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Genesis 19:27 - Avraham's dawn prayer devotion

Genesis 19:27 - בראשית 19:27

Hebrew Text

וַיַּשְׁכֵּם אַבְרָהָם בַּבֹּקֶר אֶל־הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר־עָמַד שָׁם אֶת־פְּנֵי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And Avraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the Lord:

Transliteration

Va'yashkem Avraham ba'boker el-hamakom asher-amad sham et-pnei Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֥ם אַבְרָהָ֖ם בַּבֹּ֑קֶר אֶ֨ל־הַמָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁר־עָ֥מַד שָׁ֖ם אֶת־פְּנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֥ם אַבְרָהָ֖ם בַּבֹּ֑קֶר אֶ֨ל־הַמָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁר־עָ֥מַד שָׁ֖ם אֶת־פְּנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Avraham's Early Morning Devotion

The verse states, "וַיַּשְׁכֵּם אַבְרָהָם בַּבֹּקֶר" ("And Avraham went early in the morning"), highlighting Avraham Avinu's exceptional diligence in serving Hashem. Rashi (Bereshit 19:27) explains that this demonstrates Avraham's zerizut (alacrity) in performing mitzvot, as he did not delay his return to the place where he had previously stood before Hashem. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 52:5) further emphasizes that righteous individuals like Avraham are swift in their service to G-d, as it says, "They will run and not grow weary" (Yeshayahu 40:31).

The Significance of "The Place"

The phrase "אֶל־הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר־עָמַד שָׁם" ("to the place where he had stood") carries deep meaning. Ramban (Bereshit 19:27) suggests this refers to the site of the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak) on Har HaMoriah, which later became the location of the Beit HaMikdash. The Talmud (Pesachim 88a) teaches that Avraham called it "the place" (המקום), establishing a tradition of referring to Hashem as "HaMakom" (The Omnipresent), as He is the Place of the world.

Standing Before Hashem

The expression "עָמַד שָׁם אֶת־פְּנֵי יְהוָה" ("stood there before the Lord") is interpreted by Sforno as indicating Avraham's posture of prayer. The Gemara (Berachot 26b) derives from here that Avraham instituted the Shacharit (morning) prayer. The Kli Yakar adds that "standing before Hashem" implies complete submission and readiness to fulfill the divine will, as Avraham demonstrated throughout his life.

Lessons in Avodat Hashem

  • Zerizut in Mitzvot: Avraham's immediate action teaches the importance of performing mitzvot without delay (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot De'ot 1:5).
  • Consistency in Prayer: The regular return to "the place" shows the value of establishing fixed times and places for prayer (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 90:18).
  • Early Morning Spirituality: Rising early for divine service sets the proper tone for the entire day (Tur, Orach Chaim 1).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 6b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of early morning prayer, drawing a parallel between Avraham's early rising to stand before the Lord and the practice of praying at dawn.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 16b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing divine judgment and mercy, illustrating how Avraham's actions demonstrate proper devotion and standing before God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham wake up early in the morning (Genesis 19:27)?
A: Rashi explains that Avraham woke up early because he was eager to fulfill the mitzvah (commandment) of praying to Hashem. This teaches us the importance of being diligent and enthusiastic in serving G-d, especially in prayer (tefillah).
Q: What is the significance of 'the place where he had stood before the Lord' in Genesis 19:27?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 6b) teaches that this refers to the place where Avraham established prayer (the future Temple Mount in Jerusalem). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 39:16) adds that this was the same place where Adam, Kayin, and Hevel brought offerings, showing its holiness throughout generations.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham's actions in Genesis 19:27?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 1:4) derives from this verse that prayer should be said in the morning, following Avraham's example. Additionally, it teaches us the importance of consistency in serving Hashem - Avraham returned to the same holy place where he previously connected with G-d.
Q: How does Genesis 19:27 relate to Jewish prayer today?
A: This verse establishes the concept of Shacharit (morning prayers) in Judaism. Just as Avraham prayed in the morning, we continue this tradition today. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 89:1) rules that the optimal time for Shacharit is at dawn, following Avraham's example of rising early for prayer.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize that Avraham 'stood' before Hashem in Genesis 19:27?
A: Rashi notes that 'standing' before Hashem refers to prayer, as prayer is called 'amidah' (standing) in Hebrew. The Talmud (Berachot 26b) explains that the Patriarchs established the three daily prayers, with Avraham instituting Shacharit (morning prayer), as seen in this verse.