LECH-LECHA – DOING FOR THE SAKE OF HEAVEN OR THE SAKE OF REWARD?

בס”ד

In this Torah portion, Lech-Lecha, the theme of reward and retribution for a good deed is discussed. After his great victory over the four kings, G-d told Abraham, “Do not be afraid, Abram… your reward is very great.” Rashi, one of the prominent commentators, interprets this as follows: Abraham’s concern was that he may have already received his reward for all his righteousness. To calm him, G-d reassured him: “Why are you worried about receiving your reward – your reward is very great.”

It is clear that Abraham served his Creator completely for the sake of heaven, as an ‘act of love.’ Maimonides defines what it means to serve out of love: “One engages in Torah and commandments… not to inherit good, but does the truth because it is true.” He adds that this was “the virtue of our father Abraham… that he served only out of love.” So the question arises again. How is it possible that Abraham was troubled about his reward, to the point that G-d needed to reassure him on this matter?

The answer is, precisely because Abraham considered himself dust and ashes—he did not see himself as a personal entity, but rather as an ‘instrument’ in G-d’s hand, whose sole purpose was to glorify G-d’s name in the world. His name and honor were not seen by him as personal or selfish but rather as part of the honor of Heaven. His entire aspiration in life was to bring people to recognize the Creator of the world. For this reason, his greatness amongst people, would, in turn, magnify the honor of Heaven.

This also explains Abraham’s concern for his reward. Even the reward given to him for serving his Creator was not viewed as a personal gain, but as a manifestation that serving G-d is a good thing, bringing blessings and honor. He wanted to receive a reward so that people would see in their eyes that faith in G-d is the true path and that G-d rewards those who believe in Him and serve Him. Abraham was not concerned for himself but for the honor of Heaven. For this reason, G-d told him, “Do not be afraid… your reward is very great.”

Abraham lived before the giving of the Torah so he was a Noahide. This gives anyone the spiritual strength to observe the Divine Commandments for the sake of heaven, finally, a good reward will follow as well. Indeed, the physical body seeks reward for personal and selfish reasons, but behind this is the soul’s desire for the name of the Creator to be sanctified in the world. The greatest reward ever will be given soon to the people of Israel and to the Noahides, in the messianic era where the full redemption and resurrection of the dead will take place.

Sources: Likutei Sichos vol. 20 page 54.

By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein

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