Did Abraham Follow God's Call Because of the Reward? | Aleph Beta

Join 180k users across the globe. Gain unlimited access to 1,100+ videos, podcasts, articles and more.

Start your free trial today to unlock the full library with unlimited and uninterrupted access

Get Started

Was Abraham In It For The Reward?

Why Did Abraham Follow God's Call?

God called to Abraham, “Lech lecha, leave your home and go to the land that I will show you!” It’s such a familiar story that we never stop to ask – why did Abraham follow God’s call? Was it because he was so pious? Because he was the first monotheist who devoted his life to God? Or maybe, just maybe, it was because God promised him a reward of children and a great nation.

It’s an uncomfortable thought to entertain, but it doesn’t seem so crazy when we read the text carefully. What was Abraham’s true motivation for following God’s command?

Join Daniel Loewenstein as he compares this story with another time when God called Abraham, “Lech lecha – go!” It turns out that reading these two stories together can hold a key to understanding the defining moments in how Abraham responded to God's call.

Check out Rabbi Fohrman’s course, "Akeidah: Was the Sacrifice of Isaac Heroism or Murder?"

Daniel Loewenstein

Scholar

Share

Share

Share

Gift

download

Download Transcript

Related Content

Popular on Aleph Beta

Trending Now

What is Aleph Beta?

Aleph Beta is a unique kind of Torah library. Led by our founder, Rabbi David Fohrman, we are dedicated to high-level, textual Torah learning for adults that is intellectually and spiritually sophisticated, that enlivens your Jewish practice and helps you forge a deeper connection to God. Whether you’ve been learning in yeshiva for years or you’re just beginning your Torah journey, you’re sure to find something meaningful and surprising waiting for you here.

Browse our library of over 1,000 beautifully produced animated videos, podcasts, deep dive courses, and printable guides. Topics include the weekly parsha, Jewish holidays & fast days, laws & mitzvot, prayers, relationships, big philosophical ideas and more. Have something to say at the Shabbos table that will amaze your family and guests and bring deep meaning into their lives.

About