Genesis 15:7 - Divine promise to Abraham's descendants

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Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו אֲנִי יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר הוֹצֵאתִיךָ מֵאוּר כַּשְׂדִּים לָתֶת לְךָ אֶת־הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת לְרִשְׁתָּהּ׃

English Translation

And He said to him, I am the Lord that brought thee out of Ur-kasdim, to give thee this land to inherit it.

Transliteration

Vayomer elav ani Adonai asher hotzeiti'cha me'Ur Kasdim latet lecha et-ha'aretz hazot lirishtah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אֵלָ֑יו אֲנִ֣י יְהֹוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר הוֹצֵאתִ֙יךָ֙ מֵא֣וּר כַּשְׂדִּ֔ים לָ֧תֶת לְךָ֛ אֶת־הָאָ֥רֶץ הַזֹּ֖את לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context and Background

The verse (Bereshit 15:7) appears in the context of Hashem's covenant with Avraham Avinu, where Hashem reassures Avraham of His promise to grant him the Land of Israel. This follows Avraham's expression of concern about not having an heir (Bereshit 15:2-3). The mention of Ur Kasdim recalls Avraham's origins and the miraculous deliverance from there, reinforcing Hashem's role as his protector and benefactor.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Hashem reminds Avraham of His past kindness in saving him from Ur Kasdim—referring either to the fiery furnace (as per Midrashic tradition) or the land itself—to strengthen Avraham's trust in the future promise of inheriting the land. This follows the principle of ma'aseh avot siman la'banim (the deeds of the forefathers foreshadow events for their descendants), linking Avraham's personal redemption to the future redemption of his descendants.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:63), Rambam discusses how Hashem's revelation to Avraham was tailored to his level of prophecy. The mention of Ur Kasdim serves as a tangible proof of Divine providence, reinforcing Avraham's emunah (faith) in Hashem's ability to fulfill future promises, including the inheritance of Eretz Yisrael.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 44:13) elaborates that Ur Kasdim symbolizes both physical and spiritual salvation. Avraham was saved from Nimrod's furnace (as per the well-known Midrashic account) and from the idolatrous culture of Kasdim. This dual redemption parallels the future geulah (redemption) of Klal Yisrael from both physical exile and spiritual assimilation.

Theological Significance

Covenantal Assurance: Hashem's reminder of past salvation serves as a guarantee for future promises, establishing a pattern of Divine faithfulness.
Zechut Avot: Avraham's merit in leaving Ur Kasdim for Hashem's command becomes foundational for his descendants' claim to Eretz Yisrael.
Emunah and Histalkut: The verse teaches that emunah is built on recognizing Hashem's past interventions in one's life, as a basis for trusting future blessings.

Halachic Implications

The Ramban (Bereshit 15:7) connects this promise to the mitzvah of yishuv Eretz Yisrael (settling the Land of Israel), noting that Avraham's inheritance establishes an eternal bond between Am Yisrael and the land. This becomes a halachic foundation for the obligation to live in and cherish Eretz Yisrael.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 15:7 mean?
A: In Genesis 15:7, Hashem reminds Avraham (Abraham) that He is the One who brought him out of Ur Kasdim (a place of idol worship) to give him the land of Canaan as an inheritance. This reaffirms the covenant between Hashem and Avraham, showing Divine protection and promise.

Q: Why is Ur Kasdim mentioned in Genesis 15:7?
A: Ur Kasdim is mentioned to highlight Avraham's spiritual journey—he was taken from a place of idolatry (as described in Midrash) to become the father of monotheism. Rashi explains that this emphasizes Hashem’s kindness in guiding Avraham to a new destiny.

Q: What can we learn from Genesis 15:7 today?
A: We learn that Hashem guides those who seek Him, just as He guided Avraham. The Rambam teaches that Avraham’s journey symbolizes the importance of leaving behind false beliefs and dedicating oneself to truth—a lesson applicable in every generation.

Q: Why does Hashem say 'I am the Lord' in Genesis 15:7?
A: By saying 'I am the Lord,' Hashem establishes His authority and the certainty of His promise. The Talmud (Berachot 7a) explains that this phrase reinforces trust in Divine providence, reminding Avraham—and us—that Hashem keeps His word.

Q: How does the promise of land in Genesis 15:7 relate to the Jewish people today?
A: This verse is the foundation of the Jewish connection to the Land of Israel. The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that this eternal covenant applies to Avraham’s descendants, affirming the Jewish people’s right and spiritual bond to the land throughout history.