“… and he withstood them all”
The Medrash Shmuel comments on the Tanna’s choice of words in this mishnah. He explains that the lashon of “standing” is used to show that Avraham Avinu did not lose his spirit, despite all the yesurim that he had to endure. Not only did he prevail, but these nisyanos were a vehicle that grounded him and developed him. He remained steadfast and unwavering in his emunah, unlike others who may become defeated when they are chas v’shalom plagued with yesurim.
R’ Moshe Yechiel M’Ozhorov declares that the lesson of this mishnah does not focus on a person who is great because of the vast amount of good deeds that he performs. Rather, says this commentary, Avraham’s greatness was predicated on the nisyonos that he withstood.
