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Genesis 21:24 - Avraham's oath of peace

Genesis 21:24 - בראשית 21:24

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אַבְרָהָם אָנֹכִי אִשָּׁבֵעַ׃

English Translation

And Avraham said, I will swear.

Transliteration

Va'yomer avraham anokhi ishave'a

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם אָנֹכִ֖י אִשָּׁבֵֽעַ׃
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם אָנֹכִ֖י אִשָּׁבֵֽעַ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 21:24) occurs during Avraham's interaction with Avimelech, king of Gerar, after the incident involving Sarah. Avimelech seeks to establish a covenant with Avraham, and Avraham responds by agreeing to swear an oath.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 21:24) explains that Avraham's willingness to swear demonstrates his commitment to honesty and peaceful relations with Avimelech. The term "אִשָּׁבֵעַ" (I will swear) indicates a formal oath, which in this context serves to establish trust between the two parties. Rashi notes that Avraham did not rely solely on his word but affirmed it with an oath to remove any doubt.

Rambam's Perspective on Oaths

Rambam (Hilchot Shevuot 1:1-2) discusses the gravity of oaths in Jewish law. An oath (שְׁבוּעָה) is a solemn declaration invoking Hashem's name, binding the speaker to fulfill their commitment. Avraham's oath here reflects his understanding of its seriousness and his desire to uphold justice and truth in his dealings.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (54:4) highlights that Avraham's oath was not taken lightly. It was a strategic act to ensure future peace and prevent conflict between his descendants and Avimelech's people.
  • The Midrash also connects this oath to Avraham's broader role as a model of דֶּרֶךְ אֶרֶץ (proper conduct) and diplomacy, teaching the importance of resolving disputes through mutual agreements.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Shevuot 35a) elaborates on the laws of oaths, emphasizing that they must be made with clear intent and reverence. Avraham's oath sets a precedent for how Bnei Yisrael should approach commitments, especially in interactions with other nations.

Symbolism of Avraham's Oath

Commentators like the Sforno suggest that Avraham's willingness to swear reflects his unwavering trust in Hashem. By invoking an oath, Avraham demonstrates that his word is inseparable from his faith, reinforcing the idea that a tzaddik's promises are sacred.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham swear an oath in Genesis 21:24?
A: Avraham swore an oath to Avimelech to establish a peaceful treaty between them (Rashi on Genesis 21:23). This shows the importance of creating binding agreements to maintain peace between parties.
Q: What can we learn from Avraham making an oath?
A: We learn that oaths are serious matters in Judaism and should only be taken when absolutely necessary. The Talmud (Shevuot 39a) teaches about the gravity of oaths and how they create sacred obligations.
Q: How does this verse about swearing apply to us today?
A: This teaches us to be careful with our words and commitments. The Rambam (Hilchot Shevuot) explains that Jewish law has strict guidelines about oaths, showing how seriously we must take our promises and agreements.