Parshas Chayei Sarah
The Value of Words
The conversation and negotiations between Avraham and Efron, which
compromises the first part of this week's parsha, has always been a
puzzling to me. Why does the Torah, which in so many other places is so
very chary of words, feel it necessary to record all of the elaborate talk
that was involved in Avraham's purchase of the Cave of Machpela? The Torah
could have simply stated that Avraham purchased that gravesite from Efron
for four hundred shekel and left it at that. I still don't have any
brilliant answer to this question but living in the Land of Israel has
given me a different perspective on the issue. In Jewish society, words,
spoken words, count for a great deal. The Torah warns us not to cheapen
our words, not to be hypocritical, not to slander and tell falsehoods and
not to renege on our spoken commitments. The Talmud is replete with
stories of great men who kept their spoken word, and even in some
instances their unspoken mental commitment to a price or transaction,
often to their own personal and financial detriment. Avraham is such a
person of integrity and steadfastness.
But as the Torah continually points out here at the beginning of the
parsha, he dwells among the Hittites. The Hittites show him great outward
respect, even affection. "You are the prince of God who dwells in our
midst," they declare to him. But Avraham is not fooled by their
compliments and blandishments or extravagant protestations that he can
choose any gravesite he wishes and that it will be deeded to him free of
charge. Living with the Hittites has taught him how cheap talk is in that
society and that the words of his neighbors and erstwhile admirers are not
to be relied upon. By recording the entire series of conversations and
negotiations that mark Avraham's purchase of the Cave of Machpela, the
Torah warns his descendants that good words are often not to be taken at
face value. Better criticism from a friend than compliments from an enemy.
In our time, Jews have proven especially gullible to sweet words of
conciliation and hope. What we felt to be a legitimate effort to achieve
peace, our enemies turned into a brutal and bloody struggle for our
national existence. In a world where the spoken word no longer carries
much weight, it would be highly foolish of us not to recognize the true
intent of our adversaries. King David said in Psalms: "I speak of peace,
but they are determined to wage war upon me." Efron's fawning compliments
to Avraham are the prelude to his demanding and receiving an exorbitant
price for the Cave of Machpela. The Torah, by recording the incident in
its fullness, transforms Efron's immediate and temporary gain into a badge
of eternal shame. We have a right to be skeptical of good words alone.
Only good deeds and positive actions have the ring of truth and conviction
to them.
Rabbi Berel Wein
Text Copyright © 2004 by Rabbi Berel Wein and Torah.org
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