Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 13:17 mean when Hashem tells Avraham to walk through the land?
A: According to Rashi, when Hashem tells Avraham to walk through the land, it symbolizes taking possession of it. By traversing its length and breadth, Avraham demonstrates his ownership, as was the custom in ancient times when acquiring property. This act strengthens Avraham's connection to Eretz Yisrael, the land promised to him and his descendants.
Q: Why is walking through the land significant in Genesis 13:17?
A: The Ramban explains that walking through the land serves as a prophetic act, affirming Hashem's promise to Avraham and his descendants. It also shows Avraham's faith in Hashem's word, as he physically claims the land even before his offspring inherit it. This teaches us the importance of actively demonstrating our trust in divine promises.
Q: How does Genesis 13:17 apply to Jews today?
A: The Midrash teaches that Avraham’s journey through the land establishes an eternal bond between the Jewish people and Eretz Yisrael. Today, this verse reminds us of our ancestral connection to the land and the fulfillment of Hashem’s promise. Living in or visiting Israel with this awareness strengthens our spiritual relationship with the land.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Hashem’s command to Avraham in Genesis 13:17?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 44a) derives from this verse that taking possession of Eretz Yisrael is a mitzvah. It teaches us the importance of actively engaging with divine blessings—not just passively receiving them. Just as Avraham walked the land, we too must put effort into fulfilling our spiritual and national responsibilities.
Q: Why does Hashem say 'I will give it to you' after telling Avraham to walk the land?
A: Rashi explains that the order—first walking, then receiving—teaches that the land is truly a gift from Hashem, but Avraham must demonstrate his readiness to accept it. This reflects a key Jewish principle: we must make an effort (hishtadlut) while recognizing that success ultimately comes from Hashem.
Context in Bereishit (Genesis 13:17)
The verse appears in Parashat Lech Lecha, where Hashem reaffirms His promise to Avraham Avinu after his separation from Lot. The command to walk the land symbolizes a deeper spiritual acquisition beyond physical possession.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereishit 13:17) interprets this as a mitzvah of chalifin (formal acquisition through walking). By traversing the land, Avraham established a halachic claim, akin to the legal principle of kinyan hagbalah (acquisition by demarcation). This act strengthened the Divine promise with tangible action.
Ramban's Insight
Ramban (Nachmanides) expands that this command served two purposes:
Midrashic Perspective (Bereishit Rabbah 41:4)
The Midrash compares Avraham's walking to a king showing his heir their future palace. Each step:
Halachic Implications (Gemara Bava Batra 100a)
The Talmud derives from this verse that walking can effect kinyan (legal acquisition) for:
Kabbalistic Dimension (Ohr HaChaim)
Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar explains the dual dimensions:
Avraham's traversal elevated the land's spiritual potential for all future Torah study within it.