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Yitzchok Being Named by HaShem

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Rabbi Chaim Tabasky

8 Kislev 5767
Question
If I read the sidrah correctly this week, HaShem himself named Yitzchok. If this is correct, are there any other examples in which HaShem actually names a human being (other than Adam and Chava perhaps?) and does this have any relationship to Yitzchok in a sense being HaShem’s, at least spiritually, when he was in a sense spiritually sacrificed; Akeidah? Since Yitzchok could never leave Israel, could one assume that the ram was simply a replacement for Yitzchok’s physcial sacrifice but he actually was "given" to HaShem at the Akeidah or perhaps when he (HaShem) named Yitzchok. I realize there is some conjecture here, however you clarification would be greatly appreciated.
Answer
1. Interestingly, Yishmoel, Avaraham's only other son, was also named in a prophesy to Hagar (Breishit 16;11) though it is not clear if Avraham was aware of this message when he named the child Yishmael. Since both Avraham's sons were named in prophetic vision, possibly the message is that the differences between these two sons-nations-cultures is divinely preordained, and built into the developement of Jewish history. For some other examples see the first chapter of the prophet Hoshea in which HaShaem names the prophet's children, symbolically indicating the downfall of the nation. See also Yishayahu 9;5 in regards to the naming of the mashiach. 2. The idea that the ram was a replacement for Yitzchak's physical sacrifice, but that Yitzchak remained a living spiritual sacrifice, is common in midrash and commentaries. Rashi mentions it in regards to Yitzchak not leaving Eretz Yisroel during the famine (as did Avraham) nor taking a concubine when Rivka was barren.
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