Divine omniscience vs. human free will
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Question:
If the Creator is omniscient, sees what’s in our hearts, knows “man’s thoughts that they are vanity” (Psalms 94:11), and “perceives a matter’s outcome” (“Yigdal” prayer), then how can we possibly have free will? -- Reuven Omer, Jerusalem
Answer:
This is a complicated topic which cannot be properly addressed here.
Nevertheless, you phrased your question in such a way that the answer is fairly straightforward. The Holy One Blessed Be He knows what a person wants but doesn’t coerce anyone to do anything.
Each individual makes his own decisions: what will be in his heart and whether he’ll do the right thing or – Heaven forbid – the opposite.
For a broader discussion, please consult Rabbi Saadia Gaon’s “Emunot ViDe’ot” (4); Maimonides’s “Mishneh Torah” (Laws of Repentance); and Rabbi Yosef Albo’s “Sefer HaIkarim” (4).
(Rabbi Achiya Shlomo Amitai)
