Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Avram go to war to rescue his nephew Lot?
A: Avram went to war to rescue his nephew Lot because of the principle of 'pikuach nefesh' (saving a life), which takes precedence in Jewish law. Additionally, the Midrash teaches that Avram demonstrated his trait of 'chesed' (kindness) by risking himself to save his relative, setting an example of loyalty and responsibility to family.
Q: What is the significance of the number 318 servants that Avram took with him?
A: Rashi explains that Avram actually went with only his trusted servant Eliezer (whose name has a numerical value of 318 in gematria), showing that with divine help, a small force can overcome a large army. This teaches us that success in battle comes from Hashem's assistance, not just military strength.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Avram's servants were 'born in his own house'?
A: The Torah emphasizes that these servants were born in Avram's household to show they were raised with his values of monotheism and morality. The Rambam notes that Avram educated all in his household in the ways of righteousness, demonstrating how a Jewish home should be a place of spiritual growth for all its members.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avram pursuing the captors to Dan?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 10a) learns from Avram's pursuit to Dan that we must go to great lengths to perform acts of kindness and justice. Even though Dan was distant, Avram didn't hesitate to help, teaching us the importance of perseverance in doing what's right.
Q: How does this story of Avram rescuing Lot relate to Jewish values today?
A: This episode teaches several enduring Jewish values: 1) The importance of family responsibility, 2) That we must stand up against injustice even when it's difficult, and 3) That we should trust in Hashem when doing what's right. The Sages derive from this that saving lives ('hatzalat nefashot') is a supreme mitzvah that overrides many other considerations.
Avraham's Response to Lot's Capture
The verse (Bereishit 14:14) describes Avraham's immediate action upon hearing that his nephew Lot was taken captive. Rashi explains that Avraham's swift response demonstrates his exceptional middat chesed (attribute of kindness), as he risked his life to save Lot despite their prior separation (Bereishit 13:11). The term "וַיָּרֶק" ("led forth") is interpreted by the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 43:2) to mean Avraham armed his disciples with Torah knowledge, as the word shares a root with yerikah (spittle), symbolizing the "sharpness" of their wisdom.
The Significance of 318 Servants
The number 318 (שְׁמֹנָה עָשָׂר וּשְׁלֹשׁ מֵאוֹת) is addressed by multiple commentators:
Pursuit "Until Dan"
The location "Dan" is noted by Rashi as prophetic: this would later become a site of idolatry when Yeravam set up golden calves (Melachim I 12:29). The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayera 8) states Avraham's victory there foreshadowed future struggles with the yetzer hara (evil inclination) associated with the place.
Military Action and Spiritual Lessons
The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:1) derives from this episode that war to rescue Jews from captivity is a milchemet mitzvah (obligatory war). The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Avraham's victory with a small force (per Rashi's view) demonstrated bitachon (trust in Hashem), a model for future generations.