Genesis 12:1 - Divine call to destiny

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Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־אַבְרָם לֶךְ־לְךָ מֵאַרְצְךָ וּמִמּוֹלַדְתְּךָ וּמִבֵּית אָבִיךָ אֶל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אַרְאֶךָּ׃

English Translation

Now the Lord said to Avram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, to the land that I will show thee:

Transliteration

Va'yomer Adonai el-Avram lech-lecha me'artzecha u'mimoladtecha u'mibeit avicha el-ha'aretz asher ar'eka.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־אַבְרָ֔ם לֶךְ־לְךָ֛ מֵאַרְצְךָ֥ וּמִמּֽוֹלַדְתְּךָ֖ וּמִבֵּ֣ית אָבִ֑יךָ אֶל־הָאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַרְאֶֽךָּ׃

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Command to Avram

The verse (Bereishit 12:1) marks a pivotal moment in Jewish history, where Hashem commands Avram (later Avraham) to leave his homeland, family, and father's house for an unspecified land. Rashi explains that this command is given "לך לך" ("go for yourself")—implying that this journey is for Avram's own benefit and spiritual growth. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 39:1) elaborates that this was a test of faith, as Avram was required to leave behind his familiar surroundings to fulfill Hashem's will.

The Three Levels of Separation

The verse outlines three levels of departure:

"מֵאַרְצְךָ" (from your land): Rashi notes that leaving one's homeland is difficult, as it involves abandoning familiarity and comfort.
"וּמִמּוֹלַדְתְּךָ" (from your birthplace): The Ramban explains that this refers to extended family ties, which are harder to sever than physical location.
"וּמִבֵּית אָבִיךָ" (from your father’s house): The Sforno emphasizes that this is the most challenging, as it requires breaking from one's immediate family and upbringing.

The Promise of a New Land

Hashem does not initially reveal the destination, saying only "אֶל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אַרְאֶךָּ" ("to the land that I will show you"). The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:24) teaches that this ambiguity was intentional, testing Avram's trust in Hashem. The Kli Yakar adds that the land would only be revealed gradually, aligning with Avram's spiritual readiness.

Theological Significance

This command establishes Avram as the progenitor of the Jewish people, setting the precedent for mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) in serving Hashem. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 9a) links this journey to the future inheritance of Eretz Yisrael, underscoring the eternal bond between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Lech Lecha' mean in Genesis 12:1?
A: 'Lech Lecha' (לֶךְ־לְךָ) literally means 'go for yourself.' Rashi explains that this phrase implies that Avram's journey would be for his own benefit and spiritual growth. Hashem was telling him to leave his familiar surroundings to reach a higher level of closeness to G-d in the Land of Israel.

Q: Why did Hashem tell Avram to leave his homeland?
A: According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 39:1), Avram's surroundings in Charan were spiritually corrupt, filled with idol worship. Hashem commanded him to leave so he could establish a new nation dedicated to monotheism in the Land of Israel. The Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 1:3) also teaches that Avram recognized the truth of one G-d and needed to separate from his idolatrous environment.

Q: What is the significance of Avram's journey for Jews today?
A: Avram's journey teaches the importance of leaving one's comfort zone for spiritual growth. The Seforno explains that this commandment set the foundation for the Jewish people's eternal connection to the Land of Israel. Additionally, the Talmud (Pesachim 88a) notes that Avram's willingness to follow Hashem's command without question serves as a model of faith and trust in G-d.

Q: Why didn't Hashem immediately tell Avram where he was going?
A: Rashi comments that Hashem did not reveal the destination (the Land of Israel) right away to make the land more precious in Avram's eyes and to test his faith. The Ramban adds that this also allowed Avram to earn merit through each step of his journey, as he trusted in G-d's guidance without knowing the full plan.

Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of 'aliyah' (moving to Israel)?
A: The verse establishes the mitzvah of living in the Land of Israel, which the Ramban (on Genesis 12:1) counts as one of the 613 commandments. Just as Avram was called to settle in the land, Jews throughout history have seen this as a foundational commandment. The Talmud (Ketubot 110b) states that living in Israel is equivalent to observing all the mitzvot, emphasizing its spiritual importance.