Avraham redeems captives

הרב צבי דוידסון

This weeks parsha reveals another aspect of Avraham's personality, the brave and courageous soldier.

The four invading kings seized the wealth of Sodom and took Lot captive.

ֲ The posuk emphasizes that he was Avraham's nephew, a fact we already know, to allude to the reason that they took Lot, they wished to lure Avraham into the war.

The Seforno writes it was for a financial benefit. They knew Avraham to be a very wealthy individual and were hoping to demand a high ransom for Lot.

The Zohar however (lech lecha 23) gives a new level of depth. Hashem has a plan, everything that happens is part of Hashem's plan.ֲ

It wasn't really the plan of the Four kings to capture Lot, it was Hashem's plan that he planted in them.

But why? What does Hashem stand to benefit from this in His world plan, is it something we can understand?

Not always, but here the Zohar teaches us that Avraham was Hashem's emissary to spread His Name amongst the world and by defeating the evil in battle, His Name becomes known and respected as one who brings good to the world.

This in turn can enable the entire world to acknowledge Hashem through those who represent Him.

Avraham didn't ask for this battle, but Hashem set it up for him, as part of Avraham's mission in the world, and he fulfilled it with devotion and dedication.

מעשה אבות סימן לבנים...

The entire world looks at the Jewish people now, as we enter a battle that we did not ask for. A battle of removing evil from the world. We each have a part in it and may we fulfil it with devotion and dedication.

And as we return successful from this battle and attribute the success to Hashem, let the nations of the world greet us and bless Hashem saying:

ברוך קל עליון אשר מגן צריך בידך

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