After
settling in the Land of Israel, Avraham was blessed with abundant
flocks and herds. Avraham’s nephew Lot, who accompanied Avraham on his
journey to Israel, also had a great number of livestock.
In
time, a dispute over grazing rights, broke out between the shepherds of
Lot and the shepherds of Avraham. Lot felt that since HaShem had
promised the Land of Israel to Avraham, it was Avraham’s rightful land
- even before the promise was fulfilled. Accordingly, Lot instructed
his shepherds to allow his flocks to graze on privately owned fields.
Although
there was an element of truth to Lot’s line of reasoning, Avraham
wisely disagreed. At the present, Avraham was enjoying peace with his
neighbors, who were powerful nations, far greater in number than him.
However, if he allowed the flocks to graze on his neighbor’s fields,
they would feel threatened by his "imperialistic yearnings," and rise
up against him.
Therefore, for the sake of peace, Avraham asked
Lot to part from him. Lot chose to live with the immoral people of
Sodom, who would not be concerned with his grazing policy.
Avraham
valued peace above everything, as our Sages said, "If there is no
peace, there is nothing." It was Avraham’s love of peace that made him
beloved in the eyes of man and G-d. Just as he pursued peace, his life
was blessed with every manner of peace and tranquility.
May
we follow in Avraham’s footsteps of loving and pursuing peace in all of
our relationships. In turn, HaShem will bless us with peace, happiness,
and a pleasant life.
[Based on the commentary of Rashi and the Kali Yakar]
TODAY: Maintain
peace by not making "waves" in your personal relationships. Foster
peace by avoiding all behavior which could be interpreted as
antagonistic.
Important Numbers
