Parshas Lech Lecha: Fifth Aliyah
“Give me the souls”: the king of Sodom said to Abram, of that which was captured that belonged to me, which you rescued, give me back the people only.”
“I raise my hand(harimosi)”: This is an expression of an oath.
“Neither from a thread to a shoe strap”: I will not keep for myself the captures possessions.
“nor will I take from whatever is yours”: And if you offer to give me reward from your treasuries, I will not take it.
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“that you should not say, etc.”: HKBH promised to make me rich, as it is said “and I will bless you, etc.”
The statute of those fighting at the battle can take his share mentioned in I Samuel 30:24 does not say v’hal’ah (and onwards), because that statute had already been enacted in the days of Abram.
Achar: immediately afterwards. Acharei: a long time afterwards.
After the miracle of him being able to slay the kings, Abram was worried that he might have received all the rewards for his righteous deeds. Hashem tells him not to worry because He is his Shield from punishment, and that he will not be punished for all the souls that he has slain, and that his reward is exceedingly great.
The words Damesek is interpreted as a notarikon (acrostic) for ‘dole umashke = he (Eliezer) drew and gave to drink from his master’s teachings to others. Accoring to Midrash Aggadah, Eliezer was from Damascus.
“And He took him outside” (of his teng) = “Go out of your astrology.” I will give you another name and your destiny will change. Another explanation is Hashem tok Abram out of the terrestrial sphere and lifted him above the stars. This explain the expression of ‘habata,’ looking down from above.
Abram did not request a sign regarding Hashem’s promise that he will have many offpsrings, but regarding the inheritance of the Land of Israel, he did ask for a sign and said to Him, “How will I know?”
HKBH accounted to Abram as merit and righteousness for the faith that he believed in Him. In regards to the inheritance of the Land of Israel Abram asked “Let me know with what merit will they [my descendants] remain therein [in the Land]?” and HKBH answered “with the merit of the sacrifices.”
