Genesis 14:22 - Avram's oath to Hashem

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Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אַבְרָם אֶל־מֶלֶךְ סְדֹם הֲרִימֹתִי יָדִי אֶל־יְהוָה אֵל עֶלְיוֹן קֹנֵה שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

And Avram said to the king of Sedom, I have raised my hand to the Lord, the most high God, the Possessor of heaven and earth,

Transliteration

Va'yomer Avram el-melech Sedom, harimoti yadi el-Adonai El Elyon, koneh shamayim va'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אַבְרָ֖ם אֶל־מֶ֣לֶךְ סְדֹ֑ם הֲרִמֹ֨תִי יָדִ֤י אֶל־יְהֹוָה֙ אֵ֣ל עֶלְי֔וֹן קֹנֵ֖ה שָׁמַ֥יִם וָאָֽרֶץ׃

Parasha Commentary

Avram's Declaration to the King of Sedom

The verse (Bereishit 14:22) records Avram's emphatic refusal to accept any spoils from the king of Sedom after the war against the four kings. His declaration, "הֲרִימֹתִי יָדִי אֶל־יְהוָה" ("I have raised my hand to the Lord"), is laden with theological and ethical significance according to Orthodox Jewish commentators.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that raising one's hand signifies taking an oath, as seen elsewhere in Tanach (e.g., Devarim 32:40). Avram was swearing by "אֵל עֶלְיוֹן קֹנֵה שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ" ("the Most High God, Possessor of heaven and earth") to emphasize that his wealth comes solely from Hashem, not from human kings. This aligns with Avram's earlier refusal (Bereishit 14:23) to take even "a thread or a shoelace," demonstrating his complete trust in divine providence.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Providence

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:17) highlights Avram's phrasing as a rejection of material dependency on worldly powers. By invoking Hashem as "קֹנֵה שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ" ("Possessor of heaven and earth"), Avram affirms that all creation belongs to the Almighty, and thus human rulers have no ultimate claim over wealth or land.

Midrashic Insights

Bereishit Rabbah (43:9): The Midrash interprets Avram's oath as a precedent for avoiding even the appearance of benefiting from resha'im (wicked people), as Sedom was steeped in corruption (cf. Bereishit 13:13).
Sforno: Notes that Avram's mention of Hashem's ownership of heaven and earth underscores that material success in battle was divinely orchestrated, not achieved through human strength.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 237:1) cites this episode as a model for avoiding questionable financial gains, even when technically permitted. Avram's oath reflects the principle of "לִפְנֵי עִוְרִים לֹא תִתֵּן מִכְשֹׁל" ("Do not place a stumbling block before the blind" – Vayikra 19:14), as accepting Sedom's wealth could mislead others into moral compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Avram mean when he says 'I have raised my hand to the Lord' in Genesis 14:22?
A: According to Rashi, raising the hand symbolizes taking an oath. Avram was swearing by Hashem, the Most High God, that he would not take any possessions from the king of Sedom, to show that his wealth came only from Hashem.

Q: Why does Avram refer to Hashem as 'the Possessor of heaven and earth' in this verse?
A: The Ramban explains that Avram emphasizes Hashem's ownership of everything to show that he does not need or want the king of Sedom's wealth. Everything belongs to Hashem, and Avram trusts only in Him for his sustenance.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Avram's statement to the king of Sedom?
A: The Midrash teaches that Avram's refusal to take even a thread or shoelace (as mentioned later in the passage) demonstrates complete faith in Hashem. This teaches us to rely on Hashem for our needs and not to seek honor or wealth from others dishonestly.

Q: Why is it significant that Avram mentions Hashem's name when speaking to the king of Sedom?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 10a) notes that Avram publicly sanctified Hashem's name by declaring his allegiance to God before a pagan king. This act of kiddush Hashem (sanctifying God's name) set an example for all future generations about standing up for faith.

Q: How does Avram's statement apply to us today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 5:13) derives from this that we should avoid accepting gifts from wicked people or becoming indebted to them. Like Avram, we should maintain our integrity and show that our trust is in Hashem alone.