118. "And Abraham was old, advanced in age (lit. 'coming with the days'), and Hashem blessed Abraham in all things" (Beresheet 24:1). Rabbi Yehuda opened with the verse, "Happy is the man You choose, and cause to approach to You, that he may dwell in Your courts" (Tehilim 65:5). This verse has already been explained. Nevertheless, happy is the man whose ways are acceptable to the Holy One, blessed be He, who wants to bring himself nearer to Him.

119. Come and behold, Abraham came closer to THE HOLY ONE, BLESSED BE HE. All his days, his desire was TO COME CLOSER TO HIM. Abraham did not come closer through one day or at one time, but his GOOD deeds brought him closer every day as he moved from one grade to another, until his grade was elevated.

120. When he was old, he entered the supernal grades as he deserved, as it is written, "And Abraham was old" and then "coming with the days." This refers to the supernal days, the days known by the secret of the faith. "And Hashem blessed Abraham in all," NAMELY BY YESOD OF THE SUPERNAL ABA AND IMA CALLED ALL, where blessings and every goodness come from, AS ITS PLENTY NEVER STOPS FLOWING.

121. Happy are the penitent, who in one hour, one day, one moment, get as close to the Holy One, blessed be He, as most righteous come to the Holy One, blessed be He, over several years. Abraham did not come into the supernal days until he was old, as has been explained. Neither did David, as it is written, "Now King David was old, advanced in years (lit. 'coming with the days')" (I Melachim 1:1). But a penitent comes right in and cleaves to the Holy One, blessed be He.

122. Rabbi Yosi said, We learned that the wholly righteous have no permission to be in that place where the contrite stand. They are closer to the King than everyone else and draw plenty from above with a more intent heart and greater force in order to come closer to the King.