Sign In Forgot Password

PERASHA LECH LECHA

11/04/2022 01:17:16 PM

Nov4

His merits are not deducted from him

"After what has been related up till now, the Word of G-d came to Avram… Fear not Avraham, I am your shield, your reward is exceedingly great." (15,1)

On this verse Rashi explains: After a miracle transpired for him that he killed the Kings, he worried and said: Perhaps I have received reward for my righteousness. Therefore G-d told him, "Fear not Avraham – do not be afraid of punishment – you will not be punished for the souls you killed. And regarding your fear about receiving your reward – "Your reward is exceedingly great."

Avraham Avinu was afraid that G-d would deduct from his merits since a miracle transpired for him in the war against the Kings. Therefore G-d answered him, "Fear not Avraham, your reward is exceedingly great."

It is true that when a miracle is done for a person from Heaven, merits are deducted. But this is only if the miracle was done for him for his private needs. However, by Avraham Avinu who went out to war against the four Kings just to save the holy spark of David Hamelech (whose descendant will be the Mashiach who will redeem Israel in the End of Days) which was within Lot who was in captivity – this war was not for his private needs, but for the needs of the Nation of Israel – and for such a miracle one's merits are not deducted.

This is what G-d alluded to in the words, "Your reward is exceedingly great" - שכרך הרבה מאד- your reward is great because of "מאד" – because you caused the spark of David Hamelech whose descendant will be the Mashiach to be saved, and this is alluded to in the word "מאד" - אדם משיח דוד

SHABBAT SHALOM!!!

Fri, March 29 2024 19 Adar II 5784