A difficult test to pass

“Hashem said to Abram, ‘Go for yourself from your land’…” (Genesis 12:1)

R’ Shlomo Yitzchaki (Rashi) comments on the phrase GO FOR YOURSELF: For your benefit and for your good.

The question has been asked: If his departure from his birthplace was for his benefit, why is it counted among the ten tests with which Abraham was tested? (Commentary of Maimonides to Ethics of the Fathers 5:3).

Abraham dedicated his entire life to serving Hashem, and all of is actions were solely to fulfill His will. At this time, God’s directive turned out to be for his benefit. According to R’ Elimelech Grodzinsky, this was the test. Even though there would be a huge personal blessing in his journeying, would Abraham still be exclusively motivated by his desire to do God’s will. This was a difficult test.