[Avodah] Fwd [TM]: Why Does God Test Us?

[Micha Berger via Avodah]

RGStudent recently posted a piece to answer the question "Why Does God
Test Us?" <http://torahmusings.com/why-does-god-test-us>

   The notion that the all-knowing God needs to test us to determine
   whether we will follow His command is absurd. He knows the future and
   therefore gains nothing from the exercise. Yet the Torah discusses in
   multiple places God's tests. For example, regarding the man (manna)
   that fell in the desert, God states: "So that I may test them, whether
   they will follow My law or not" (Ex. 16:4).

   The midrash (Tanchuma, Vayera 23) expresses the question aptly:
   ...
   I. Personal Growth

   The Kuzari (5:20), followed by the Ramban (Gen. 22:1; Ex. 16:4; Deut.
   13:4; Toras Ha-Bayis in Kisvei Ha-Ramban, vol. 2 pp. 272-273), explains
   that God tests people in order to actualize their potential goodness....

   II. Education

   Rambam (Moreh Nevukhim 3:24) takes an entirely different approach. He
   sees divine tests as a way to publicize, and thereby teach, the
   righteousness of an individual....

   III. Adult Education

   I believe that, aside from midrashic sources and textual cues, Rambam
   had a more fundamental reason for taking a path different from that of
   the Kuzari and Ramban. The Gemara (Makkos 10a) says that Heaven takes
   you in the direction you wish to go. Similarly, another Gemara (Yoma
   39a) says that someone who wishes to become pure (i.e. do good) is
   divinely assisted. Apparently, the Ramban takes this literally. ...

   IV. Self-Discovery

   Radal (ibid.) offers a third approach to understanding divine
   tests. Pirkei De-Rabbi Eliezer (31) says that the test was for
   Avraham to know his heart. God certainly know whether we will pass a
   test but poses it so that we learn our own abilities. Like a good
   coach, God pushes us farther than we think we can go. This, too,
   applies to adults who often underestimate their capacity for strength.
   God only tests those who will pass and by doing so teaches us the
   extent of our faith and endurance.
   ...

-Micha

-- 
Micha Berger             Today is the 10th day, which is
micha at aishdas.org        1 week and 3 days in/toward the omer.
http://www.aishdas.org   Tifferes sheb'Gevurah: When does strict
Fax: (270) 514-1507                  judgment bring balance and harmony?