Why Abram Feared and How God Became His Shield

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 15:1

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"Fear not, Abram." From here you learn that Abraham was afraid that the nations would come against him. "I am a shield to you." Just as this shield, all the blows upon it — whether arrows or swords — it bears them, so I will be a shield to you: whoever comes against you, I will fight against him. Another interpretation: Why was he afraid? He said, "Perhaps I struck down a righteous man among them." The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: "You shall not be punished before Me; rather, 'your reward shall be very great,' and I am obligated to give you a great reward for having killed the wicked."

Themes

AbrahamWarProtectionViolenceCreation

Biblical References

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