Genesis 13:4 - Avram returns, renews devotion.

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Hebrew Text

אֶל־מְקוֹם הַמִּזְבֵּחַ אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂה שָׁם בָּרִאשֹׁנָה וַיִּקְרָא שָׁם אַבְרָם בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה׃

English Translation

to the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Avram called on the name of the Lord.

Transliteration

El-mekom hamizbe'ach asher-asah sham barishonah vayikra sham avram beshem Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֶל־מְקוֹם֙ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ אֲשֶׁר־עָ֥שָׂה שָׁ֖ם בָּרִאשֹׁנָ֑ה וַיִּקְרָ֥א שָׁ֛ם אַבְרָ֖ם בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהֹוָֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of the Altar

The verse (Bereshit 13:4) describes Avram returning to the place where he had previously built an altar and calling out in the name of Hashem. Rashi explains that this refers to the altar Avram built near Ai, as mentioned earlier (Bereshit 12:8). The repetition of this act underscores its importance in Avram's spiritual journey.

Calling in the Name of Hashem

Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that Avram's proclamation "in the name of Hashem" was not merely personal prayer but an act of publicizing the existence and sovereignty of G-d to others. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 39:16) states that Avram would teach monotheism to travelers, converting them to belief in the One G-d. This aligns with Avram's role as the father of the Jewish people and a disseminator of divine truth.

The Location's Holiness

The Sforno notes that this location later became the site of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) in Shiloh, indicating its enduring sanctity. The Talmud (Zevachim 118b) teaches that places where the patriarchs worshipped retained their holiness for future generations. Thus, Avram's altar established a spiritual foundation for later divine service.

Lessons in Consistency

The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 1:3) highlights how Avram's return to the same altar demonstrates the importance of consistency in divine service.
The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Avram didn't seek new places for worship but returned to where he had first connected with Hashem, teaching the value of maintaining sacred traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Avram 'called on the name of the Lord'?
A: Rashi explains that Avram publicly proclaimed God's name to teach people about monotheism. He invited others to recognize and worship the one true God, demonstrating his role as a spiritual leader.

Q: Why did Avram return to the altar he built earlier?
A: The Midrash teaches that Avram returned to this place to reconnect with his earlier spiritual devotion. By revisiting the altar, he reaffirmed his commitment to God after his travels and challenges, showing the importance of returning to one's spiritual roots.

Q: What can we learn from Avram's actions in this verse?
A: The Rambam teaches that Avram's public declaration of God's name sets an example for us to sanctify God's name in our daily lives. Just as Avram spread awareness of God, we too should inspire others through our words and actions.

Q: Why is the location of the altar significant?
A: According to traditional Jewish sources, this location later became the site of the future Temple in Jerusalem. Avram's connection to this place highlights its enduring holiness in Jewish tradition as a center of divine service.

Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: The Talmud teaches that just as Avram returned to his place of worship, we should regularly return to our spiritual practices like prayer and Torah study. This verse reminds us of the importance of consistency in our relationship with God.