Avraham - The War of the Kings

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  1. The Covenant Between the Parts

    Rabbi Yaakov Medan

    Why did God decree that the descendants of Avraham will be exiled to Egypt? Shmuel believes Avraham's sin was a lack of emunah, while Rabbi Abahu and Rabbi Yohanan said the punishment was given due to another sin. This controversy mirrors their criticism of Avraham in the War of the Kings, and the nature and purpose of the Covenant between the Pieces.

  2. By What Shall I Know? Question and Covenant

    Rabbi Chanoch Waxman

    We tend to think of a divine covenant, a treaty with God, as something good - not just good, but wholly good. It is a gift from God, granted to the forefathers and passed on to future generations. We expect our covenants to include the promise of nationhood, possession of the land of Israel, the promise of divine caring and perhaps some form of religious responsibility. However, we do not expect them to include suffering. The "covenant between the pieces" ("brit bein ha-betarim") shatters this expectation. In the very first formal covenant granted to Avraham by God, God promises suffering, and much of it.

  3. David's Division of the Spoils of War

    Dr. Adina Sternberg

    תאריך פרסום: תשע"ב | |

    This shiur looks at David’s divisions of the spoils after the war to retrieve the captives taken by Amalek. But wasn't Amalek supposed to be destroyed by Shaul? As we analyze this story, we notice that David is strikingly different from Shaul. We survey the stories of Shaul and examine what characterizes these differences. Returning to the division of the spoils, we uncover what is behind those who disagree with David. We find religious as well as moral-societal perspectives, and compare these various approaches with the one found in the deal between Avraham and the King of Sedom.

  4. "They Who Wait Upon God Shall Renew Their Strength" (Yishayahu 40:27-41:16)

    Rabbi Yehuda Shaviv

    Avraham's character teaches all future generations what it means to love God, how God selects His nation, and encounters with the nations of the world - both in battle against them and also by bringing them into the worship of God. 

  5. Avraham and the King of Sedom: Lifting a Hand to God

    Rabbi David Silverberg

  6. Avraham's Nephew was Captured - Why?

    Rabbi David Silverberg

  7. Accepting Gifts from Pharaoh but not from Sodom - Inconsistency or Insight?

    Rabbi David Silverberg

  8. Piety: Islands of Isolation vs. Open Involvement

    Rabbi David Silverberg

  9. Idealism vs. Cynicism: The Opposing Worldviews of Malkitzedek and the King of Sodom

    Rabbi David Silverberg

  10. Avraham's Concern about Casualties

    Rabbi David Silverberg

  11. Sedom vs. Shalem-Jerusalem

    Rabbi David Silverberg

  12. Avraham and the King of Sodom: No Partnership Here

    Rabbi David Silverberg

  13. Avraham and Lot: Continued Commitment

    Rabbi David Silverberg

  14. Avraham's Uplifted Hand

    Rabbi David Silverberg

  15. The Finances of the Forefathers – Part 2

    Rabbi Yaakov Beasley

    We examine the stories of Avraham and the War of the Kings, as well as his encounter with Avimelekh. Slowly, as Avraham becomes a beacon of justice and righteousness, his physical possessions become a reflection of that reality, and not a source of dividedness and compromise.   

  16. Parshat Lech Lecha Part 3: Battle of the Kings

    Rabbi Alex Israel | 32 minutes

    What can we learn from the story of the battle between the four and five kings? Through a close examination of the text we can appreciate Avraham’s deep concern for Lot that extended despite their separation, Avraham’s connection to the land and his actions as a warrior. We can also see the beginning of God’s promises to Avraham in the beginning of the parsha come into fruition.  

    Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com