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Genesis 18:25 - Divine justice questioned?

Genesis 18:25 - בראשית 18:25

Hebrew Text

חָלִלָה לְּךָ מֵעֲשֹׂת כַּדָּבָר הַזֶּה לְהָמִית צַדִּיק עִם־רָשָׁע וְהָיָה כַצַּדִּיק כָּרָשָׁע חָלִלָה לָּךְ הֲשֹׁפֵט כָּל־הָאָרֶץ לֹא יַעֲשֶׂה מִשְׁפָּט׃

English Translation

Far be it from Thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, far be it from Thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Transliteration

Chalila lecha me'asot kadavar hazeh lehamit tzadik im-rasha vehaya katzadik karasha chalila lakh hashofet kol-ha'aretz lo ya'aseh mishpat.

Hebrew Leining Text

חָלִ֨לָה לְּךָ֜ מֵעֲשֹׂ֣ת <b>׀</b> כַּדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֗ה לְהָמִ֤ית צַדִּיק֙ עִם־רָשָׁ֔ע וְהָיָ֥ה כַצַּדִּ֖יק כָּרָשָׁ֑ע חָלִ֣לָה לָּ֔ךְ הֲשֹׁפֵט֙ כׇּל־הָאָ֔רֶץ לֹ֥א יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה מִשְׁפָּֽט׃
חָלִ֨לָה לְּךָ֜ מֵעֲשֹׂ֣ת ׀ כַּדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֗ה לְהָמִ֤ית צַדִּיק֙ עִם־רָשָׁ֔ע וְהָיָ֥ה כַצַּדִּ֖יק כָּרָשָׁ֑ע חָלִ֣לָה לָּ֔ךְ הֲשֹׁפֵט֙ כׇּל־הָאָ֔רֶץ לֹ֥א יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה מִשְׁפָּֽט׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 18:25) is part of Avraham Avinu's plea to Hashem regarding the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Avraham argues that it would be unjust for the righteous to perish alongside the wicked, appealing to Divine justice.

Key Themes in Avraham's Argument

  • חָלִלָה לְּךָ ("Far be it from You") - Rashi explains that Avraham uses this phrase twice to emphasize the unthinkable nature of punishing the righteous with the wicked. The repetition underscores his deep conviction in Hashem's justice.
  • הֲשֹׁפֵט כָּל־הָאָרֶץ לֹא יַעֲשֶׂה מִשְׁפָּט ("Shall not the Judge of all the earth do justice?") - The Ramban notes that Avraham is not questioning Hashem's justice but rather seeking to understand how Divine justice operates in this case.

Orthodox Jewish Interpretations

The Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (49:9) highlights that Avraham's plea reflects his role as the father of monotheism, teaching that true faith involves engaging with Hashem on matters of justice. The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) adds that Avraham's argument is rooted in the principle that Hashem's governance of the world must align with absolute justice.

Philosophical Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1-3) explains that belief in Hashem as the "Judge of all the earth" is foundational to Torah. Avraham's dialogue demonstrates that righteous individuals are expected to seek clarity in Divine justice, not out of defiance, but as part of their spiritual growth.

Lessons for Today

  • Avraham's boldness teaches that questioning suffering and injustice is a valid expression of faith when done with reverence.
  • The verse reinforces the Torah's emphasis on individual accountability—reward and punishment must be precise, not collective.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 56b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the moral principles that govern divine justice, particularly in relation to the story of Abraham pleading for Sodom.
📖 Berakhot 7a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the nature of divine justice and the righteousness of God's judgments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 18:25 mean?
A: Genesis 18:25 records Avraham's plea to Hashem not to destroy the righteous along with the wicked in Sodom. Avraham argues that it would be unjust for the Judge of the entire world to punish the righteous and wicked alike. This shows Avraham's deep understanding of divine justice and his compassion for all people.
Q: Why is Avraham arguing with Hashem in this verse?
A: Avraham is not arguing out of disrespect, but rather engaging in respectful dialogue out of concern for justice. The Midrash explains that Avraham was testing the boundaries of divine mercy, showing his role as a compassionate leader who advocates for others. This also demonstrates the Jewish concept that humans can and should seek understanding of God's ways.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 18:25?
A: We learn several important lessons: 1) The importance of standing up for justice, even when speaking to authority (Rambam). 2) That we should care about all people, even sinners. 3) That Hashem's judgment is always perfectly just, even when we don't understand it. The verse teaches us to emulate Avraham's qualities of justice and compassion.
Q: How does this verse relate to prayer?
A: This verse shows the power of sincere prayer and petition before Hashem. The Talmud (Berachot 26b) derives from here that prayer is a form of divine service. Avraham's example teaches us that we can approach Hashem with our concerns and questions, provided we do so with proper respect and sincerity.
Q: What does 'Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right' mean?
A: This phrase expresses Avraham's deep faith that Hashem's judgments are always just. Rashi explains that Avraham wasn't questioning Hashem's justice, but rather seeking to understand it. The statement affirms the fundamental Jewish belief that God is perfectly just in all His dealings with creation, even when His ways are beyond human comprehension.