Battle of the Kings – Purpose of the Story/2
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Battle of the Kings – Purpose of the Story
Exegetical Approaches
Avraham's Exceptional Qualities
The story highlights how Avraham was unique not only in his monotheistic beliefs but also in his other attributes. The Torah's inclusion of the episode helps the reader better appreciate Avraham's greatness and presents his behavior as a model to emulate.
What qualities? These commentators differ regarding which specific characteristics of Avraham the chapter highlights:
- Military Might – According to R. Bachya and Abarbanel, Avraham's victory over the kings revealed both his bravery and his capabilities as a military strategist and warrior.1
- Loyalty – Alternatively, Radak, Ralbag, Abarbanel, and R. D"Z Hoffmann assert that the story teaches the importance of enduring loyalty to one's family. Avraham was willing to risk his own life in order to rescue his nephew, even though Lot had taken up company with evil people.
- Selflessness – Ralbag, Abarbanel, and R. D"Z Hoffmann point to Avraham's refusal to benefit from the spoils of battle as evidence of both his generosity and recognition that all belongs to Hashem. Avraham's conduct stands out, particularly in light of the norms of the Ancient Near East in which the victor took the spoils of battle.2
Biblical parallels – Throughout their commentaries, both Radak and Ralbag consistently point to the lessons the reader is meant to learn from the conduct of Biblical heroes. Thus, for instance, both note Avraham's desire to preserve peace in the home ("שלום בית") in Bereshit 17 and his hospitality in Bereshit 18.
Extraneous details – This position does not account for why the Torah needed to go in to elaborate detail regarding the Refaim, Zuzim, and other nations conquered by the four kings.
Sign for the Future
Avraham's victory over the four kings foreshadowed Israel's future victory over the four kingdoms: Bavel, Media, Greece and Rome. The import of the episode, thus, lies in its major impact on the future of the Israelite nation rather than its contribution to the portrait of Avraham.
מעשה אבות סימן לבנים – Abarbanel points out that this view is consistent with the concept that "כל מה שאירע לאבות סימן לבנים"; the Patriarchs' actions determine the future fate of their descendants.
Biblical parallels – Ramban understands many of the other stories of the Patriarchs as similarly creating blueprints for future history.4 Thus, for example, he asserts that Avraham's descent to Egypt paved the way for the future enslavement of the nation in Egypt and that Yaakov's skirmish with the "איש" represented the future struggles of Israel and their ultimate salvation from their enemies.5
Extraneous details – This approach also does not explain the significance of the description of the various peoples who had been previously conquered by the kings, though it might suggest that the verses are attempting to demonstrate the vast strength and empires of the future kingdoms.
Fulfillment of Hashem's Promise
The battle of the kings provides the backdrop for the actualization of Hashem's promise to Avraham, "לְזַרְעֲךָ אֶתֵּן אֶת הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת". The story is not out of place at all, but rather connects directly to the promises of the surrounding chapters.
"To your seed..."
- The Children of Israel – R. Hirsch and Cassuto point out that through Avraham's victory over the four kings, he effectively gained control over the entire land of Canaan. He chased the kings from the south all the way to Damesek,6 inheriting the land from them, and thus staking out Israel's future rights to Israel.
- Ammon, Moav, and Seir – Ma'asei Hashem and Cassuto further point out how Avraham also gained rights to the lands east of the Jordan which were to go to his other descendants, the progeny of Lot and Esav. In conquering the four kings, Avraham inherited all that they had previously conquered - the lands of the Refaim, Zuzim, Eimim and Hori. Thus, here, too, the chapter is emphasizing Avraham's gaining of historical sovereignty.
Biblical parallels – When warning the nation that they are not to inherit the lands of Seir, Ammon, or Moav in Devarim 2, Moshe similarly mentions all the nations (Refaim, Zuzim etc.) who had previously settled in these lands,7 but were then kicked out. Devarim is presumably alluding back to Bereshit 14 so as to explain how Avraham's descendants came to possess these lands - through Avraham's conquest.
Extraneous details – According to R. Ashkenazi's variation of this approach, the details of the early victories are essential to the story's message and proof of possession.
Vulnerability of Israel
The episode serves to highlight the precarious placement of Israel amongst the nations.
"Center of the world" – Israel stands at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, and the two main cultures of the Ancient Near East, Egypt and Mesopotamia. As such, it is fated to be eternally caught in the midst of the major battles of its neighbors.
Dependence on Hashem – Israel was chosen, according to R. Hirsch, for this very vulnerability, to teach that its security is dependent on and due only to Hashem. This message of recognition of and reliance on Hashem is one of the key lessons that Avraham introduced to the world.
Biblical parallels – The concept that Israel's natural insecurity is what makes it unique is explicit in Devarim 11 which contrasts Egypt's self sufficiency due to the Nile with Israel's dependence on rain, and thus, Hashem.8
