I finally found attempts to prove that there is a limit to G-d's test
The Ramban (Bereishis 22:01) notes that tests like the Akeida are done for the benefit of the testee
AND G-D TRIED ABRAHAM. The matter of “trial,” in my opinion, is as follows: Since a man’s deeds are at his absolute free command, to perform them or not to perform them at his will, on the part of one who is tried it is called “a trial.” But on the part of the One, blessed be He, who tries the person, it is a command that the one being tested should bring forth the matter from the potential into actuality so that he may be rewarded for a good deed, not for a good thought alone.
Know further that G-d trieth the righteous, for knowing that the righteous will do His will, He desires to make him even more upright, and so He commands him to undertake a test, but He does not try the wicked, who would not obey. Thus all trials in the Torah are for the good of the one who is being tried.
Devarim (08:05) Bear in mind that the ETERNAL your God disciplines you just as a man disciplines his son.
The gemora Berachos (32a) Moshe says to G-d that of course Jews sinned because G-d gave them too much gold.
What is the meaning of and Di Zahav? The Sages of the school of Rabbi Yannai said that Moses said the following before the Holy One, Blessed be He, to atone for Israel after the sin of the Golden Calf: Master of the Universe, because of the gold and silver that you lavished upon Israel during the exodus from Egypt until they said enough [dai]; it was this wealth that caused Israel to make the Golden Calf.
From what I've read, there are two potential purposes to a Divine test.
ReplyDelete1) To prove to the individual they he can handle it because he doesn't know if he could. This would be Avraham Avinu, a"h, and the 10 tests.
2) To prove to the individual that he can't handle it because he thinks he could but can't. This would be David HaMelech, a"h, and the test with Batsheva.