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Genesis 15:1 - Divine promise shields Avram.

Genesis 15:1 - בראשית 15:1

Hebrew Text

אַחַר הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה הָיָה דְבַר־יְהוָה אֶל־אַבְרָם בַּמַּחֲזֶה לֵאמֹר אַל־תִּירָא אַבְרָם אָנֹכִי מָגֵן לָךְ שְׂכָרְךָ הַרְבֵּה מְאֹד׃

English Translation

After these things the word of the Lord came to Avram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Avram: I am thy shield; thy reward will be very great.

Transliteration

Achar hadvarim ha'eleh haya dvar-Adonai el-Avram bamachaze leimor al-tira Avram anochi magen lach scharcha harbe me'od.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַחַ֣ר <b>׀</b> הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֗לֶּה הָיָ֤ה דְבַר־יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־אַבְרָ֔ם בַּֽמַּחֲזֶ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר אַל־תִּירָ֣א אַבְרָ֗ם אָנֹכִי֙ מָגֵ֣ן לָ֔ךְ שְׂכָרְךָ֖ הַרְבֵּ֥ה מְאֹֽד׃
אַחַ֣ר ׀ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֗לֶּה הָיָ֤ה דְבַר־יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־אַבְרָ֔ם בַּֽמַּחֲזֶ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר אַל־תִּירָ֣א אַבְרָ֗ם אָנֹכִי֙ מָגֵ֣ן לָ֔ךְ שְׂכָרְךָ֖ הַרְבֵּ֥ה מְאֹֽד׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereishit 15:1) follows Avram's victory in the war against the four kings (Bereishit 14) and his refusal to take any spoils from the king of Sodom. Rashi explains that Avram was concerned that perhaps he had already received his reward in this world for his righteousness, leaving no portion for him in the World to Come. Hashem therefore reassures him, "Fear not, Avram," and promises him both protection and a great reward.

Meaning of "I am thy shield"

Rashi interprets "I am thy shield" (אָנֹכִי מָגֵן לָךְ) as a promise of divine protection from retribution for the warriors Avram killed in battle. The Ramban expands on this, explaining that Hashem was assuring Avram that He would protect him from any spiritual or physical harm resulting from his military victory.

  • Midrashic Interpretation (Bereishit Rabbah 44:4): The shield metaphor also alludes to Avraham being surrounded by divine protection like a shield, similar to how the clouds of glory later protected the Israelites in the wilderness.
  • Sforno's View: The shield represents Hashem's promise to protect Avram's descendants throughout history.

"Thy reward will be very great"

The phrase "שְׂכָרְךָ הַרְבֵּה מְאֹד" is understood by commentators in multiple ways:

  • Rashi: This refers to the promise of children (fulfilled in the subsequent verses) and the inheritance of the Land of Israel.
  • Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:24): The ultimate reward is the perfection of the soul through knowledge of Hashem.
  • Kli Yakar: The reward is "very great" because it includes both material blessings in this world and spiritual rewards in the World to Come.

The Vision (בַּמַּחֲזֶה)

The term "מַּחֲזֶה" (vision) is significant. The Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) explains that this was a prophetic vision of a lower level than direct prophecy, where the prophet receives messages while in a trance-like state. Avram was granted this vision to reassure him after his distress following the war.

Theological Implications

This verse establishes several fundamental concepts in Jewish thought:

  • Divine protection for those who serve Hashem faithfully
  • The principle of reward for righteousness
  • The intimate relationship between Hashem and the Avot (forefathers)
  • The concept that true reward encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 26b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of divine communication and the different ways God speaks to prophets, including through visions.
📖 Nedarim 32a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the covenant between God and Abraham, emphasizing God's promise of protection and reward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Fear not, Avram: I am thy shield' mean in Genesis 15:1?
A: In Genesis 15:1, Hashem reassures Avram (later Avraham) not to fear after his battle with the kings (mentioned in the previous chapter). Rashi explains that Avram was afraid the nations might seek revenge against him. Hashem promises to be his 'shield'—meaning divine protection—and assures him that his reward for his righteousness will be great.
Q: Why did Avram need reassurance in Genesis 15:1?
A: Avram had just won a battle against powerful kings to rescue his nephew Lot (Genesis 14). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains that Avram feared the consequences—either retaliation from enemies or that his merit was diminished after taking spoils of war. Hashem comforts him, affirming that his spiritual reward remains intact and that he is under divine protection.
Q: What is the significance of Hashem appearing in a 'vision' (מַחֲזֶה) in Genesis 15:1?
A: The term 'מַחֲזֶה' (vision) indicates a prophetic experience where Hashem communicates with Avram. Rambam (Maimonides) in 'Moreh Nevuchim' explains that prophets received divine messages in different ways—some through dreams, others through visions while awake. Here, Avram experiences a clear, direct revelation, showing his high spiritual level.
Q: How does Genesis 15:1 apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches trust in Hashem's protection and promises. Just as Avram was reassured during uncertainty, we learn from Jewish tradition (based on Talmud, Berachot 4b) that those who serve Hashem with devotion can rely on His guidance and support, even in difficult times. The verse encourages faith and perseverance in fulfilling mitzvot.
Q: What does 'thy reward will be very great' refer to in Genesis 15:1?
A: Rashi explains that this refers to the promise of children (fulfilled later with Yitzchak) and eternal merit. The Talmud (Pesachim 119a) also connects this to the future reward of the righteous in Olam Haba (the World to Come). Hashem assures Avram that his actions—like risking his life to save Lot—have eternal spiritual value.