Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were the Chorites (Horim) mentioned in Genesis 14:6?
A: The Chorites (Horim) were an ancient people who originally lived in Mount Seir before being displaced by the descendants of Esau (Devarim 2:12). Rashi explains that they were called 'Chorites' because they lived in caves (from the Hebrew word 'chor' meaning cave). The Torah mentions them to show the historical background of the Land of Seir before Esau's descendants settled there.
Q: Where is El-paran mentioned in Genesis 14:6?
A: El-paran was a location on the edge of the wilderness, near Mount Seir. According to Ramban, it was at the southern boundary of Canaan, near the desert of Paran where the Israelites later wandered. The name may refer to a notable tree or oasis in the Paran region (the word 'El' can mean 'tree' in this context). This place is significant as it marks the extent of the territory conquered by the kings in this biblical narrative.
Q: Why does the Torah mention these geographical details in Genesis 14:6?
A: The Torah provides these geographical details to give context to the military campaign described in this chapter. As explained by Ibn Ezra, these locations help us understand the scope of the war between the four kings and the five kings. Additionally, the Sforno notes that mentioning these places shows how far the conquering kings extended their dominion, which highlights the greatness of Avraham's subsequent victory over them.
Q: What is the significance of Mount Seir in the Torah?
A: Mount Seir is significant as it became the homeland of Esau's descendants, the Edomites (Bereishit 36:8). The verse mentioning the Chorites in Mount Seir shows that this area had previous inhabitants before Esau's family settled there. According to the Talmud (Chullin 60b), Mount Seir was given to Esau as his inheritance, while Yaakov received the Land of Israel.
Q: How does Genesis 14:6 connect to later events in the Torah?
A: This verse connects to later events in several ways: 1) The desert of Paran is where Hagar and Yishmael were sent (Bereishit 21:21) and where the Israelites later journeyed. 2) Mount Seir becomes important when the Israelites request passage through Edom (Bamidbar 20:14-21). 3) As Ramban explains, these geographical references help establish the boundaries of the lands surrounding Eretz Yisrael, which becomes relevant when the Israelites enter the land.
Geographical Context
The verse mentions the Horites (הַחֹרִי) dwelling in Mount Seir (שֵׂעִיר) and extending to El-paran (אֵיל פָּארָן) near the wilderness. According to Rashi (on Genesis 14:6), the Horites were the original inhabitants of Seir before being displaced by the descendants of Esau (Deuteronomy 2:12). Mount Seir is identified as the mountainous region of Edom, southeast of the Dead Sea.
El-Paran and Its Significance
El-paran is described as being "by the wilderness" (עַל־הַמִּדְבָּר). The Ramban (Nachmanides, on Genesis 14:6) suggests that El-paran refers to a notable location at the edge of the Paran desert, possibly a landmark or settlement. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 42:8) connects Paran with the wilderness where Hagar and Ishmael wandered (Genesis 21:21), indicating its association with desolate regions.
The Horites in Jewish Tradition
Spiritual Implications
The displacement of the Horites by Esau's descendants (Deuteronomy 2:12) is seen in Jewish thought as part of Divine providence, fulfilling the prophecy that Esau would inherit Mount Seir (Genesis 36:8). The Radak (on Genesis 14:6) emphasizes that this was part of Hashem's plan to allocate specific lands to different nations.