Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 15:5 mean when G-d tells Avraham to count the stars?
A: In Genesis 15:5, G-d brings Avraham outside and tells him to count the stars as a promise that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Rashi explains that this was to reassure Avraham after he expressed concern about not having children. The stars symbolize the vastness and eternity of the Jewish people.
Q: Why did G-d use stars as a metaphor for Avraham's descendants?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 44:12) teaches that stars are a fitting metaphor because, like stars, the Jewish people will shine brightly in the world and endure forever. Additionally, just as stars are sometimes visible and sometimes hidden, the Jewish people may go through periods of prominence and concealment, but they will always exist.
Q: How does the promise to Avraham in Genesis 15:5 apply to Jews today?
A: This verse reminds us that every Jew is part of an eternal and countless nation, as promised to Avraham. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) emphasizes that this covenant is everlasting, meaning every Jewish soul is connected to this divine promise, giving us strength and purpose in our identity.
Q: What lesson can we learn from G-d showing Avraham the stars?
A: The Talmud (Nedarim 32a) derives from this verse that G-d elevated Avraham above astrological influences, teaching that Jews are not bound by the stars (mazal) but by their relationship with G-d. This teaches us that our destiny is shaped by our faith and actions, not predetermined forces.
Q: Why did G-d bring Avraham 'outside' before showing him the stars?
A: Rashi explains that G-d brought Avraham outside his tent to physically remove him from his confined space and limited perspective. This teaches that to truly appreciate G-d's promises, we must sometimes step beyond our current understanding and see things from a higher, broader view—just as the stars are best seen in an open sky.
The Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 15:5) describes Hashem taking Avram (later Avraham) outside and instructing him to gaze at the stars as a promise of his future descendants. This occurs after Avram expresses concern about lacking an heir (Bereshit 15:2-3). The imagery of counting stars symbolizes the vastness and blessing of Avraham's progeny.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereshit 15:5) explains that Hashem brought Avram outside of the earthly realm—beyond the limitations of nature—to elevate his perspective. By showing him the stars, Hashem demonstrated that Avram's descendants would be as innumerable as the stars, despite any natural obstacles. Rashi also notes that this promise was given at night, a time when stars are visible, reinforcing the metaphor.
The Rambam's Perspective
The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:42) discusses this verse in the context of prophecy. He explains that Avraham's vision of the stars was not merely a physical sight but a prophetic experience, where Hashem communicated the future greatness of his descendants through a symbolic vision. This aligns with the Torah's frequent use of tangible imagery to convey spiritual truths.
Midrashic Interpretations
The Deeper Symbolism
The comparison to stars carries multiple layers of meaning in Jewish thought:
Halachic and Philosophical Implications
The Ramban (Bereshit 15:5) connects this promise to the covenant between the pieces (Bereshit 15:7-21), explaining that the stars represent both physical multiplicity and spiritual greatness. The Sforno adds that this vision assured Avraham that his descendants would inherit not only quantity but quality—fulfilling their divine purpose through Torah and mitzvot.