Thursday, October 14, 2010

Daily Aliya for Lech Lecha, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Avram rebuffed the king of Sodom's wish to award him with all the war's spoils. When G‑d reassured Avram that he would be greatly rewarded for his righteousness, Avram broaches his childlessness. "What is the point of all the reward and wealth," Avram cried, "if I have no heir to inherit it?!" G‑d assured Avram that he will indeed have a child, and promised that Avram's descendants will be as numerous as the stars of the heaven.

Why did Avraham refuse to accept anything from the king of Sodom, but he became very wealthy from that which he accepted from Paroh? Commentaries say that Avraham was setting the stage for the fulfillment of G-d's promise to the descendants of Avraham, that they would leave the country of their exile and oppression with great wealth. Hence, there was a purpose to accept the gifts from Paroh, and no reason to accept those of the king of Sodom (and therefore be obligated to him on any level).

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