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Genesis 18:19 - Avraham's legacy: righteous leadership

Genesis 18:19 - בראשית 18:19

Hebrew Text

כִּי יְדַעְתִּיו לְמַעַן אֲשֶׁר יְצַוֶּה אֶת־בָּנָיו וְאֶת־בֵּיתוֹ אַחֲרָיו וְשָׁמְרוּ דֶּרֶךְ יְהוָה לַעֲשׂוֹת צְדָקָה וּמִשְׁפָּט לְמַעַן הָבִיא יְהוָה עַל־אַבְרָהָם אֵת אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר עָלָיו׃

English Translation

For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Avraham that which He has spoken of him.

Transliteration

Ki yedativ lema'an asher yetzaveh et-banav ve'et beito acharav veshamru derekh Adonai la'asot tzedakah umishpat lema'an havi Adonai al-Avraham et asher-diber alav.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֣י יְדַעְתִּ֗יו לְמַ֩עַן֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְצַוֶּ֜ה אֶת־בָּנָ֤יו וְאֶת־בֵּיתוֹ֙ אַחֲרָ֔יו וְשָֽׁמְרוּ֙ דֶּ֣רֶךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת צְדָקָ֖ה וּמִשְׁפָּ֑ט לְמַ֗עַן הָבִ֤יא יְהֹוָה֙ עַל־אַבְרָהָ֔ם אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֖ר עָלָֽיו׃
כִּ֣י יְדַעְתִּ֗יו לְמַ֩עַן֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְצַוֶּ֜ה אֶת־בָּנָ֤יו וְאֶת־בֵּיתוֹ֙ אַחֲרָ֔יו וְשָֽׁמְרוּ֙ דֶּ֣רֶךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת צְדָקָ֖ה וּמִשְׁפָּ֑ט לְמַ֗עַן הָבִ֤יא יְהֹוָה֙ עַל־אַבְרָהָ֔ם אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֖ר עָלָֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Bereishit 18:19) appears in the context of Hashem's deliberation regarding whether to reveal His plans for Sodom and Amorah to Avraham Avinu. The Torah emphasizes Avraham's unique role as a teacher of righteousness and justice to his descendants, which justifies his inclusion in divine counsel.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi interprets "כי ידעתיו" ("For I know him") to mean that Hashem acknowledges Avraham's righteousness and his commitment to instructing his household in divine service. Rashi further explains that "למען אשר יצוה את בניו" ("that he will command his children") refers to Avraham's dedication to transmitting Torah values to future generations, ensuring their adherence to "דרך ה'" ("the way of Hashem").

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 1:3) highlights this verse as foundational to Avraham's mission. Unlike previous generations, Avraham actively taught monotheism and ethical conduct, fulfilling "לעשות צדקה ומשפט" ("to do righteousness and justice"). This established him as the patriarch of a nation destined to uphold divine morality.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 49:2) states that "ושמרו דרך ה'" implies not only following mitzvot but embodying divine attributes—just as Hashem is merciful and just, so too must His children be.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Lech Lecha 12) connects this verse to Avraham's hospitality (as seen earlier in the chapter), demonstrating that "צדקה ומשפט" includes both interpersonal kindness (chessed) and strict justice (din).

Theological Implications

The verse underscores the covenantal relationship between Hashem and Avraham, contingent upon transmitting Torah values. The phrase "למען הביא ה' על אברהם" ("that Hashem may bring upon Avraham") teaches that divine blessings are fulfilled through education—Avraham's merit extends to his descendants only if they uphold his teachings (Sforno).

Practical Lessons

  • Chinuch (Education): Parents must prioritize teaching children Torah and middot, as Avraham did (Kli Yakar).
  • Leadership: A righteous household fosters national righteousness—Avraham's private "ביתו" became the foundation of Klal Yisrael (Malbim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 28b
The verse is cited to illustrate Abraham's righteousness and his commitment to teaching his household the ways of God, emphasizing the importance of passing down religious and ethical teachings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 18:19 mean when it says 'For I know him'?
A: Rashi explains that the phrase 'For I know him' means that Hashem recognized Avraham's righteousness and his dedication to teaching his family the ways of Torah and mitzvot. This verse highlights Avraham's role as a spiritual leader who would ensure his descendants follow the path of justice and righteousness.
Q: Why is Avraham praised for commanding his children in Genesis 18:19?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 1:3) teaches that Avraham was unique because he not only served Hashem himself but also actively educated his household and future generations. This verse emphasizes the Jewish value of chinuch (education)—ensuring that children continue the legacy of Torah and mitzvot.
Q: What does 'the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment' mean in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 14a) explains that 'the way of the Lord' refers to imitating Hashem's attributes of kindness (chesed) and justice (tzedek). Avraham embodied these traits, as seen in his hospitality (chesed) and his pursuit of fairness (mishpat), setting an example for his descendants.
Q: How does Genesis 18:19 apply to Jewish families today?
A: This verse teaches the eternal Jewish responsibility of parents to educate their children in Torah values. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 49:2) states that Avraham's merit came from raising a righteous household. Similarly, Jewish parents today must instill in their children a love for mitzvot, justice, and kindness.
Q: Why does Hashem connect Avraham's teachings to the promises given to him?
A: Rashi and the Sforno explain that Hashem's blessings to Avraham were conditional upon his descendants upholding Torah values. The covenant was not automatic—it depended on future generations following 'the way of the Lord.' This shows the importance of transmitting faith through education and action.