In class we learned about the brit habetarim. While Avraham is walking among the animals he had just slaughtered he falls asleep and Hashem starts telling him about the future. He first tells him that he himself will live in prosperity and peace, but 4 generations later, his descendents will be afflicted in a strange land. Oh, and don’t worry, the enemy will be held accountable. And when they leave, it will be with wealth after 400 years. THEN, and only then they will inherit the land between the Euphrates and Mitzraim.
There are two interesting things here. One is that Hashem is telling Avraham an essentially nice future while surrounded by piles of dead animals. One would think that would kind of ruin the mood. The other thing is the way Hashem says it. He starts out saying something nice, then He tells Avraham that his descendents are going to be afflicted. Then, He almost flippantly tells him not to worry because the enemy will be punished. I know that I would not be comforted if my children were going to be hurt just because the one who hurt them is going to be punished! I don’t really have an answer for that so I’m going back to the first one. I think that maybe the reason Hashem had Avraham lying down among the rotting corpses is to remind him that though it may sound nice, that they are going to leave with riches, they are going to have to suffer on the way there. The rose is not free of thorns.
I agree with Alex's points. It is important that Avraham knows that his descendants aren't going to live a life full of luxuries and wealth without having to lift a finger, all because of the promise G-d made Avraham. Avraham and G-d have just made the Brit Bein HaBetarim, so Avraham is pretty reassured that the promise will be fulfilled. But, G-d does not 'blindside' Avraham; He tells him that there Will be bumps along the road. In a strage way, this event can also teach us about business and making deals/promises. G-d didn't have to tell Avraham about these problems that will inevitabely arise. He could have just told him that the promise will be fulfilled (which it will be eventually) and left it at that. This teaches us that we should go the extra mile and not do anything that could blindside ther person we are making a deal/promise with. We should make sure they know the down sides of the deal, and the problems that could/will arise.
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