share torah logo

Genesis 21:33 - Avraham's eternal faith planting

Genesis 21:33 - בראשית 21:33

Hebrew Text

וַיִּטַּע אֶשֶׁל בִּבְאֵר שָׁבַע וַיִּקְרָא־שָׁם בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה אֵל עוֹלָם׃

English Translation

And Avraham planted a tamarisk in Be᾽er-sheva, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.

Transliteration

Vayita eshel biv'er sheva vayikra-sham beshem Adonai El olam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּטַּ֥ע אֶ֖שֶׁל בִּבְאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וַיִּ֨קְרָא־שָׁ֔ם בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהֹוָ֖ה אֵ֥ל עוֹלָֽם׃
וַיִּטַּ֥ע אֶ֖שֶׁל בִּבְאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וַיִּ֨קְרָא־שָׁ֔ם בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהֹוָ֖ה אֵ֥ל עוֹלָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Avraham's Planting of an Eshel

The verse states: "וַיִּטַּע אֶשֶׁל בִּבְאֵר שָׁבַע וַיִּקְרָא־שָׁם בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה אֵל עוֹלָם" ("And Avraham planted a tamarisk in Be'er-sheva, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God"). Rashi (Bereishit 21:33) explains that the word "אֶשֶׁל" (eshel) refers not merely to a tree but to an orchard or an inn for wayfarers. According to this interpretation, Avraham planted trees to provide shade and sustenance for travelers, embodying the mitzvah of הכנסת אורחים (hachnasat orchim, hospitality).

The Significance of Be'er Sheva

Be'er Sheva is mentioned as the location where Avraham planted the eshel. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 54:6) connects this place to the covenant Avraham made with Avimelech, where he swore ("שָׁבַע") not to deceive him. Thus, Be'er Sheva symbolizes a place of truth and divine connection, where Avraham proclaimed the name of "ה' אֵל עוֹלָם" ("the Lord, the everlasting God").

Calling in the Name of Hashem

The phrase "וַיִּקְרָא־שָׁם בְּשֵׁם ה'" ("and called there on the name of the Lord") echoes Avraham's earlier actions (e.g., Bereishit 12:8). Ramban (Bereishit 12:8) explains that Avraham publicly proclaimed monotheism, teaching others about Hashem's sovereignty. Here, in Be'er Sheva, he reinforced this mission, emphasizing that Hashem is "אֵל עוֹלָם" ("the everlasting God"), eternal and unchanging.

The Eshel as a Symbol of Avraham's Legacy

The Talmud (Sotah 10a) elaborates that the eshel represents Avraham's commitment to kindness. By planting it, he ensured future generations would benefit from his deeds. The Maharal (Gur Aryeh, Bereishit 21:33) adds that the eshel symbolizes stability—just as a tree takes root, Avraham's teachings and values were meant to endure.

  • Rashi: The eshel was an inn for travelers, reflecting Avraham's hospitality.
  • Midrash: Be'er Sheva signifies covenant and divine truth.
  • Ramban: Avraham proclaimed Hashem's eternal sovereignty.
  • Talmud & Maharal: The eshel represents lasting kindness and spiritual legacy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 10a
The verse is cited in a discussion about Abraham's actions and his establishment of a place of worship in Be'er-sheva.
📖 Avodah Zarah 53b
Mentioned in the context of discussing the prohibition of idolatry and contrasting it with Abraham's worship of the true God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Avraham planted an 'eshel' (tamarisk) in Be'er Sheva?
A: Rashi explains that 'eshel' refers to an orchard or inn where Avraham provided food, drink, and lodging for travelers. This demonstrated his kindness (chesed) and helped spread awareness of Hashem's presence in the world.
Q: Why did Avraham call out in the name of 'Hashem, the everlasting God'?
A: The Ramban teaches that Avraham was proclaiming Hashem's eternal nature and sovereignty over all generations. By doing this in Be'er Sheva - a place associated with oaths (shevuah) - he emphasized that God's covenant is everlasting.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham planting the eshel?
A: The Midrash (Sotah 10a) teaches that this shows the importance of hospitality (hachnasat orchim). Just as Avraham used the eshel to serve others physically and spiritually, we should look for ways to help others and bring them closer to Torah values.
Q: Why is this verse important in understanding Avraham's mission?
A: This verse demonstrates Avraham's dual approach: 1) Practical kindness through the eshel, and 2) Spiritual leadership by proclaiming Hashem's name. The Sforno explains this shows true service of God involves both actions and beliefs.
Q: How does Avraham's action apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 10a) derives from this that one who provides hospitality is greater than one who merely receives the Divine Presence. This teaches us to actively create opportunities for kindness and Torah learning in our communities.