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Genesis 21:22 - Royal recognition of divine favor

Genesis 21:22 - בראשית 21:22

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי בָּעֵת הַהִוא וַיֹּאמֶר אֲבִימֶלֶךְ וּפִיכֹל שַׂר־צְבָאוֹ אֶל־אַבְרָהָם לֵאמֹר אֱלֹהִים עִמְּךָ בְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּה עֹשֶׂה׃

English Translation

And it came to pass at that time, that Avimelekh and Pikhol captain of his host spoke to Avraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:

Transliteration

Vayehi ba'et hahi vayomer Avimelech uFikhol sar tzva'o el-Avraham lemor Elohim imcha bekhol asher-atah oseh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְהִי֙ בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֔וא וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ וּפִיכֹל֙ שַׂר־צְבָא֔וֹ אֶל־אַבְרָהָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר אֱלֹהִ֣ים עִמְּךָ֔ בְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֖ה עֹשֶֽׂה׃
וַֽיְהִי֙ בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֔וא וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ וּפִיכֹל֙ שַׂר־צְבָא֔וֹ אֶל־אַבְרָהָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר אֱלֹהִ֣ים עִמְּךָ֔ בְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֖ה עֹשֶֽׂה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 21:22) appears after Avraham's interactions with Avimelekh, king of Gerar, and the resolution of their dispute over the wells. Avimelekh acknowledges Avraham's divine favor, recognizing that Hashem is with him in all his endeavors. This recognition comes after witnessing Avraham's success and the miraculous nature of his life.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Avimelekh and Pikhol observed that everything Avraham did was blessed and successful. They saw that when Avraham planted trees in Be'er Sheva, they grew immediately (as hinted in the next verse, 21:33). This miraculous growth demonstrated that divine providence accompanied Avraham's actions. Rashi also notes that Pikhol's name ("Peh-kol" – "mouth of all") suggests he was the spokesman for Avimelekh's army, emphasizing the formal diplomatic nature of their statement.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:24) discusses how Avraham's righteousness and adherence to divine wisdom caused even foreign kings to recognize Hashem's presence in his life. This aligns with the principle that a tzaddik's deeds sanctify Hashem's name publicly, leading others to acknowledge divine providence.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (54:4): The Midrash states that Avimelekh saw Avraham's tent was blessed—wherever he dwelled, his crops, flocks, and household prospered. This tangible blessing forced even a pagan king to admit, "God is with you in all that you do."
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Chayei Sarah 4): The phrase "in all that you do" implies that Avraham's divine connection was evident in both spiritual and material matters, showing a harmony between his faith and worldly success.

Theological Implications

The declaration by Avimelekh highlights a key theme in Avraham's life: his role as a conduit for kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name). Even those outside the covenant recognized Hashem's hand in Avraham's life, fulfilling the promise that through him, "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Bereshit 12:3). This verse thus serves as a testimony to Avraham's successful mission of spreading awareness of the One God.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 21:22 mean when it says 'God is with thee in all that thou doest'?
A: This verse means that even Avimelekh, a non-Jewish king, recognized that Hashem was guiding and protecting Avraham in everything he did. Rashi explains that Avimelekh saw how Avraham succeeded in all his endeavors, which showed divine favor. This teaches us that when we live righteously, even outsiders can see Hashem's presence in our lives.
Q: Why did Avimelekh and Pikhol come to speak to Avraham in Genesis 21:22?
A: According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 54:1), Avimelekh came to make a treaty with Avraham after seeing how Hashem blessed him. The Ramban adds that Avimelekh wanted to ensure peaceful relations, recognizing Avraham's growing influence and divine protection. This shows how righteous behavior can lead to respect and peaceful coexistence with others.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 21:22 about divine providence?
A: The verse teaches that when we serve Hashem faithfully like Avraham, His presence becomes evident in our lives. The Sforno explains that Avraham's consistent righteousness made it obvious to others that Hashem was with him. This reminds us that our actions should reflect our connection to Hashem so clearly that others recognize it too.
Q: How does Genesis 21:22 apply to our lives today?
A: Just as Avraham's divine connection was visible to others, we should strive to live in a way that sanctifies Hashem's name. The Talmud (Yoma 86a) teaches that when Jews act properly, it brings honor to Hashem. This verse encourages us to behave with integrity and faith so that others may recognize the truth of Torah through our actions.
Q: Who was Pikhol mentioned in Genesis 21:22 and why is he important?
A: Pikhol was the general of Avimelekh's army. Rashi notes that his name ('Pikhol') hints at his sharp ('pike'ach') wisdom. His presence shows that this was an important diplomatic mission. The inclusion of both political (Avimelekh) and military (Pikhol) leadership demonstrates how seriously they took Avraham's growing influence under Hashem's protection.