Daily Chumash & Rashi Lech Licha Revi’i – The battle of the 4 and 5 kings

Q: Who was Amrafel, king of Shin’ar?
A: He was Nimrod, who said to Avraham, “Plunge into the fiery furnace.”

Q: What does “King of Goyim” mean?
A: It refers to a place called Goyim, named because people from various nations gathered there and appointed Tid’al as king.

Q: Why were the five kings named Bera, Birsha, Shin’av, Shem’ever, and Bela given these names?
A:

• Bera: Evil toward Heaven and humanity.
• Birsha: More wicked than Bera.
• Shin’av: Hated his Father in Heaven.
• Shem’ever: “Set his wings” to rebel against God.
• Bela: Name of the city he ruled.

Q: What is the Valley of Sidim?
A: It was full of fields; later, it became part of the Dead Sea.

Q: How long did the five kings serve Kedorla’omer?
A: Twelve years, then they rebelled for thirteen years.

Q: What happened in the 14th year?
A: Kedorla’omer and his allies attacked and subdued the rebels, defeating Rephaim, Zuzim, Eimim, and Horites.

Q: What is Ein-Mishpat (Kadesh)?
A: It means “well of judgment,” named for a future event when Moses and Aaron were judged there.

Q: What does “Field of the Amalekites” mean if Amalek was not yet born?
A: It is called by its future name.

Q: Who was the sole survivor who told Avram about Lot’s capture?
A: Og, according to the straightforward meaning. Midrash says Og survived the Flood and hoped Avram would die rescuing Lot so he could marry Sarah.

Q: Why is Avram called “the Hebrew”?
A: Because he came from the other side (עֵבֶר) of the Euphrates.

Q: What does “וַיָּרֶק” mean when Avram armed his men?
A: It means “he armed,” as Onkelos translates. It also relates to “unsheathing” a sword.

Q: Who were Avram’s 318 men?
A: The rabbis say it was Eliezer alone, as his name equals 318 in gematria.

Q: Why did Avram’s strength weaken at Dan?
A: He foresaw that his descendants would later worship an idol there.

Q: What does “וַיֵּחָלֵק עֲלֵיהֶם לַיְלָה” mean?
A: He divided his forces at night to pursue the kings. Midrash adds that the night was split: half for Avram’s miracle, half for the future miracle in Egypt.

Q: What is Chovah?
A: It refers to Dan, called “Chovah” because of future idolatry there.

Q: What did Avram recover?
A: All the stolen goods, Lot, his possessions, and the captives.

Q: What is Emek Shaveh (the king’s valley)?
A: An open valley used for royal sports. Midrash says nations gathered there and appointed Avram as a leader.

Q: Who was Malki-Tzedek?
A: Shem, son of Noah.

Q: Why did Malki-Tzedek bring bread and wine?
A: To refresh Avram after battle and to hint at future offerings in Jerusalem.

Q: What does “קֹנֵה שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ” mean?
A: “Maker of heaven and earth,” indicating God’s ownership through creation.

Q: What does “אֲשֶׁר־מִגֵּן” mean?
A: “Who delivered” your enemies into your hand.

Q: Why did Avram give Malki-Tzedek a tithe?
A: Because he was a priest to God.