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Genesis 23:7 - Respect for local inhabitants

Genesis 23:7 - בראשית 23:7

Hebrew Text

וַיָּקָם אַבְרָהָם וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ לְעַם־הָאָרֶץ לִבְנֵי־חֵת׃

English Translation

And Avraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, to the children of Ḥet.

Transliteration

Vayakam Avraham vayishtachu le'am ha'aretz livnei Chet.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֧קׇם אַבְרָהָ֛ם וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ לְעַם־הָאָ֖רֶץ לִבְנֵי־חֵֽת׃
וַיָּ֧קׇם אַבְרָהָ֛ם וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ לְעַם־הָאָ֖רֶץ לִבְנֵי־חֵֽת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Avraham's Act of Respect

The verse (Bereishit 23:7) describes Avraham Avinu rising and bowing to the children of Ḥet (the Hittites) when negotiating for the burial plot of Me'arat HaMachpelah. This gesture demonstrates Avraham's exemplary middot (character traits) and his approach to diplomacy and interpersonal relationships.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (ad loc.) explains that Avraham bowed as a sign of gratitude and respect because the children of Ḥet had referred to him as "a prince of G-d among us" (Bereishit 23:6). This teaches the principle of hakarat hatov (recognizing and acknowledging kindness), as Avraham responded to their honor with humility.

Rambam on Derech Eretz

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 5:7) emphasizes the importance of showing respect to others, even to those who are not part of Bnei Yisrael, when they act with dignity. Avraham's bowing reflects the Torah's value of derech eretz (proper conduct) and peaceful relations with neighbors.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (58:6): Avraham's bowing was not merely a physical act but a demonstration of his humility. Despite being chosen by Hashem, he did not consider himself superior to others.
  • Sforno (ad loc.): Avraham's bowing was also strategic—by showing respect, he ensured that the negotiations for Me'arat HaMachpelah would proceed smoothly, setting an example for future dealings between Bnei Yisrael and other nations.

Halachic Perspective

The Gemara (Kiddushin 33a) discusses the limits of bowing to another person, generally prohibiting excessive bowing (as it may resemble idolatrous practices). However, Avraham's bowing was permissible because it was an expression of gratitude and diplomacy, not worship. This aligns with the principle that respect for others must never compromise the exclusive reverence due to Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham bow to the children of Ḥet?
A: Avraham bowed to the children of Ḥet as a sign of respect and gratitude when they offered him the Cave of Machpelah to bury Sarah (Genesis 23:7). Rashi explains that this teaches the importance of showing appreciation and honor, even to those who are not part of Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel).
Q: What can we learn from Avraham's humility in this verse?
A: Avraham, despite being a great leader and prophet, humbly bowed to the people of Ḥet. The Midrash teaches that humility is a key trait of the righteous, and Avraham’s actions remind us to treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their background.
Q: Why is this interaction with the children of Ḥet important in the Torah?
A: This interaction is significant because it marks the first Jewish acquisition of land in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel)—the Cave of Machpelah. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 11:1) notes that this purchase established a lasting Jewish claim to the land, reinforcing its eternal connection to the Jewish people.
Q: How does Avraham’s behavior in this verse apply to us today?
A: Avraham’s conduct teaches us derech eretz (proper manners) and the importance of showing gratitude. The Talmud (Berachot 6b) states that one should always acknowledge kindness, whether from Jews or non-Jews, as Avraham did with the children of Ḥet.