Why Did Abraham Have to Leave His Homeland? The Abarbanel on Lech Lecha

Why did Hashem command Abraham to leave his homeland when he had already begun his journey? And why does the Torah specifically mention his land, his birthplace, and his father's house? In his commentary on Parashat Lech Lecha, Rabbi Don Isaac Abarbanel reveals how Abraham's journey was about much more than moving from one place to another. It was a necessary step toward spiritual growth, independence, and the fulfillment of his mission.

The Abarbanel begins by identifying three major beginnings in human and Jewish history: Adam, Noach, and Abraham. Adam represents the beginning of humanity as a whole, Noach marks a more particular beginning after the Flood, and Abraham represents the beginning of the nation that would eventually become the Jewish people.

He compares these three figures to different levels of human life. Adam corresponds to the power of growth, Noach to the ability to sense and perceive, and Abraham to the intellectual and spiritual capacities that distinguish human beings.

Of Abraham, the Abarbanel writes: "And his standing in relation to the nation was like that of the intellectual human form to a living, speaking being."

Through this comparison, the Abarbanel shows how Abraham's experiences also reflect the spiritual journey of a person seeking wisdom and closeness to Hashem. His departure represents leaving an environment that prevents growth, learning to recognize Hashem, gaining mastery over one's impulses, and refusing to become enslaved to wealth.

Importantly, the Abarbanel emphasizes that these interpretations do not mean the Torah's accounts are merely symbolic. "All these accounts happened and took place exactly as written," he insists. The events are historical, but they also contain deeper lessons.

Why Did Abraham Have to Leave Everything Behind?

The Abarbanel raises several questions about Hashem's command: "Go forth from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father's house" (Genesis 12:1).

Why was Abraham told to leave his homeland when he had already departed from Ur of the Chaldees? Why does the Torah separately mention his land, birthplace, and father's house? And why was he initially told only to travel to a land that Hashem would show him, without being given a clear destination?

According to the Abarbanel, Abraham's life in Charan presented three obstacles to his spiritual development.

The first was the religious environment around him, which was incompatible with his belief in Hashem. The second was the influence of neighbors and acquaintances, who could discourage him from continuing to challenge their beliefs. The third was his own family, where confronting those closest to him was especially difficult.

As the Abarbanel explains, "A person inevitably seeks to please those he loves who stand around him."

Even someone who firmly disagrees with the people around him can be influenced by their expectations and opinions. Abraham therefore needed more than a physical change of location. He needed the freedom to pursue his beliefs without the pressures of his familiar surroundings.

This explains why Hashem commanded him to leave again, even though he had already traveled from Ur with his father, Terach, and other family members.

The Abarbanel understands the command as a call for Abraham to make an independent departure: "That you alone shall go and leave your land."

This did not mean abandoning everyone who depended on him. As the Torah later describes, Abraham traveled with members of his household. Rather, he needed to separate himself from the influences that were preventing him from reaching his spiritual potential.

Why the Land of Israel Was Essential to Abraham's Mission

For the Abarbanel, the destination of Abraham's journey was just as important as the decision to leave.

Drawing on the Kuzari, Rabbi Yehuda Halevi's classic work of Jewish philosophy, he explains the special connection between the Land of Israel and prophecy.

He compares Abraham to a tree capable of producing excellent fruit. Even the healthiest tree cannot reach its full potential if it remains in unsuitable soil. But when transplanted into fertile, cultivated ground, it can finally flourish.

In the same way, Abraham needed to reach the land where his spiritual potential could be fully realized.

The Abarbanel also explains that Hashem's promises to Abraham directly addressed the sacrifices involved in leaving his familiar world behind.

By leaving his father's house, Abraham was separating himself from his family roots. Hashem therefore promised, "And I will make you a great nation" (Genesis 12:2), assuring him that a new nation would emerge from his descendants.

By leaving his acquaintances, Abraham was giving up the recognition and support of those who knew him. In response, Hashem promised, "And I will bless you and make your name great" (Genesis 12:2).

And by leaving his homeland, Abraham was surrendering the security of a familiar place. Hashem's promise of Divine providence assured him that he would not be left without protection in the land to which he was being sent.

Each promise addressed something Abraham was being asked to give up.

What Does It Mean to Be a Blessing?

The Abarbanel offers two interpretations of Hashem's command, "And be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2).

According to the first, Abraham was meant to become a person whose presence brought goodness to others. Wherever he went, he would be "a man of blessing who strives for your benefit."

The second interpretation goes further. Abraham's mission was not simply to live a righteous life, but to share his knowledge of Hashem with the world.

As the Abarbanel explains, "That when he goes, he will be a blessing among the nations, by teaching them and making known to them the true faith."

He understands the following promise, "And all the families of the earth shall be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3), in the same way. The blessing is connected to those who draw closer to the faith and values Abraham teaches.

In other words, Abraham was not meant to keep his spiritual discoveries to himself. His journey would ultimately benefit others by bringing them closer to recognizing Hashem.

The Abarbanel also finds a practical expression of Abraham's character in the Torah's description of the people and possessions he took on his journey.

He explains that the words "and he took" indicate that Abraham accepted financial responsibility for those traveling with him.

"For Abraham took everything upon himself, to cover the expenses they required," he writes.

Abraham's spiritual mission did not come at the expense of his obligations to others. Even as he left behind his former life, he made sure that the people accompanying him were provided for.

Why Was Abraham Afraid After His Victory?

Later in Parashat Lech Lecha, the Abarbanel examines Hashem's words to Abraham following the war of the kings: "Fear not, Abram. I am your shield; your reward is very great" (Genesis 15:1).

Why would Abraham need reassurance after emerging victorious?

According to the Abarbanel, Abraham may have feared that the defeated kings would eventually return to seek revenge. Until then, he had lived in relative security. Now he faced the possibility of having to remain constantly on guard.

The Abarbanel describes such a life as "a painful toil, all the more so for a man who has never been accustomed to such things."

Abraham may also have questioned his decision to return the captured possessions to the king of Sodom. Was it right to give wealth back to wicked people? Would it have been wiser to keep those resources to protect himself against future threats?

The Abarbanel explains that Hashem's response addressed both concerns.

"I am your shield" reassured Abraham that he would be protected from his enemies. "Your reward is very great" affirmed that his decision to return the possessions had been the right one.

Abraham did not need to compromise his principles in order to secure his future. His protection and reward ultimately came from Hashem.

Throughout his commentary, the Abarbanel presents Abraham's journey as a lesson in spiritual independence. Growth sometimes requires leaving behind familiar surroundings, resisting the pressure to conform, and trusting that doing what is right will lead us toward something greater.

Abraham's greatness was not simply that he was willing to leave his home. It was that he understood what he was leaving behind, remained faithful to his convictions, and used the freedom he gained to bring blessing to others.