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Genesis 18:17 - Divine secrets shared with Avraham?

Genesis 18:17 - בראשית 18:17

Hebrew Text

וַיהֹוָה אָמָר הַמְכַסֶּה אֲנִי מֵאַבְרָהָם אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי עֹשֶׂה׃

English Translation

And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Avraham that thing which I intend to do;

Transliteration

Va'Adonai amar ham'chaseh ani me'Avraham asher ani oseh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיהֹוָ֖ה אָמָ֑ר הַֽמְכַסֶּ֤ה אֲנִי֙ מֵֽאַבְרָהָ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֖ר אֲנִ֥י עֹשֶֽׂה׃
וַֽיהֹוָ֖ה אָמָ֑ר הַֽמְכַסֶּ֤ה אֲנִי֙ מֵֽאַבְרָהָ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֖ר אֲנִ֥י עֹשֶֽׂה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 18:17) appears during the narrative of Avraham Avinu's encounter with the three angels, where Hashem reveals His intention to judge Sedom and Amorah. The question "Shall I hide from Avraham that which I intend to do?" reflects Hashem's deliberation about whether to disclose His plans to Avraham.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Hashem chose to reveal His plans to Avraham for several reasons:

  • Covenantal Relationship: Avraham was designated as the father of the chosen nation, and Hashem did not wish to conceal matters from him (Rashi on Bereshit 18:17).
  • Future Inheritance: The land of Canaan was promised to Avraham's descendants, and the fate of Sedom (located within Canaan) was thus relevant to his legacy.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:45), Rambam discusses prophecy and suggests that Avraham, as a prophet, was granted insight into Divine decrees. Hashem's revelation to Avraham underscores the principle that true prophets are entrusted with knowledge of future events as part of their role in guiding the Jewish people.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 49:2) elaborates that Hashem's statement highlights Avraham's unique spiritual stature:

  • Friendship with Hashem: Avraham is called "My friend" (Yeshayahu 41:8), and friends do not conceal matters from one another.
  • Pedagogical Purpose: By informing Avraham, Hashem allowed him to advocate for justice, as seen in his subsequent plea for Sedom.

Moral and Theological Implications

This verse teaches key principles in Jewish thought:

  • Divine Transparency: Hashem interacts with the righteous openly, reinforcing the bond between Creator and creation.
  • Avraham's Role: As the progenitor of the Jewish people, Avraham models the responsibility to seek justice and engage with Divine will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 89b
The verse is cited in a discussion about God's communication with Abraham, particularly in the context of the events leading to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
📖 Bava Batra 15a
The verse is referenced in a broader discussion about the nature of prophecy and God's relationship with the patriarchs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem decide to tell Avraham about His plans for Sodom?
A: Rashi explains that Hashem chose to reveal His plans to Avraham because of their close relationship and because Avraham would teach his descendants to follow the ways of Hashem (Genesis 18:19). As the father of the Jewish people, Avraham had a special role in understanding Divine justice.
Q: What does this verse teach us about prayer?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 49:2) teaches that this verse shows Hashem values the prayers of the righteous. By informing Avraham about Sodom's destruction, Hashem gave him the opportunity to pray and advocate for the people, teaching us that prayer can influence Divine decrees.
Q: Why is this conversation important in the Torah?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) explains this episode demonstrates prophecy - how Hashem communicates with righteous individuals. It also establishes Avraham's role as a teacher of justice, as he immediately questions whether the Judge of all the earth wouldn't act justly (Genesis 18:25).
Q: How does this apply to us today?
A: The Sforno teaches this shows we should emulate Avraham by caring about others' welfare. Even though Sodom was wicked, Avraham was concerned for any righteous people there. This teaches us to be concerned about justice and the welfare of others in our communities.
Q: What does 'hide from Avraham' mean in simple terms?
A: Ibn Ezra explains this means Hashem chose not to keep His plans secret from Avraham. Unlike how a king might hide plans from subjects, Hashem treated Avraham as a close friend (Isaiah 41:8) and partner in bringing justice to the world, showing their special relationship.