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Genesis 20:7 - Prophet's prayer saves king?

Genesis 20:7 - בראשית 20:7

Hebrew Text

וְעַתָּה הָשֵׁב אֵשֶׁת־הָאִישׁ כִּי־נָבִיא הוּא וְיִתְפַּלֵּל בַּעַדְךָ וֶחְיֵה וְאִם־אֵינְךָ מֵשִׁיב דַּע כִּי־מוֹת תָּמוּת אַתָּה וְכָל־אֲשֶׁר־לָךְ׃

English Translation

Now therefore restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.

Transliteration

Ve'ata hashev eshet ha'ish ki navi hu v'yitpalel ba'ad'cha vechye ve'im eyncha meshiv da ki mot tamut atah vechol asher lach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַתָּ֗ה הָשֵׁ֤ב אֵֽשֶׁת־הָאִישׁ֙ כִּֽי־נָבִ֣יא ה֔וּא וְיִתְפַּלֵּ֥ל בַּֽעַדְךָ֖ וֶֽחְיֵ֑ה וְאִם־אֵֽינְךָ֣ מֵשִׁ֔יב דַּ֚ע כִּי־מ֣וֹת תָּמ֔וּת אַתָּ֖ה וְכׇל־אֲשֶׁר־לָֽךְ׃
וְעַתָּ֗ה הָשֵׁ֤ב אֵֽשֶׁת־הָאִישׁ֙ כִּֽי־נָבִ֣יא ה֔וּא וְיִתְפַּלֵּ֥ל בַּֽעַדְךָ֖ וֶֽחְיֵ֑ה וְאִם־אֵֽינְךָ֣ מֵשִׁ֔יב דַּ֚ע כִּי־מ֣וֹת תָּמ֔וּת אַתָּ֖ה וְכׇל־אֲשֶׁר־לָֽךְ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 20:7) appears in the narrative where Avimelech, king of Gerar, takes Sarah, believing her to be Avraham's sister rather than his wife. Hashem appears to Avimelech in a dream, warning him to return Sarah to Avraham, emphasizing Avraham's role as a prophet and the consequences of disobedience.

Avraham as a Prophet (נָבִיא)

Rashi explains that the term "נָבִיא" (prophet) here highlights Avraham's unique relationship with Hashem. Unlike other righteous individuals, Avraham was granted the ability to communicate directly with Hashem and intercede on behalf of others. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) teaches that prophecy is a divine gift granted to those who have perfected their intellect and character, fitting Avraham's spiritual stature.

The Power of Avraham's Prayer

The phrase "וְיִתְפַּלֵּל בַּעַדְךָ וֶחְיֵה" ("he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live") underscores the efficacy of a tzaddik's prayer. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 85b) relates that the prayers of the righteous can overturn harsh decrees. Avimelech is told that only through Avraham's intercession can he avoid punishment, demonstrating the merit of Avraham's spiritual influence.

Severity of the Warning

The warning "כִּי־מוֹת תָּמוּת אַתָּה וְכָל־אֲשֶׁר־לָךְ" ("thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine") is a grave consequence for failing to heed Hashem's command. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 52:9) explains that Avimelech and his household were already afflicted with infertility (as mentioned in Bereshit 20:17-18), showing that divine retribution had begun. The Sforno adds that this warning was not just about physical death but also spiritual consequences for opposing Hashem's will.

Moral Lesson: Respect for Marriage

  • The verse reinforces the sanctity of marriage, as Avimelech is commanded to return Sarah to her rightful husband.
  • The Ramban notes that this incident also serves to elevate Avraham's status in the eyes of the nations, demonstrating that Hashem protects him and his household.
  • The Talmud (Sanhedrin 56a) includes the prohibition of adultery among the Noachide laws, applicable to Avimelech as a non-Jew, further emphasizing the universal moral imperative.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the importance of heeding the words of a prophet and the consequences of not doing so.
📖 Sanhedrin 89b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the nature of prophecy and the obligations of those who receive prophetic warnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 20:7 mean when it says 'for he is a prophet'?
A: The verse refers to Avraham (Abraham) as a 'prophet' (נָבִיא), meaning he had a special connection with Hashem (G-d) and could pray effectively on behalf of others. Rashi explains that this was the first time the term 'prophet' was used in the Torah, showing Avraham's elevated spiritual status.
Q: Why was Avimelech commanded to return Sarah in Genesis 20:7?
A: Avimelech was warned by Hashem in a dream to return Sarah to Avraham because taking another man's wife is forbidden. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 57a) teaches that even non-Jews were bound by the Noahide laws, which include prohibitions against adultery. Returning Sarah was necessary to avoid severe punishment.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 20:7 about prayer?
A: The verse teaches the power of a tzaddik's (righteous person's) prayer. Avraham, as a prophet, could pray for Avimelech's healing. The Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 1:2) emphasizes that prayer is a fundamental way to connect with Hashem, and the prayers of the righteous are especially effective.
Q: How does Genesis 20:7 show the importance of listening to divine warnings?
A: The verse warns Avimelech that ignoring Hashem's command would lead to death for him and his household. This teaches that heeding divine guidance is crucial for survival and blessing. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 52:13) highlights that Avimelech's compliance saved him, showing the importance of obedience to Hashem's word.
Q: Why does Genesis 20:7 mention that Avraham would pray for Avimelech?
A: The verse shows that Avraham's prayer had the power to save lives. Since Avimelech acted unintentionally (as Rashi explains), Avraham's prayer could rectify the situation. This reflects the Jewish concept that teshuvah (repentance) and prayer can bring forgiveness, as discussed in the Talmud (Yoma 86a).