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Genesis 26:5 - Abraham's faithful obedience rewarded

Genesis 26:5 - בראשית 26:5

Hebrew Text

עֵקֶב אֲשֶׁר־שָׁמַע אַבְרָהָם בְּקֹלִי וַיִּשְׁמֹר מִשְׁמַרְתִּי מִצְוֺתַי חֻקּוֹתַי וְתוֹרֹתָי׃

English Translation

because Avraham obeyed My voice, and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.

Transliteration

Ekev asher-shama Avraham bekoli vayishmor mishmarti mitzvotai chukotai vetorotai.

Hebrew Leining Text

עֵ֕קֶב אֲשֶׁר־שָׁמַ֥ע אַבְרָהָ֖ם בְּקֹלִ֑י וַיִּשְׁמֹר֙ מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֔י מִצְוֺתַ֖י חֻקּוֹתַ֥י וְתוֹרֹתָֽי׃
עֵ֕קֶב אֲשֶׁר־שָׁמַ֥ע אַבְרָהָ֖ם בְּקֹלִ֑י וַיִּשְׁמֹר֙ מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֔י מִצְוֺתַ֖י חֻקּוֹתַ֥י וְתוֹרֹתָֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Meaning of "עֵקֶב אֲשֶׁר־שָׁמַע אַבְרָהָם"

Rashi explains that the word "עֵקֶב" (translated as "because") alludes to the concept of reward for mitzvot that may seem minor or like "heel" (עֵקֶב) in comparison to others. Avraham Avinu's unwavering commitment to Hashem's will, even in seemingly small matters, earned him this divine recognition.

Avraham's Obedience: "שָׁמַע בְּקֹלִי"

The phrase "שָׁמַע בְּקֹלִי" ("obeyed My voice") refers to Avraham's readiness to follow Hashem's commands without hesitation. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 1:3) highlights that Avraham recognized Hashem through intellectual inquiry but ultimately submitted to divine commandments with complete faith. This is exemplified by the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak), where Avraham demonstrated ultimate obedience.

The Layers of Divine Commandments

The verse enumerates four categories of Avraham's observance:

  • "מִשְׁמַרְתִּי" ("My charge") – Rashi interprets this as safeguards to prevent transgression, such as the fences Avraham established around mitzvot.
  • "מִצְוֺתַי" ("My commandments") – These are the rational mitzvot, such as acts of kindness (gemilut chasadim), which Avraham naturally embraced.
  • "חֻקּוֹתַי" ("My statutes") – These are decrees beyond human understanding, like the laws of kashrut, which Avraham observed despite their lack of apparent reason.
  • "תוֹרֹתָי" ("My laws") – The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 49:4) explains this refers to the entire Torah, which Avraham studied and kept even before it was formally given at Sinai.

Avraham's Pre-Sinai Observance

The Talmud (Yoma 28b) teaches that Avraham fulfilled the entire Torah, including rabbinic enactments, through divine inspiration. The Sforno adds that Avraham internalized Hashem's teachings so deeply that they became his own "Torah," guiding his every action.

The Reward of Continuity

According to the Kli Yakar, the verse emphasizes that Avraham's merit was not just in performing mitzvot, but in transmitting this legacy to his descendants. His obedience ensured the eternal covenant with the Jewish people, as the next verse (Genesis 26:5) transitions to the promise given to Yitzchak.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 28b
The verse is cited to demonstrate that Abraham observed the entire Torah even before it was given, including the commandments, statutes, and laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 26:5 mean when it says Avraham kept Hashem's commandments?
A: The verse means that Avraham Avinu (our forefather Abraham) faithfully observed all of Hashem's instructions even before the Torah was formally given at Mount Sinai. According to Rashi, this refers to the mitzvot Avraham kept through his understanding and devotion, including acts of kindness (chesed) and following ethical principles.
Q: Why is Avraham praised for keeping commandments before the Torah was given?
A: Avraham is praised because he recognized and followed Hashem's will through his own wisdom and righteousness. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Hilchot Avodah Zarah that Avraham discovered monotheism and moral living on his own, setting an example for future generations. His commitment was so complete that he even observed rabbinic laws (derabanan) before they were instituted (Yoma 28b).
Q: What is the difference between 'commandments,' 'statutes,' and 'laws' in this verse?
A: Traditional Jewish sources explain these terms with precision: 'Commandments' (mitzvot) refer to ethical and ritual laws, 'statutes' (chukim) are laws whose reasons are not easily understood (like kashrut), and 'laws' (torot) include teachings and traditions passed down. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) notes that Avraham even kept the 'eruv tavshilin,' a rabbinic law, showing his total devotion.
Q: How can we apply Avraham's example in our lives today?
A: We learn from Avraham to serve Hashem with complete dedication, even when it requires personal effort or understanding. The Talmud (Kiddushin 4:14) teaches that Avraham's legacy reminds us to perform mitzvot with love and to pass on Torah values to the next generation. Just as he welcomed guests (hachnasat orchim), we too should prioritize kindness and Torah observance in daily life.