Difference between revisions of "Battle of the Kings – Purpose of the Story/2"
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<p>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.</p> | <p>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.</p> | ||
<mekorot><multilink><a href="BereshitRabbah42-4" data-aht="source">Bereshit Rabbah</a><a href="BereshitRabbah42-2" data-aht="source">42:2</a><a href="BereshitRabbah42-4" data-aht="source">42:4</a><a href="Bereshit Rabbah" data-aht="parshan">About Bereshit Rabbah</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="RambanBereshit14-1" data-aht="source">Ramban</a><a href="RambanBereshit14-1" data-aht="source">Bereshit 14:1</a><a href="R. Moshe b. Nachman (Ramban)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Moshe Nachmanides</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="RBachyaBereshit14-1" data-aht="source">R. Bachya</a><a href="RBachyaBereshit14-1" data-aht="source">Bereshit 14:1</a><a href="R. Bachya b. Asher" data-aht="parshan">About R. Bachya b. Asher</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="AbarbanelBereshit14" data-aht="source">Abarbanel</a><a href="AbarbanelBereshit12Question16" data-aht="source">Bereshit 12 Question 16</a><a href="AbarbanelBereshit14" data-aht="source">Bereshit 14</a><a href="R. Yitzchak Abarbanel" data-aht="parshan">About R. Yitzchak Abarbanel</a></multilink><fn>Ramban, R. Bachya, and Abarbanel all cite Bereshit Rabbah.</fn></mekorot> | <mekorot><multilink><a href="BereshitRabbah42-4" data-aht="source">Bereshit Rabbah</a><a href="BereshitRabbah42-2" data-aht="source">42:2</a><a href="BereshitRabbah42-4" data-aht="source">42:4</a><a href="Bereshit Rabbah" data-aht="parshan">About Bereshit Rabbah</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="RambanBereshit14-1" data-aht="source">Ramban</a><a href="RambanBereshit14-1" data-aht="source">Bereshit 14:1</a><a href="R. Moshe b. Nachman (Ramban)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Moshe Nachmanides</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="RBachyaBereshit14-1" data-aht="source">R. Bachya</a><a href="RBachyaBereshit14-1" data-aht="source">Bereshit 14:1</a><a href="R. Bachya b. Asher" data-aht="parshan">About R. Bachya b. Asher</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="AbarbanelBereshit14" data-aht="source">Abarbanel</a><a href="AbarbanelBereshit12Question16" data-aht="source">Bereshit 12 Question 16</a><a href="AbarbanelBereshit14" data-aht="source">Bereshit 14</a><a href="R. Yitzchak Abarbanel" data-aht="parshan">About R. Yitzchak Abarbanel</a></multilink><fn>Ramban, R. Bachya, and Abarbanel all cite Bereshit Rabbah.</fn></mekorot> | ||
− | <point><b>מעשה אבות סימן לבנים</b> – | + | <point><b>מעשה אבות סימן לבנים</b> – Abarbanel points out that this view is consistent with the concept that "כל מה שאירע לאבות סימן לבנים"; actions done by the forefathers somehow affect the future fate of their descendants.</point> |
<point><b>Biblical parallels</b> – Ramban understands many of the other stories of the Patriarchs as similarly creating blueprints for future history.<fn><p>For elaboration, see מעשה אבות סימן לבנים and About <a href="R._Moshe_b._Nachman_(Ramban)" data-aht="parshan">Ramban</a>.</p> | <point><b>Biblical parallels</b> – Ramban understands many of the other stories of the Patriarchs as similarly creating blueprints for future history.<fn><p>For elaboration, see מעשה אבות סימן לבנים and About <a href="R._Moshe_b._Nachman_(Ramban)" data-aht="parshan">Ramban</a>.</p> | ||
<p> </p></fn> 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.<fn>Bereshit Rabbah reads this story in the same manner. For more, see <a href="Wrestling_With_Angels_and_Men" data-aht="page">Wrestling with Angels and Men</a>.</fn></point> | <p> </p></fn> 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.<fn>Bereshit Rabbah reads this story in the same manner. For more, see <a href="Wrestling_With_Angels_and_Men" data-aht="page">Wrestling with Angels and Men</a>.</fn></point> | ||
− | <point><b>Extraneous details</b> – 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. | + | <point><b>Extraneous details</b> – 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.</point> |
</category> | </category> | ||
<category name="">Fulfillment of Hashem's Promise | <category name="">Fulfillment of Hashem's Promise | ||
− | <p> | + | <p>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.</p> |
<mekorot><multilink><a href="MaaseiHashemMaaseiAvot6" data-aht="source">R. Eliezer Ashkenazi</a><a href="MaaseiHashemMaaseiAvot6" data-aht="source">Ma'asei Avot 6</a><a href="R. Eliezer Ashkenazi (Maasei Hashem)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Eliezer Ashkenazi</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="RSRHirsch" data-aht="source">R. S"R Hirsch</a><a href="RSRHirsch" data-aht="source">Bereshit 14</a><a href="R. Samson Raphael Hirsch" data-aht="parshan">About R. Samson Raphael Hirsch</a></multilink>, U. Cassuto</mekorot> | <mekorot><multilink><a href="MaaseiHashemMaaseiAvot6" data-aht="source">R. Eliezer Ashkenazi</a><a href="MaaseiHashemMaaseiAvot6" data-aht="source">Ma'asei Avot 6</a><a href="R. Eliezer Ashkenazi (Maasei Hashem)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Eliezer Ashkenazi</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="RSRHirsch" data-aht="source">R. S"R Hirsch</a><a href="RSRHirsch" data-aht="source">Bereshit 14</a><a href="R. Samson Raphael Hirsch" data-aht="parshan">About R. Samson Raphael Hirsch</a></multilink>, U. Cassuto</mekorot> | ||
− | <point><b> | + | <point><b>"To your seed..."</b><ul> |
+ | <li><b>Israel's Conquest</b> – 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 chases the kings from the south all the way to Damesek,<fn>Cassuto points out that the verses here hint to the extent of the idealistic borders of Israel, achieved only in the time of David.</fn> inheriting the land from them, and thus staking out Israel's future rights to Israel.</li> | ||
+ | </ul> | ||
<ul> | <ul> | ||
− | |||
<li><b>Amon, Moav, and Seir</b> – 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.<fn>This position, thus, clearly explains the necessity of these seemingly extraneous details.  It further explains why Devarim 2, when warning the nation that they are not to inherit the lands of Seir, Amon, or Moav, similarly mentions all these people who had previously settled in these lands, but were then kicked out.  Devarim is presumably alluding back to the story of Bereshit 14, when these lands were initially conquered by the four kings and then inherited from them by Avraham to ultimately be the possession of his descendants.</fn>  Thus, here, too, the chapter is emphasizing Avraham's gaining of historical sovereignty.</li> | <li><b>Amon, Moav, and Seir</b> – 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.<fn>This position, thus, clearly explains the necessity of these seemingly extraneous details.  It further explains why Devarim 2, when warning the nation that they are not to inherit the lands of Seir, Amon, or Moav, similarly mentions all these people who had previously settled in these lands, but were then kicked out.  Devarim is presumably alluding back to the story of Bereshit 14, when these lands were initially conquered by the four kings and then inherited from them by Avraham to ultimately be the possession of his descendants.</fn>  Thus, here, too, the chapter is emphasizing Avraham's gaining of historical sovereignty.</li> | ||
</ul></point> | </ul></point> | ||
+ | <point><b>Biblical parallels</b> – <p>Devarim 2, when warning the nation that they are not to inherit the lands of Seir, Amon, or Moav, similarly mentions all the nations (Refaim, Zuzim etc.) who had previously settled in these lands,<fn>See Devarim 2:10-12 and 20-22.</fn> 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.</p></point> | ||
+ | <point><b>Extraneous details</b> – According to R. Ashkenazi's varaition of this approach, the details are essential to the story's message and proof of possession.</point> | ||
</category> | </category> | ||
<category name="">Vulnerability of Israel | <category name="">Vulnerability of Israel |
Version as of 06:43, 28 October 2014
Battle of the Kings – Purpose of the Story
Exegetical Approaches
Avraham's Exceptional Qualities
The story serves to highlights how Avraham was exceptional not only in his beliefs but in his other attributes as well. The inclusion of the episode helps the reader to better appreciate Avraham's greatness and sets him as a role model to emulate.
The commentators differ regarding what 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 remaining loyal to one's family. Even though Lot had decided to leave Avraham, Avraham was willing to risk his life to save him.
- Selflessness – Ralbag, Abarbanel and R. D"Z Hoffmann also point to Avraham's decision not to take from the spoils of battle as evidence of both Avraham's generosity and his recognition that all really belongs to Hashem. In light of the norms of the Ancient Near East in which the victor took the spoils of battle, Avraham is unique.2
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.
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.
- Israel's Conquest – 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 chases 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.
- Amon, 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.7 Thus, here, too, the chapter is emphasizing Avraham's gaining of historical sovereignty.
Devarim 2, when warning the nation that they are not to inherit the lands of Seir, Amon, or Moav, similarly mentions all the nations (Refaim, Zuzim etc.) who had previously settled in these lands,8 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.
Vulnerability of Israel
4