1)

What is the meaning of "Hafkechem Im k'Chomer ha'Yotzer Yechashev"?

1.

Rashi: This is your deceit. You know that a physical matter cannot say about the one who formed it 'he did not make me.' So you cannot say that I do not understand your deeds. This is said in astonishment; it remains (without retraction).

2.

Radak: This is true, even though it says "Im", like "v'Im Beri'ah Yivra Hashem" (Bamidbar 16:30) "v'Im la'Letzim Hu Yalitz" (Mishlei 3:34). It is easy in My eyes to switch you, like a manufacturer can make a Kli from a substance, and later change it to a different Kli.

3.

Malbim: This answers the philosophers' claims. They assumed that time, place and physical senses, which are needed for man to understand, are required for anyone to understand. This is a great error. Unlimited intellect can understand everything without these constraints. Hashem knows all that is found, from beginning to end, without change. Time and place apply only to our limited understanding. The one who formed eyes and ears must know matters beforehand, in order to make Kelim that will perceive them! Your order is reversed from absolute intellect; for you, sensation precedes knowledge. Do you think that the Former is like you, the substance?! Moreh ha'Nevuchim (Chelek 2) explains this.

2)

Why does it say "l'Osehu"?

1.

Rashi: This is like Al Osehu (about its maker). We find like this - "va'Amar Pharaoh li'Vnei Yisrael" - Shemos 14:3).

2.

Radak: The Lamed is in place of Ba'avur (about), like "Imri Li Achi Hu" (Bereishis 20:13).

3)

Why does it say "v'Yetzer Amar l'Yotzero Lo Hevin"?

1.

Rashi: He says about the one who formed him 'he does not know what is in my Yetzer.' [This is absurd, for] He built the secrets, chambers and thoughts of the heart!

2.

Radak: How do you say that I do not see your deeds?! Will a substance say about its maker 'he did not make me. He cannot change me to another Kli.' The matter is repeated in different words. Yetzer is a Kli that a Yotzer formed.

3.

Malbim: One who forms something must know its essence - "Im Yotzer Ayin ha'Lo Yabit" (Tehilim 94:9).

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

KIH Logo
D.A.F. Home Page
Sponsorships & DonationsReaders' FeedbackMailing ListsTalmud ArchivesAsk the KollelDafyomi WeblinksDafyomi CalendarOther Yomi calendars