share torah logo

Genesis 19:21 - Divine mercy saves Zoar.

Genesis 19:21 - בראשית 19:21

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו הִנֵּה נָשָׂאתִי פָנֶיךָ גַּם לַדָּבָר הַזֶּה לְבִלְתִּי הָפְכִּי אֶת־הָעִיר אֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְתָּ׃

English Translation

And he said to him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for which thou hast spoken.

Transliteration

Vayomer elav hine nasati paneicha gam ladavar hazeh levilti hofchi et-ha'ir asher dibarta.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔יו הִנֵּה֙ נָשָׂ֣אתִי פָנֶ֔יךָ גַּ֖ם לַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה לְבִלְתִּ֛י הׇפְכִּ֥י אֶת־הָעִ֖יר אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּֽרְתָּ׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔יו הִנֵּה֙ נָשָׂ֣אתִי פָנֶ֔יךָ גַּ֖ם לַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה לְבִלְתִּ֛י הׇפְכִּ֥י אֶת־הָעִ֖יר אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּֽרְתָּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bereishit 19:21) appears during the dialogue between Avraham Avinu and Hashem regarding the fate of Sodom. Avraham had pleaded for the city's salvation if even a small number of righteous individuals could be found there. This verse is Hashem's response, affirming that He will not destroy the city of Tzo'ar (referred to as "this city") due to Avraham's merit and intercession.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereishit 19:21) explains the phrase "נָשָׂאתִי פָנֶיךָ" ("I have accepted thee") as an expression of favor or granting a request. He notes that Hashem is agreeing to Avraham's earlier plea (Bereishit 18:23-32) to spare the city if righteous people are found. Rashi emphasizes that this demonstrates the power of a tzaddik's prayer and the merit of Avraham before Hashem.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Mercy

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:54), Rambam discusses how Hashem's responses to human prayers reflect divine wisdom and mercy. This verse exemplifies how Hashem tempers strict justice with compassion when a righteous individual like Avraham advocates for others, even when they may not fully deserve it.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (51:2) states that this interaction shows how the prayers of the righteous can "overturn" divine decrees, using the language of "לְבִלְתִּי הָפְכִּי" ("that I will not overthrow").
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayera 10) teaches that Avraham's merit was so great that Hashem granted his request even for an entire city, highlighting the concept of zechut avot (merit of the forefathers).

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Rosh Hashanah 17b) derives from this verse that Hashem's attribute of mercy is activated when the righteous pray for others. This principle is foundational in Jewish thought regarding the power of tefillah (prayer) and the importance of advocating for others.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Sefat Emet (Vayera) explains that Avraham's plea was not merely to save the city, but to reveal the hidden sparks of kedushah (holiness) within it. Hashem's response shows that even in places like Sodom, there are elements worth preserving when viewed through the lens of a tzaddik's vision.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 62b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about divine mercy and the power of prayer, illustrating how Abraham's intercession for Sodom was accepted by God.
📖 Sanhedrin 108b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, emphasizing God's mercy in response to Abraham's plea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'I have accepted thee concerning this thing also' mean in Genesis 19:21?
A: In Genesis 19:21, Hashem is telling Lot that He has granted his request to spare the city of Zoar from destruction. Rashi explains that this shows Hashem's kindness and willingness to listen to the prayers of the righteous, even in difficult circumstances.
Q: Why did Hashem agree not to overthrow the city of Zoar?
A: Hashem agreed not to destroy Zoar because of Lot's request (Genesis 19:20-21). The Midrash teaches that this demonstrates the power of prayer and how Hashem may show mercy when a righteous person intercedes, even for a place that may not fully deserve it.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 19:21 about prayer?
A: From Genesis 19:21, we learn that sincere prayer can have a real impact. The Rambam teaches that prayer is one of the foundations of serving Hashem, and this verse shows that even in dire situations, heartfelt requests can bring about divine compassion and change outcomes.
Q: How does the phrase 'I will not overthrow this city' apply to us today?
A: The promise 'I will not overthrow this city' (Genesis 19:21) reminds us that Hashem is merciful and responds to sincere appeals. Today, this teaches us the importance of praying for others and trusting in Hashem's kindness, as the Talmud (Berachot 10a) states that the gates of prayer are always open.
Q: What is the significance of Lot speaking up for Zoar in this verse?
A: Lot's plea for Zoar (Genesis 19:21) shows that even a flawed individual can influence divine decisions through prayer. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 17b) teaches that Hashem's attribute of mercy is vast, and this incident highlights how advocating for others can bring about salvation, even in seemingly hopeless situations.