Genesis 14:7 - Avenging Amalek's ancient enmity

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Hebrew Text

וַיָּשֻׁבוּ וַיָּבֹאוּ אֶל־עֵין מִשְׁפָּט הִוא קָדֵשׁ וַיַּכּוּ אֶת־כָּל־שְׂדֵה הָעֲמָלֵקִי וְגַם אֶת־הָאֱמֹרִי הַיֹּשֵׁב בְּחַצְצֹן תָּמָר׃

English Translation

And they returned, and came to ῾En-mishpat, which is Qadesh, and smote all the country of the ῾Amaleqi, and also the Emori, that dwelt in Ḥażażon-tamar.

Transliteration

Vayashuvu vayavo'u el-Ein Mishpat hi Kadesh vayaku et-kol-sede ha'Amaleki vegam et-ha'Emori hayoshev beChatzetzon Tamar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַ֠יָּשֻׁ֠בוּ וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ אֶל־עֵ֤ין מִשְׁפָּט֙ הִ֣וא קָדֵ֔שׁ וַיַּכּ֕וּ אֶֽת־כׇּל־שְׂדֵ֖ה הָעֲמָלֵקִ֑י וְגַם֙ אֶת־הָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔י הַיֹּשֵׁ֖ב בְּחַֽצְצֹ֥ן תָּמָֽר׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Bereishit 14:7, describing the military campaign of the four kings led by Kedorlaomer against the five kings of the Dead Sea region. The verse recounts their return to En-mishpat (Kadesh) and their subsequent attack on the territories of Amalek and the Amorites in Chatzatzon-tamar (identified with Ein Gedi).

Geographical and Historical Significance

Rashi explains that En-mishpat is another name for Kadesh, a place associated with judgment (mishpat), possibly because disputes were settled there. The Radak (Rabbi David Kimchi) adds that Kadesh was a well-known location in the wilderness, later referenced in the Torah during the Israelites' wanderings.

Amalek: The attack on Amalek is significant as this nation later becomes a perpetual enemy of Israel (Shemot 17:8-16). The Midrash (Tanchuma, Ki Teitzei 9) highlights Amalek's wickedness, making their early mention here a foreshadowing of future conflicts.
Chatzatzon-tamar: Identified by Rashi and the Talmud (Eruvin 19a) as Ein Gedi, a fertile oasis near the Dead Sea. The name means "pruning of the palm," suggesting its agricultural richness.

Military and Moral Implications

The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that the four kings' campaign was not merely territorial but also a display of dominance over rebellious vassals. The inclusion of Amalek and the Amorites emphasizes the widespread devastation caused by these wars.

The Malbim (Rabbi Meir Leibush ben Yechiel Michel) explains that the Amorites dwelling in Chatzatzon-tamar were likely allies or subjects of the five kings, making them targets in this conflict. Their mention underscores the interconnectedness of the nations in this region.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) draws a connection between this battle and the broader theme of divine justice. The attack on Amalek, even at this early stage, reflects the principle that evil actions eventually lead to retribution, aligning with the Torah's later commandment to eradicate Amalek (Devarim 25:17-19).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the battle against Amalek and the Emori in Genesis 14:7?
A: This verse describes a battle led by the four kings against Amalek and the Emori. Amalek is a recurring enemy of the Jewish people, symbolizing evil and cruelty (as later seen in Exodus 17:8-16). The Emori were one of the Canaanite nations. The Torah mentions this event to show the conflicts in the region before Avraham's involvement, setting the stage for his rescue of Lot (Rashi on Genesis 14:7).

Q: Where is En-mishpat (Kadesh) mentioned in Genesis 14:7?
A: En-mishpat, also called Kadesh, was a well-known place in the desert, later associated with the Israelites' wanderings (Numbers 20:1). Rashi explains that it was called 'En-mishpat' (Spring of Judgment) because people would gather there for legal matters. Its mention here shows the geographical scope of the war described in this chapter.

Q: Why does the Torah mention the Emori dwelling in Chatzatzon-tamar?
A: Chatzatzon-tamar is identified with Ein Gedi near the Dead Sea (Rashi, Genesis 14:7). The Torah specifies this location to show where the Emori tribe settled. Later, this area became part of the territory of the tribe of Judah (Ezekiel 47:10). The detail emphasizes the historical reality of these events.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the attack on Amalek in this verse?
A: Amalek represents the archetypal enemy of the Jewish people. While this verse describes an early battle, it reminds us of the ongoing struggle against evil. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:4) teaches that we must remember Amalek's cruelty and stand against oppression, applying this lesson by fighting injustice in every generation.