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Genesis 21:25 - Avraham defends justice, confronts king

Genesis 21:25 - בראשית 21:25

Hebrew Text

וְהוֹכִחַ אַבְרָהָם אֶת־אֲבִימֶלֶךְ עַל־אֹדוֹת בְּאֵר הַמַּיִם אֲשֶׁר גָּזְלוּ עַבְדֵי אֲבִימֶלֶךְ׃

English Translation

And Avraham reproved Avimelekh because of the well of water, which Avimelekh’s servants had violently taken away.

Transliteration

Vehokhiakh Avraham et-Avimelekh al-odot be'er hamayim asher gazlu avdei Avimelekh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהוֹכִ֥חַ אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶת־אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ עַל־אֹדוֹת֙ בְּאֵ֣ר הַמַּ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר גָּזְל֖וּ עַבְדֵ֥י אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃
וְהוֹכִ֥חַ אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶת־אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ עַל־אֹדוֹת֙ בְּאֵ֣ר הַמַּ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר גָּזְל֖וּ עַבְדֵ֥י אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Context of the Dispute

The verse (Bereishit 21:25) describes Avraham's confrontation with Avimelekh regarding a stolen well. Rashi explains that this incident occurred after Avimelekh and his general, Pichol, made a covenant with Avraham at Be'er Sheva (Bereishit 21:22-24). Despite this treaty, Avimelekh's servants seized a well that belonged to Avraham, prompting his rebuke.

Avraham's Approach to Conflict Resolution

Ramban (Bereishit 21:25) highlights that Avraham did not remain silent about the injustice but chose to confront Avimelekh directly. This demonstrates the importance of standing up for one's rights in a respectful yet firm manner, even when dealing with powerful rulers. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 54:3) notes that Avraham's reproof was measured and purposeful, seeking justice rather than vengeance.

The Significance of the Well

  • Material and Spiritual Sustenance: The Talmud (Bava Kamma 82a) teaches that wells symbolize Torah and divine wisdom. Avraham's concern for the well reflects his commitment to ensuring both physical and spiritual resources remain accessible to his household and future generations.
  • Ownership and Legacy: The Sforno explains that wells were critical for survival in the arid region, making their theft a severe violation. Avraham's insistence on reclaiming the well reinforced his rightful ownership and the principle of honesty in dealings.

Avimelekh's Response and the Covenant

Following Avraham's rebuke, Avimelekh claimed ignorance of the theft (Bereishit 21:26), leading to a formal agreement marked by the exchange of sheep and oxen (Bereishit 21:27-30). The Radak emphasizes that this covenant established lasting boundaries and mutual respect, with the well named "Be'er Sheva" (Well of the Oath) as a testament to their treaty.

Moral Lessons

  • Confronting Injustice: Avraham models the balance between diplomacy and moral courage, teaching that one must not overlook wrongdoing, even at personal risk.
  • Peaceful Resolution: The resolution through dialogue and covenant, rather than violence, aligns with the Torah's preference for shalom (peace) when possible (Pirkei Avot 1:12).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham confront Avimelekh about the stolen well?
A: Avraham confronted Avimelekh because his servants had seized a well that belonged to Avraham. According to Rashi, this teaches us the importance of standing up for justice and protecting one's property rights, even when dealing with powerful leaders like Avimelekh.
Q: What does this verse teach us about conflict resolution?
A: The verse shows that Avraham chose to address the issue directly but respectfully with Avimelekh rather than retaliating or remaining silent. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:6) teaches that proper rebuke should be given privately and with care to avoid shaming others, which Avraham models here.
Q: Why is the well so important in this story?
A: Wells were vital sources of life in the desert, representing both physical survival and spiritual sustenance (as water often symbolizes Torah in Jewish thought). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 54:4) notes that Avraham's wells were later associated with places where the Jewish people would receive divine inspiration, showing how material resources can have spiritual significance.