Elie Wiesel and His Faith in God in the Book Night

Table of Contents

The Dawn of Doubt in God
The Cruel God
No attention to Gods plan
Works Cited

Eliezers faith in God was something beyond question. He spent time in devotion to God. He frequently prayed to Him and at times he even cried. This was to show how deep his reverence to his creator was. It was made even more evident when Moshe questioned his faith and devotion in God. It was so obvious to him that prayer was a lifestyle. Eliezer felt so strange to be asked why he prayed and wept. He did not have an answer.

Eliezer studied the Talmud during the day. Every night he was devoted to the Qabalah. His efforts were to make him be closer with his merciful God. His enthusiasm for the knowledge of God caused him at a tender age though, want to have a master. The master was to explain to him the mysteries of God. Though his father ignored his request, Eliezer saw to it that he got one. God was merciful, full of compassion and love for His creatures. He (God) did everything for the interest of the creation.

The Dawn of Doubt in God

It was close to impossible for Eliezer to have doubt in his faith. The tenacity with which he held to his faith was great. When his rabbi told him that he prayed to God to give him the strength to ask Him the right questions, he (Eliezer) was greatly puzzled. His doubt began at the camp where the Germans were their masters. He saw great sufferings that the Jewish went through. The Jews were held hostage as prisoners at the concentration camp. When Eliezer saw the great humiliation and physical and mental torture they went through, he wondered if God still existed. He remarks, for the first time I felt revolt rise up in me. Why should I bless His name? The Eternal, Lord of the Universe, the All-Powerful and Terrible, was silent. What had I to thank Him for? (Night 31) It was hard for him to give an answer from one of the suffering Jews in the camp. Eliezer confirms this in his statement, Where is God now? And I heard a voice within me answer him: Where is He? (Elie 62).

The Cruel God

With the continued sufferings they went through, Eli concluded that God was all cruel. He allowed the pain on them (Jews) to fulfill His cruel purposes. Thus, the conclusion that man is just a toy before God than an ally (Elie 97). God was no longer interested in protecting his creation. He further asserts that the occurrence of pain and distress only meant that God was either ignoring or approving of such. Gregor, in seeking confirmation that he has not misjudged God he remarks,(Gates199)

No attention to Gods plan

Eli purposed in his heart not to listen anymore to the plans of God. This was as a result of what happened in the camp. He remembered Moshes remarks, Man raises himself toward God by the questions he asks Him. That is true dialogue. Man questions God and God answers. But we dont understand His answers. We cant understand them. Because they come from the depths of the soul, and they stay there until death. You will find the true answers, Eliezer, only within yourself! (Elie 2-3).