Genesis 15:4 - Abraham's true heir revealed

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Hebrew Text

וְהִנֵּה דְבַר־יְהוָה אֵלָיו לֵאמֹר לֹא יִירָשְׁךָ זֶה כִּי־אִם אֲשֶׁר יֵצֵא מִמֵּעֶיךָ הוּא יִירָשֶׁךָ׃

English Translation

And, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, This shall not be thy heir; but he that shall come forth out of thy own bowels shall be thy heir.

Transliteration

Vehineh devar-Adonai elav lemor lo yirashekha zeh ki-im asher yetze mime'ekha hu yirashekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִנֵּ֨ה דְבַר־יְהֹוָ֤ה אֵלָיו֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר לֹ֥א יִֽירָשְׁךָ֖ זֶ֑ה כִּי־אִם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֵצֵ֣א מִמֵּעֶ֔יךָ ה֖וּא יִֽירָשֶֽׁךָ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 15:4) appears in the narrative where Avraham expresses concern to Hashem about his lack of an heir, as he and Sarah remained childless. Avraham initially assumes his servant Eliezer will inherit him, but Hashem responds that his biological descendant will be his true heir.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that Avraham mistakenly believed his servant Eliezer would inherit him, as hinted in the previous verse (Genesis 15:3). Hashem clarifies that the heir will be "he that shall come forth out of thy own bowels," meaning a biological child. Rashi emphasizes that this refers specifically to Yitzchak (Isaac), who would later be born to Sarah.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 2:48) discusses this verse in the context of prophecy. He explains that Avraham's vision was a true prophetic experience, where Hashem communicated directly with him to correct his misunderstanding about succession. This demonstrates the clarity of Avraham's prophecy.

Midrashic Insights

Bereishit Rabbah (44:10) states that Avraham was shown the entire lineage that would descend from him, including Yaakov and his twelve sons, assuring him of his lasting legacy.
The Midrash also notes that the phrase "he that shall come forth out of thy own bowels" hints at the miraculous nature of Yitzchak's birth, as both Avraham and Sarah were past natural childbearing age.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Bava Batra 8b) derives from this verse that a person's primary heir is their biological child, not a servant or adopted figure. This forms the basis for the laws of inheritance in Jewish tradition, where children inherit before other relatives.

Spiritual Significance

The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) explains that this promise represents more than physical inheritance - it signifies the spiritual legacy of Avraham's values and covenant with Hashem. The true heir would carry forward Avraham's mission of spreading monotheism in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 15:4 mean?
A: In Genesis 15:4, Hashem tells Avraham that his servant Eliezer will not be his heir. Instead, Avraham's true heir will be a biological son who will come from him ('he that shall come forth out of thy own bowels'). This is a promise that Avraham and Sarah will have a child despite their old age, leading to the birth of Yitzchak (Isaac). Rashi explains that this was to reassure Avraham after he expressed concern about being childless.

Q: Why is Genesis 15:4 important?
A: This verse is important because it marks a key moment in the covenant between Hashem and Avraham. It reassures Avraham that his legacy will continue through his own offspring, not through an adopted heir like Eliezer. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that this promise is foundational to Jewish belief in divine providence and the fulfillment of Hashem's promises.

Q: What can we learn from Genesis 15:4?
A: We learn from this verse that Hashem keeps His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible (like Avraham and Sarah being elderly and childless). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) highlights Avraham's faith in this moment, showing that trust in Hashem is rewarded. This teaches us to rely on divine promises even when human logic suggests otherwise.

Q: How does Genesis 15:4 apply today?
A: This verse reminds us that Hashem has a plan for each person's legacy, even when it may not be clear at first. Just as Avraham was promised a biological heir, we learn that true blessings come in Hashem's way and time. The Talmud (Nedarim 64a) discusses how children are considered a person's true continuation, reinforcing the Jewish value of family and future generations.