Parshat Lech Lecha - Results
by Rabbi Lobel

“When Abram (Abraham) was ninety-nine years of age, G-d appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am the Almighty Lord, walk before Me with wholeheartedness.'” (Genesis 17:1)

According to Nahmanides (1194-1270; Gerona, Spain), in this context, “wholeheartedness” means the same as it does in Deuteronomy 18:13 - “Wholehearted you shall be with the Lord your G-d.” Nahmanides concludes that a person who is “wholehearted” with G-d is someone who understands that G-d alone has the ultimate power in every facet of our lives to control all outcomes from beginning to end. Everything, from the absolute certain to the inconceivable, whether it happens or doesn't happen, is completely dependent upon G-d's will.

G-d is telling Abraham to walk “wholeheartedly” with Him in every facet of his life.

At ninety-nine years of age, did Abraham need this reminder? Hadn't he demonstrated time after time his absolute dedication to G-d and his constant belief that G-d controlled everything?

When Nimrod ordered Abraham to choose between idolatry or be thrown into the furnace for his monotheistic beliefs, Abraham chose the fiery furnace. (Midrash Rabba 38:13; 400 CE – 600 CE)

When Abraham's nephew, Lot, was captured by King Kedarlaomer and his army of three Kings, Abraham attacked Kedarlaomer and his army. Abraham with only three hundred and eighteen men inconceivably saved Lot, and returned all the spoils of war to Kedarlaomer's victims. (See Genesis 14)

Yet, even Abraham was able to benefit from a reminder that G-d controlled every aspect of everything and nothing happened unless G-d willed it to be so. If Abraham was able to benefit from a reminder, so can the rest of us. As each of us struggles to gain control over our everyday challenges, we must constantly remind ourselves to walk before G-d “with wholeheartedness.”