Oct. 18 - Worksheet (Topic 2)

(8) And he said, “Hashem, how do I know that I will possess/inherit/conquer it?”

(1) 'והאמין בה AND HE BELIEVED IN THE LORD — He did not ask Him for a sign regarding this [the promise of children]; but in respect to the promise that he would possess the land he asked for a sign, inquiring of God, במה אדע “By what sign shall I know [that I shall possess it?]”

(2) ...Another explanation of במה אדע is: he did not ask for a sign regarding this promise that he would possess the land, but he said to Him, “Tell me by what merit they (my descendants) will remain in it (the land).” God answered him, through the merit of the sacrifices (Taanit 27b).

(1) במה אדע, for possibly my descendants will sin and forfeit their claim to this land.