share torah logo

Genesis 20:13 - Divine wandering tests faith.

Genesis 20:13 - בראשית 20:13

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר הִתְעוּ אֹתִי אֱלֹהִים מִבֵּית אָבִי וָאֹמַר לָהּ זֶה חַסְדֵּךְ אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשִׂי עִמָּדִי אֶל כָּל־הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר נָבוֹא שָׁמָּה אִמְרִי־לִי אָחִי הוּא׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt show to me; at every place where we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.

Transliteration

Vay'hi ka'asher hit'u oti Elohim mibeit avi va'omar lah zeh chasdech asher ta'asi imadi el kol-hamakom asher navo shamah imri-li achi hu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֞י כַּאֲשֶׁ֧ר הִתְע֣וּ אֹתִ֗י אֱלֹהִים֮ מִבֵּ֣ית אָבִי֒ וָאֹמַ֣ר לָ֔הּ זֶ֣ה חַסְדֵּ֔ךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעֲשִׂ֖י עִמָּדִ֑י אֶ֤ל כׇּל־הַמָּקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר נָב֣וֹא שָׁ֔מָּה אִמְרִי־לִ֖י אָחִ֥י הֽוּא׃
וַיְהִ֞י כַּאֲשֶׁ֧ר הִתְע֣וּ אֹתִ֗י אֱלֹהִים֮ מִבֵּ֣ית אָבִי֒ וָאֹמַ֣ר לָ֔הּ זֶ֣ה חַסְדֵּ֔ךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעֲשִׂ֖י עִמָּדִ֑י אֶ֤ל כׇּל־הַמָּקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר נָב֣וֹא שָׁ֔מָּה אִמְרִי־לִ֖י אָחִ֥י הֽוּא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 20:13) is part of Avraham Avinu's explanation to Avimelech, king of Gerar, regarding why he asked Sarah to say that she was his sister rather than his wife. The situation arises after Avimelech takes Sarah into his household, unaware that she is married to Avraham, and Hashem intervenes in a dream to prevent Avimelech from sinning.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Avraham is recounting an agreement he made with Sarah when they left his father's house. The phrase "וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר הִתְעוּ אֹתִי אֱלֹהִים" ("when God caused me to wander") refers to Hashem guiding Avraham away from his family and homeland (Lech Lecha). Rashi emphasizes that this was not a punishment but a divine directive for Avraham's spiritual mission.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:24) discusses Avraham's reasoning in this situation as an example of permissible deception in cases of pikuach nefesh (saving a life). Avraham feared that if others knew Sarah was his wife, they would kill him to take her, given her beauty. Thus, he instructed her to say he was her brother to avoid danger.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 52:12) notes that Avraham's request was not out of cowardice but a calculated strategy to ensure their survival while continuing their divine mission.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayeira 8) highlights Sarah's righteousness in agreeing to this plan, demonstrating her loyalty to Avraham and their shared commitment to spreading monotheism.

Halachic Considerations

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 57a) discusses whether Avraham's instruction to Sarah was halachically justified. The consensus is that in situations of mortal danger (sakanat nefashot), one may deviate from the truth to preserve life, based on the principle of "וחי בהם" ("and you shall live by them" – Vayikra 18:5).

Moral and Ethical Lessons

This episode teaches:

  • The importance of trust in Hashem's guidance, even when the path seems uncertain.
  • The balance between truth and survival, where preserving life takes precedence in extreme circumstances.
  • The partnership between Avraham and Sarah, showing how their mutual commitment enabled them to fulfill their divine mission despite challenges.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 20:13 mean when Avraham says 'God caused me to wander from my father’s house'?
A: According to Rashi, this verse refers to Avraham being forced to leave his father’s home due to divine guidance (Lech Lecha). It emphasizes that his journey was directed by Hashem, not by his own choice alone. The wandering was part of his spiritual mission to spread monotheism.
Q: Why did Avraham ask Sarah to say he was her brother in Genesis 20:13?
A: The Ramban explains that Avraham was concerned for his safety because people might kill him to take Sarah, who was very beautiful. By presenting themselves as siblings, he hoped to avoid direct confrontation while still protecting her. This was a practical precaution in a dangerous time.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham’s statement in Genesis 20:13?
A: The Midrash teaches that this verse highlights Avraham’s deep trust in Hashem even in uncertain situations. Despite wandering without a permanent home, he remained faithful. It teaches us to rely on divine providence while taking reasonable steps to protect ourselves and our families.
Q: How does Genesis 20:13 relate to the concept of 'Chesed' (kindness)?
A: Avraham refers to Sarah’s agreement as an act of 'chesed' (kindness) because she risked her safety to protect him. The Talmud (Yevamot 79a) notes that chesed is a defining trait of the Jewish people, and this verse shows mutual devotion between husband and wife as a form of kindness.
Q: Was Avraham justified in asking Sarah to say he was her brother?
A: The commentators debate this. Rashi suggests it was a necessary precaution, while Ramban criticizes Avraham for potentially endangering Sarah. However, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 19b) notes that all actions of our forefathers serve as ethical lessons, teaching us to balance trust in Hashem with practical wisdom.