[Avodah] Was Lavan daft, dense or what?

[Arie Folger]

Lavan benefited from an experience we all strive for, but know that, living in 
times of hester panim, we cannot expect: direct revelation. Before reaching 
Ya'aqov's camp, G"d appeared to Lavan and told him to abstain from talking to 
Ya'aqov either good or bad.

However, moments after relating that incident to Ya'aqov, he asks "lamah 
ganavta et elohai?!" Is Lavan out of his mind? He just experienced 
Revelation, and he asks for his idol?! How can he?

I believe that the answer is obvious: reshaim, afilu 'al pit'hah shel gehinnam 
einam 'hozrim bitshuvah. If Lavan wants AZ, he will justify AZ no matter what 
the proofs against it, including miraculous revelation.

Sometimes, we hope for a sign that will confirm our belief more than can be 
expected in hester panim, if only to prove the atheist wrong. Purported 
atheists often challenge  believers with the question why G"d doesn't show 
himself more clearly. However, teaches the Torah, experience shows us that 
such signs are usually irrelevant. Lavan, and in a different way, Dor 
haMidbar, had proofs aplenty, yet, it didn't prevent them from sticking to 
their heresies. Bederekh she'adam rotzeh leilekh, molikhin oto.

KT & good week,
-- 
Arie Folger
http://www.ariefolger.googlepages.com