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Genesis 18:33 - Divine dialogue ends, Avraham departs.

Genesis 18:33 - בראשית 18:33

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּלֶךְ יְהוָה כַּאֲשֶׁר כִּלָּה לְדַבֵּר אֶל־אַבְרָהָם וְאַבְרָהָם שָׁב לִמְקֹמוֹ׃

English Translation

And the Lord went His way, as soon as He had left speaking to Avraham: and Avraham returned to his place.

Transliteration

Vayelekh Adonai ka'asher kilah ledaber el-Avraham ve'Avraham shav limkomo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר כִּלָּ֔ה לְדַבֵּ֖ר אֶל־אַבְרָהָ֑ם וְאַבְרָהָ֖ם שָׁ֥ב לִמְקֹמֽוֹ׃
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר כִּלָּ֔ה לְדַבֵּ֖ר אֶל־אַבְרָהָ֑ם וְאַבְרָהָ֖ם שָׁ֥ב לִמְקֹמֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 18:33) comments that the phrase "וַיֵּלֶךְ ה'" ("And the Lord went His way") teaches that Hashem departed from Avraham in a manner of respect—just as a distinguished guest would take leave of his host. This demonstrates the honor accorded to Avraham Avinu, who had just engaged in a profound dialogue with the Almighty regarding the fate of Sodom and Amorah.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:27), Rambam explains that this verse illustrates the principle of divine communication through prophecy. The phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר כִּלָּה לְדַבֵּר" ("as soon as He had left speaking") indicates that prophetic revelation has a defined beginning and end, emphasizing that Avraham's prophetic experience was temporary and not continuous.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 49:7) notes that Avraham's return to his place ("וְאַבְרָהָם שָׁב לִמְקֹמוֹ") symbolizes his spiritual steadfastness. Despite engaging in an intense debate with Hashem, he remained unwavering in his faith and returned to his previous state of divine service, demonstrating the ideal of hishtavut hanefesh (equanimity of the soul).

Chassidic Insight

The Sefat Emet (Parashat Vayera) teaches that Avraham's return to his place reflects the concept of ratzo vashov—the soul's oscillation between yearning for divine closeness and returning to worldly responsibilities. Avraham, after reaching great spiritual heights through prophecy, humbly returned to his physical "place" to continue his mission of spreading monotheism.

Halachic Implication

The Talmud (Berachot 34b) derives from this verse that one who has been praying (like Avraham who was engaged in divine dialogue) should not depart abruptly but rather withdraw gradually, as exemplified by Hashem's dignified departure from Avraham.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that 'the Lord went His way' after speaking to Avraham?
A: Rashi explains that this phrase teaches us about the respectful manner in which Hashem concluded His conversation with Avraham. Just as a guest doesn't abruptly leave a host, Hashem showed this courtesy before departing. This demonstrates the importance of proper conduct even in divine interactions.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Avraham returned to his place?
A: The Midrash notes that Avraham returned to his tent to continue his hospitality to guests, showing his constant commitment to kindness (chesed). Rambam teaches that this teaches us to immediately return to our regular service of Hashem after spiritual experiences.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how this conversation between Hashem and Avraham ended?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 14a) derives from here that we should emulate Hashem's ways - just as He visited the sick (Avraham after his circumcision), we should too. The orderly conclusion of their discussion also teaches the importance of proper endings to conversations and interactions.
Q: How does this verse show Avraham's relationship with Hashem?
A: This verse demonstrates the close, conversational relationship Avraham had with Hashem. The Sforno explains that Avraham didn't try to prolong the conversation unnecessarily, showing his respect for Hashem's will. Their interaction models proper boundaries in our relationship with the Divine.
Q: Why is this seemingly simple verse important in the Torah narrative?
A: The Ramban explains that this verse marks the conclusion of a critical dialogue about Sodom's fate and establishes Avraham's role as a prophet who speaks directly with Hashem. It transitions from this divine revelation back to Avraham's regular life, showing how prophecy integrates with daily existence.