Abraham joined the War of the Kings when it became a matter of God’s honor.
By Rabbi Ari Enkin, Rabbinic Director, United with Israel
In this week’s Torah portion we meet Abram (later “Abraham”), who is referred to as the “Ivri”, (“the Hebrew”). There are a number of interpretations as to what this accolade Ivri means.
According to the Midrash, the term Ivri either signifies Abram as being a descendant, or at least a “spiritual” descendant, of the righteous Ever (the words Ivri/Ever are closely related in written Hebrew).
Alternatively, it denotes Abram’s moral stance, whereby he was on one side (“Ever”) while the rest of the world was on the other. He wasn’t scared to stand up for what’s right.
It is most interesting to note, however, that although we are called “The Hebrews,” Avram is only referred to once in the entire Torah as a Hebrew, and that is right here in our Torah portion, in a single verse.
Even more odd, perhaps, is that the verse where Avram is identified as a Hebrew is in the course of the story of the mysterious “fugitive” who came to him during the War of the Kings described in chapter 14. Why here? Why now?
It is explained that the fugitive came to Abram seeking to enlist his support in freeing the region from the reign of terror they lived under the reign of the four evil kings. The question was how to get Abram to agree. After all, most people do not want to get involved in any war, and certainly not in one where the odds of success are minimal at best!
This is where “Abram the Ivri” comes in. The fugitive specifically approached Abram “the Ivri.” In this context the “Ivri” designation refers to fighting the kings who opposed God.
As Ivrim, as Hebrews, we need to be able to fight for Godliness and God awareness in the world. When God is being minimized, a Hebrew must stand up for His honor. That was the secret of getting Abram involved. If God’s honor wasn’t involved, Abram would have declined. But a chance to eradicate idolatry and spiritual evil? He’s in!
But those who know the Torah portion well, can raise a very good question: It seems that Abram joined the war to save his nephew Lot, who was captured.
So was this a religious war for Abram or a commando mission to rescue his nephew?
It is explained that there is no contradiction here. Part of being Jewish is caring about the plight of others, especially family. Hence, either way you look at it, it was for religious reasons that Abram when to war.
Being a Jew is far more than dos and don’ts. It is far more than a ritual code. Judaism is a religion that emphasizes the “between man and God” just as much as it emphasis the “between man and man!”
This article is based on the new “Dimensions in Chumash,” by Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein, (Mosaica Press), which contains great thoughts and insights on the weekly Torah portion.