Israel Forever

For the week ending 15 November 2008 / 17 Heshvan 5769

The Ultimate Reward

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library

The promises given by G-d to the Patriarch Avraham regarding Eretz Yisrael were given in stages.

In his commentary on Torah, Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman (RAMbaN) spells out four different stages, each one expanding on the previous one as Avraham's merits increased.

At the conclusion of the tenth of his trials, when he demonstrated his love of G-d in his preparedness to sacrifice his son, Avraham was told that not only would his progeny be as numerous as the stars of heaven and the sand on the shore but that his descendants would "inherit the gate of their enemy".

This was the ultimate reward — a guarantee that no matter how much the descendants of Avraham would suffer at the hands of their enemies they would inevitably overcome all of them.

What a wonderful promise of Israel forever!

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to Israel Forever

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.