Note: Due to a rather hectic start to this year, I am slightly behind on these postings. To remedy this, I will increase this week's postings in order to get back on schedule. Thank you.
Reading from Lech Lecha:
Genesis 14:21-17:6
This is a rather large portion of this Parsha reading, but the focus can be boiled down two a couple of major themes: covenant and relationship.
While Abram is pleased that G-d has chosen to bless him, he seems to be curious as to how this blessing will actually travel down his family line, since he has no children. His legal heir, according to the custom of that time, is a servant born into his household. G-d reassures Abram that His plan is to give Abram a child of his own (Gen. 15:4). That may have been enough to cheer Abram, but G-d doesn't stop there. In Genesis 15:5 He goes on to tell Abram that He will make Abram's descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky! G-d does not merely throw Abram a token blessing for his faith, but promises him blessing in such abundance that the human mind almost cannot conceive it! All because Abram believed in G-d and G-d attributed it to him as righteousness.
In the next section, Genesis 15:8-21, G-d Himself enters into a covenant with Abram. The ritual described may seem unusual to our modern sensibilities, but it was a common one at that time. It is even referenced later in Jeremiah 34:18, so this ritual's use continued beyond this instance as well. During this covenant-making process, G-d even gives Abram a glimpse into the future when He foretells the nation's slavery, exodus and eventual return to the land. How closely must Abram have walked with the L-rd, for G-d to physically enter into a contract with this man and share with him the future of his dynasty!
Unfortunately, Abram's wife Sarai does not seem to have the great faith of her husband. In Genesis 16, Sarai decides to take matters into her own hands by following the local custom of having children through one's maidservant. The IVP Bible Background Commentary explains this custom further. The servant was the legal extension of her mistress, so any children born to her could be considered the children of her mistress. It seems as though Sarai was trying to "help" G-d carry out His divine plan. While this may seem audacious, aren't we often guilty of the same thing? I'm ashamed to think how little I consult G-d on my day-to-day decisions.
Of course Sarai's plan has disastrous results. She and her maidservant Hagar develop a bitter rivalry and the conflict between their respective descendants (Isaac - the Jewish people and Ishmael - the Arab peoples) continues to this day.
Still, G-d is gracious and in the beginning of Genesis 17 we see that He re-establishes His covenant with Abram. At this time he changes Abram's name from Abram (exalted father) to Abraham (father of a multitude). This new name would be a constant reminder of G-d's promise and signify Abraham's status as G-d's chosen (IVP Bible Background Commentary).
My prayer today is that I will wait patiently for G-d to act, and not try to "help" Him by any human means.
Next: Genesis 17:7-27
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