Genesis Panel 4: Abraham and the Angels

Coba
2025-05-19

 

Panel 4: Abraham and the Angels

描述文字1
Three Angels

This panel depicts the events in Vayerá, where Abraham, having just circumcised himself, kneels to welcome three angels in human form. The angel on the left is Michael, the central angel is Gabriel, and the angel on the right is Nuriel. The initials of their names form the Hebrew word “Magen”, meaning “shield”, symbolizing the protection of Isaac's soul.

At the top of the image, five cities can be seen, representing the cities Gabriel was sent to destroy, including Sodom and Gomorrah. Gabriel holds two flags, symbolizing free will. If we extend the direction of these flags, they point toward Abraham's heart, representing the major decisions he had to make—his circumcision and the future Binding of Isaac, both of which deeply shaped his spiritual journey.

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Abraham's Tent

Abraham's tent is also depicted, with Sarah observing from a distance. The tent has four entrances, as described in the Torah, symbolizing Abraham's hospitality.

To the right of the tent, an arc represents the end of Noah's Ark, showing its scale at 1:10 proportion. The shape of the tent also resembles the Star of David (Magen David), further reinforcing the symbolism of a shield.

Above the tent, two flags wave, representing Abraham's two sons: Ishmael and Isaac. The ten ornaments at the top of the tent symbolize the Ten Commandments, while five interwoven decorations at the bottom represent the letter Hei, which is linked to Teshuva (repentance)—“Teshuv-Hei”, meaning returning to Hei, signifying the connection between man and God.

描述文字4
Abraham

Abraham's hand points to the sky, symbolizing his devotion to God. Floating above is the letter Hei, signifying the transformation of Sarai and Abram into Sarah and Abraham, marking a new beginning and the blessing of fertility. Additionally, Abraham’s staff is engraved with the letter Vav and two Yuds, which together sum to 26, the numerical value of YHWH, God’s sacred name.

This panel highlights Abraham's role as a man of Chesed (kindness). In the barren desert, he is like water, nourishing life and forming five branches, corresponding to the letter Hei. The triangles in the image symbolize water, while those in the Star of David are also connected to water. Another triangle represents fire, symbolizing the union of body and soul. In this context, Abraham represents the soul, while water signifies his purity and devotion.
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