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Genesis 13:18 - Avram settles near holy Ḥevron

Genesis 13:18 - בראשית 13:18

Hebrew Text

וַיֶּאֱהַל אַבְרָם וַיָּבֹא וַיֵּשֶׁב בְּאֵלֹנֵי מַמְרֵא אֲשֶׁר בְּחֶבְרוֹן וַיִּבֶן־שָׁם מִזְבֵּחַ לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

Then Avram removed his tent, and came and dwelt by the terebinths of Mamre, which is in Ḥevron, and built there an altar to the Lord.

Transliteration

Va'yeh'el Avram va'yavo va'yeshev b'Eilonei Mamre asher b'Chevron va'yiven-sham mizbe'ach la'Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֶּאֱהַ֣ל אַבְרָ֗ם וַיָּבֹ֛א וַיֵּ֛שֶׁב בְּאֵלֹנֵ֥י מַמְרֵ֖א אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּחֶבְר֑וֹן וַיִּֽבֶן־שָׁ֥ם מִזְבֵּ֖חַ לַֽיהֹוָֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיֶּאֱהַ֣ל אַבְרָ֗ם וַיָּבֹ֛א וַיֵּ֛שֶׁב בְּאֵלֹנֵ֥י מַמְרֵ֖א אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּחֶבְר֑וֹן וַיִּֽבֶן־שָׁ֥ם מִזְבֵּ֖חַ לַֽיהֹוָֽה׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Avraham's Journey to Chevron

The verse (Bereishit 13:18) describes Avram's relocation to the area of Mamre in Chevron after separating from Lot. Rashi explains that Avram chose this location specifically because of his alliance with Mamre the Amorite, who had advised him regarding the circumcision (as later recounted in Bereishit 14:13). This demonstrates Avram's trait of hakarat hatov (recognizing and repaying kindness).

Significance of the Terebinths of Mamre

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 41:7) notes that the terebinths (אלוני ממרא) were a well-known landmark where travelers would gather. By settling there, Avram positioned himself to influence many people and spread awareness of Hashem. Ramban adds that this area would later become the burial site of the Avot and Imahot (Ma'arat HaMachpela), showing its enduring sanctity.

The Altar in Chevron

Rashi comments that Avram built this altar in the same pattern as the previous ones (in Shechem and Beit-El) - for offerings in gratitude to Hashem. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this third altar in Chevron represents the completion of Avram's spiritual conquest of Eretz Yisrael, corresponding to the three cardinal sins of idolatry, murder, and immorality that he rejected.

  • Shechem altar - Corresponded to rejecting idolatry (where he broke his father's idols)
  • Beit-El altar - Corresponded to rejecting immorality (after descending to Egypt)
  • Chevron altar - Corresponded to rejecting murder (as he would later pray for Sodom)

Spiritual Significance of Location

The Sforno explains that Chevron (from the root חבר - to connect) was where Avram deepened his connection with Hashem. The Talmud (Sotah 34b) notes that Chevron was one of the places where the spies later went, showing its importance as a central location in Eretz Yisrael. The Netziv adds that settling in Chevron demonstrated Avram's commitment to the land even before the formal covenant was established.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 10a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Abraham's actions and his relationship with Mamre, highlighting his righteousness and the significance of his dwelling in Hebron.
📖 Bava Batra 91a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the locations where the patriarchs lived and the significance of these places in Jewish tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avram build an altar in Hebron?
A: Avram built an altar in Hebron to express gratitude to Hashem for the blessings he received, including the promise of the Land of Israel. According to Rashi, this act also symbolized his commitment to spreading awareness of Hashem in the world.
Q: What is the significance of Avram dwelling by the terebinths of Mamre?
A: The terebinths (אלוני ממרא) of Mamre represent a place of spiritual significance. The Midrash teaches that Mamre was the one who advised Avram to follow Hashem's command regarding the covenant (brit milah), and thus, Avram chose to settle near him as a sign of gratitude and alliance.
Q: Why is Hebron important in this verse?
A: Hebron is significant because it later became a central city in the Land of Israel and the burial place of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs (Me'arat HaMachpelah). By settling there, Avram established a spiritual connection to the land, as explained by Ramban (Nachmanides).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avram building an altar?
A: We learn the importance of recognizing Hashem's kindness and responding with devotion. Just as Avram built an altar to thank Hashem, we should also find ways to express gratitude in our daily lives, whether through prayer, acts of kindness, or dedication to Torah study.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish tradition today?
A: This verse highlights the Jewish people's eternal connection to Hebron and the Land of Israel. The Talmud (Sotah 34a) mentions Hebron as one of the places where the spies sent by Moshe later visited, reinforcing its importance in Jewish history and tradition.