בס”ד
In this weekly Torah portion, the importance of prayer is described. When Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, arrived at the water well outside the city, he prayed to the L-rd to grant him the wife of Isaac. His prayer was answered remarkably quickly: ‘And it happened before he had finished speaking; behold, Rebecca was coming out.’
The Torah says: ‘Three were answered with the answer of their mouths: Eliezer, the servant of Abraham, and Moses and Solomon.’ Also, regarding Moses, during the Korach dispute, it says, ‘And it came to pass, as he finished speaking… and the earth opened its mouth.’ Likewise, regarding King Solomon, it is written at the dedication of the Holy Temple: ‘And when Solomon had finished praying to the Lord, fire came down from heaven.’
This comparison between Eliezer, the servant, and the righteous ones of the world like Moses and Solomon raises questions—how can his prayer be compared to Moses, our teacher, and King Solomon, the wisest man on earth?!
Furthermore, we find an advantage in Eliezer over Moses and Solomon, since their prayers were answered only after they had finished asking, whereas Eliezer’s request was granted ‘before he had finished speaking’!
It can be said that no matter who is praying, the speed of fulfilling the requests does not so much express who is praying but rather the importance of the content of the prayers and inner intention. The fact that the prayers of Eliezer, Moses, and Solomon were answered immediately reflects the great importance for any human being to ask G-d for his needs.
While formal prayer, is not mandated for Noahides, many Noahides choose to engage in personal prayer or expression of gratitude to G-d. The key is the intent behind the prayer and the desire to connect with the divine. For Noahides, praying and reconnecting with the Creator is a “logical obligation”, it makes sense. This could intensify their devotion to serving G-d.
The third Holy Temple will be a house of prayer to all nations in the messianic era, as written in Isaiah 56:7.
“I will bring them to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.”
By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein
If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI MOSHE BERNSTEIN
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