In this week's parsha, Avraham Avinu beseeches the Almighty regarding the impending destruction of the cities of Sedom and Amorah. The Torah tells us that before destroying Sedom, Hashem said to himself: "הַמְכַסֶּה אֲנִי מֵאַבְרָהָם אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי עֹשֶׂה" - "Shall I conceal from Avraham that which I am about to do?" Thus, Hashem turned to Avraham and said "The outcry of Sedom and Amorah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached Me."
When Avraham learns of Hashem's intention, he steps forward and attempts to reverse the Divine decree. Avraham pleads with Hashem to save Sedom and its inhabitants, asking that the merit of the righteous should be enough to shield even the wicked. This act reveals Avraham's deep concern for humanity despite their wickedness. At the same time, it raises an important question: how can a mere mortal have the audacity to challenge the Almighty's judgment?
Another point that requires clarification: Why does the Torah tell us Hashem's "thoughts" and as for why He would inform Avraham about the impending disaster ahead of time? Why is it important for us, as humans, to know this? Wouldn't it suffice if we were only told about the actual dialogue between Hashem and Avraham?
In order to truly understand all this, we must first consider it against the backdrop of the story of Noach. In Parshas Noach, Hashem informs Noach of His plan to bring destruction to humanity due to their pervasive violence and corruption. Yet, in contrast to Avraham, Noach does not try to intervene or plead for mercy on behalf of the people.
Noach Lamenting the World
The Zohar tells us that after the great flood, when Noach finally stepped out of the ark, he was struck by the desolation surrounding him. Overwhelmed with sorrow, he started to cry. He turned to Hashem and said: "Master of the universe, you are known as 'the merciful'; you should have had mercy on your creatures!"
In response, Hashem rebuked Noach, saying, "You foolish shepherd, now you speak? There was a time when I hinted to you to daven for the creations of the world. When I spoke to you at length about my plans to destroy the world because of their wrongdoings. I only spoke to you so long because I waited for you to intercede, to ask for mercy on behalf of those doomed. But instead, you concentrated on your own salvation, focusing solely on constructing the ark and ensuring your family's survival. You did not think of the plight of the world around you, and now that it has been laid waste, you come to me seeking compassion?!"
Noach indeed realised the gravity of his inaction and was filled with remorse. He built an altar and offered sacrifices to Hashem to atone for his failure to advocate for humanity.
The Zohar then contrasts the conduct of Noach with that of Avraham, highlighting the greatness of Avraham who, as soon as he heard about the terrible fate decreed on the Sedomites, stepped up to pray and intercede extensively in the hope of securing their salvation. (זהר חדש פ' נח דף לח ע"ב)
Subtle Cues
This Zohar gives us profound insight into an important aspect of the relationship between humanity and the Creator. Hashem desires our active engagement in the divine decision-making process, in a sense encouraging us to "intervene" in His decisions. Hashem does not want us simply to observe the hardships and suffering present in the world with indifference or passivity, and not even with quiet acceptance. Instead, He invites us to establish a dialogue with Him, to advocate for the manifestation of His mercy and compassion in our lives.
Even in circumstances where the world is deserving of punishment or hardship, the Zohar teaches that Hashem provides subtle cues, urging us not to remain passive. Rather, we are encouraged to intercede on behalf of those afflicted, pleading for His compassion and grace.
With this insight, we can now revisit the verses in question from a fresh perspective. In describing the moment that Hashem decides to share the impending fate of Sedom with Avraham, the Torah is explaining Avraham's subsequent behaviour, thereby teaching us a valuable lesson. Avraham understood that Hashem was not just informing him of the situation so that he should be "in the know". Hashem was inviting him into a dialogue. Avraham realised that Hashem was looking for an advocate, someone to intercede on behalf of humanity's welfare.
This serves as a powerful lesson for us as well. It teaches us how we, in our lives, should approach challenges. It calls us to engage actively in תְּפִלָּה וְתַחֲנוּנִים, and mainly in לִימּוּד זְכוּת - finding merit. Just as Avraham took the initiative to approach Hashem and plead for mercy, we too are taught to reach out to Hashem and to invoke His compassion.