Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is blessing Avram in Genesis 14:19?
A: In Genesis 14:19, Avram (later called Avraham) is being blessed by Malki-Tzedek, the king of Shalem and a priest of God. Rashi explains that Malki-Tzedek was Shem, the son of Noach, who recognized Avram's righteousness and blessed him in the name of 'the Most High God, Possessor of heaven and earth.'
Q: Why is Avram called 'blessed' in this verse?
A: Avram is called 'blessed' because he had just returned from defeating the four kings who captured his nephew Lot. Malki-Tzedek recognized that Avram's victory came through divine assistance, as Avram attributed his success to God rather than his own strength. The Ramban explains that this blessing acknowledges Avram's faithfulness and devotion to God.
Q: What does 'Possessor of heaven and earth' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'Possessor of heaven and earth' (קֹנֵה שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ) means that God is the Creator and Master of all existence. Rashi explains that this emphasizes God's absolute ownership and control over everything, reinforcing that Avram's success came from divine will. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) connects this to the idea that God alone governs all aspects of the universe.
Q: Why is this blessing important in Jewish tradition?
A: This blessing is important because it is one of the first times in the Torah where a righteous non-Jew (Malki-Tzedek) acknowledges God's sovereignty and blesses Avram, the father of the Jewish people. The Talmud (Nedarim 32b) discusses how this moment highlights Avram's role in spreading monotheism. Additionally, the Rambam (Hilchot Melachim) sees this as an early recognition of God's universal kingship.
Q: How can we apply the message of this verse today?
A: This verse teaches us to recognize God's hand in our successes and to remain humble, as Avram did. Just as Malki-Tzedek blessed Avram in God's name, we should acknowledge divine blessings in our lives. The Sforno explains that this verse reminds us to attribute all good things to God and to live with gratitude and faith in His providence.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bereshit 14:19) appears after Avram's victory in the battle against the four kings, where he rescues his nephew Lot. Malki-Tzedek, the king of Shalem (identified by many commentators as Shem, son of Noach), blesses Avram in the name of "El Elyon" (the Most High God). The blessing acknowledges Avram's connection to the Creator of heaven and earth.
Meaning of "El Elyon"
Rashi explains that "El Elyon" refers to Hashem as the Supreme Being above all powers. The term "Elyon" (Most High) emphasizes that Hashem is above all celestial and earthly forces, reinforcing monotheism. Ramban adds that this title highlights Hashem's absolute sovereignty over creation, countering the pagan beliefs of Avram's time.
Significance of "Koneh Shamayim va'Aretz"
The phrase "Koneh Shamayim va'Aretz" (Possessor of heaven and earth) carries deep theological meaning:
Avram's Spiritual Stature
The blessing acknowledges Avram's unique relationship with Hashem. The Malbim notes that Malki-Tzedek recognized Avram as the one who spread awareness of Hashem's unity in a world of idolatry. By blessing Avram in Hashem's name, Malki-Tzedek affirms Avram's role as the spiritual heir to Shem's monotheistic tradition.
Grammatical Nuance
The phrasing "Baruch Avram l'El Elyon" (Blessed be Avram of the Most High God) is interpreted by the Ibn Ezra as meaning Avram is blessed through or by El Elyon, emphasizing that all blessings flow from Hashem. This contrasts with pagan beliefs where blessings were attributed to multiple deities.