עברית
Faith
Which Keys Are in the Hands of Hashem?
Question
Greetings, I would like to know which three keys are in the hands of Hashem and what each one is designated for.
Answer
Hello,
From where do we know that Hashem has not handed these over to any creature in the world, but He opens them Himself? The key of rain, as it says, "Hashem will open for you His good treasury, the heavens, to give rain to your land" (Deuteronomy 28:12). The key of sustenance, as it says, "He opens His hand" (Psalms 145:16). The key of graves, as it says, "Behold, I will open your graves" (Ezekiel 37:12). And the key of barrenness, from what is written regarding "And Hashem remembered Rachel and opened her womb." (Genesis 30:22).
Some count the key of rain and the key of sustenance as one key, since the rains are also for the purpose of sustenance (Taanit 2a). It is appropriate to bring what the early commentators hinted, that the word 'key' (Mafteach) is an acronym: M - Matar (rain), P - Parnasa (sustenance), T - Techiya (revival), Ch - Chaya (a term for a woman in childbirth, see Metzudat Zion Kings II 4:16, Rashbam Genesis 18:10).
Wishing success – Menashe Israel
