5632

With G-d's Blessing.

Rashi (Bereishis 6:13) states that the final verdict to destroy the generation was due to their theft, while the pasuk suggests their primary sin was forbidden relationships. The answer is that the sin of forbidden relationships alone wouldn't have sealed their fate without the additional sin of thievery. The pasuk indicates this by stating, “The land was filled with thievery, and then Hashem saw the land was corrupt.” Although Hashem knows all, the final destruction requires unanimous agreement among the accusers, as suggested in Iyov 33:23, “If there is one advocate among a thousand...” The generation's wickedness in thievery led to universal agreement on their guilt, sealing their verdict since their sins were fully exposed before Hashem.

In the Midrash, Avram saw a lit-up building, realizing Hashem's control over the world. The Chidushei Harim explained that דולקת (lit up) is related to chasing (דולקת אחרי), indicating that the world is drawn to one central point. The Zohar explains that everything's sustenance comes from its connection to what is above it, ultimately leading to Hashem. Avraham sought to see how this central point sustained all creations without disconnection from Hashem, even in the physical world. He achieved this through self-nullification in response to Hashem's command of Lech Lecha, leaving everything behind. Similarly, on Shabbos, when one ceases all weekday activities and accepts the yoke of heaven, the true essence is revealed. Shabbos is about stopping all actions, big or small, and through this nullification, it becomes clear, as it says, "Listen, my daughter, and see," and "For the name of Hashem will be called upon you" (Devarim 28:10).

The Rambam noted a difficulty in our parsha - that God says "Go forth..." without first mentioning why Avraham in particular was so precious as to receive such a command. It appears to me that the holy Zohar sees this very fact as what makes Avraham praiseworthy. He heard the call of 'go forth' which comes out from God to all people at all time, as it says 'oy to those who sleep in their holes (and do not hear)!' Our father Avraham heard the call and received its message. Perforce the Divine word was calling to him alone, because there was no one but he listening. Certainly this itself is his greatest praise - that he was ready to receive the call.