaneously receive contradictory statements and act
   on it till it is resolved

*10 The verse uses the phrase HE LIFTED HIS EYES & SAW
    This phrase (LIFE EYES + SEE) occurs only about 2 dozen
    times in all of the BIble (Usually it simply says SEE).

    - The phrase seems to mean HE STUDIOUSLY OBSERVED
    - In about a 25% of the cases it is connected with actual
    PROPHECY Here are the cases where it refers to prophecy
    -----------------------------------------------------------
    Gn18-02 And Abraham LIFTED HIS EYES & SAW 3 Angels (Rambam)
    Gn22-04 And Abraham LIFTED HIS EYES & SAW mountain (Rashi)
    Nu24-02 He LIFTED HIS EYES & SAW the Jews & had a prophecy
    Jos5-13 Joshua LIFTED HIS EYES & SAW the angel Michael
    1C21-16 David LIFTED HIS EYES & SAW an Angel
    -----------------------------------------------------------

    Therefore it is a reasonable interpretation that either
    -- Abraham had been told to offer Isaac on a mountain
       with a certain sign

    -- Abraham was simply told to offer Isaac on a MOUNTAIN
       for which he would receive further information.Abraham
       then was shown the mountain in a prophetic vision

    Rashis actualy language is
    -------------------------------------------------------
    AND ABE SAW THE MOUNTAIN: (Rashi) It had a cloud on it
    -------------------------------------------------------
    In the Bible, CLOUD is a keyword for prophecies that
    are enigmatic (e.g. compare Job40-06 or Ez01-04).

    In summary the most reasonable interpretation is that
    God told Abraham that he should offer Isaac on a
    mountain that God would/did prophetically identify.

    Even though there is no contradiction here we have the idea
    of AMBIGUITY and RESOLUTION which we mentioned earlier.

    In a similar way the explicit Biblical statement that
    ABRAHAM SAW THE MOUNTAIN ON THE 3rd DAY contradicts
    the idea of INSTANTANEOUS prophecy and instead
    emphasizes development, and resolution.

    Rashis exact language is not as broad as we have taken it
    ---------------------------------------------------------
    Why did God wait 3 days to show him the mountain? So
    that people should not say that God appeared to him,
    caught him off guard and Abraham went and sacrificed
    Isaac. Therefore God waited till the 3rd day to show that
    Abraham had time to reflect and still wanted to offer.
    ----------------------------------------------------------

    The way we have taken it doesnt contradict this. Indeed,
    we simply emphasize that prophecy in general intrinsically
    requires deliberation and development

*1 In English you respond to a call on your name with YES
*2 Compare identical READINESSES throughout: Gn22-07 Gn22-11
*3 Compare an identical READINESS in Gn46-02
*4 From this verse we learn that Esauv respected his parents
   (Despite his other bad attributes)

*1 Even though I have created man and I am merciful I have
   decided that at this point punishment is needed

*2 Even though man may be wicked from his youth and deserves
   a flood nevertheless I will not bring a flood again

*3 Even though the people were complaining I have decided that
   it was a legitimate complaint & will provide food

*4 Even though you offered me honors and riches nevertheless
   I decline and am returning home

*5 I violated the order not to eat and even though I brought
   a victory I am willing to die