1. The Covenants of Avraham and Yitzchak with the Plishtim
We find that both Avraham and Yitzchak formed covenants, making treaties with the Plishtim. The Midrash teaches that the covenant Avraham made with Avimelech, king of the Plishtim, caused a delay in the Jewish people’s entry into Eretz Yisrael. Because of this agreement, it took seven generations before Bnei Yisrael could enter the land. If you calculate, you’ll see that Moshe Rabbeinu was the seventh generation from Avraham: Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Levi (Yaakov’s son), Kehos (Levi’s son), Amram (Kehos’ son), and then Moshe Rabbeinu (Amram’s son). It was Moshe who conquered the lands of Sichon v’Og on this side of the Jordan before crossing into Eretz Yisrael.2. Repetition of the Covenant and Its Consequences
After Avraham, Yitzchak also formed a covenant with Avimelech, as we read in last week’s parsha. This second treaty caused another delay—again for seven generations—before Bnei Yisrael could conquer Eretz Yisrael. Yehoshua, who is a seventh generation from Yitzchak, was ultimately the one to lead Bnei Yisrael into Eretz Yisrael. While Moshe is seventh from Avraham, Yehoshua is seventh from Yitzchak; thus, it took until Yehoshua’s generation for full conquest.3. Yaakov’s Concern About Further Delay
The Midrash explains that Yaakov was worried he might also have to sign a treaty with Avimelech, king of the Plishtim. If he did so, it would cause yet another delay for Bnei Yisrael to enter Eretz Yisrael. Therefore, Yaakov was careful not to remain in Be’er Sheva and avoided any situation that might lead to such a covenant. While the simple meaning of the pasuk is that Yaakov left Be’er Sheva because of his conflict with Esav and his parents’ advice to find a wife elsewhere, the Midrash adds that Yaakov’s concern about delaying Bnei Yisrael played a significant role in his decision.4. Why Was Only Yaakov Concerned?
The Rebbe asks: Why was only Yaakov concerned about delaying Bnei Yisrael? Why weren’t Avraham and Yitzchak equally troubled by this possibility? If there should be concern about such delays, it would seem logical for all three forefathers to share it; if not, why is Yaakov singled out?5. The Spiritual Development Across Generations
To answer this question, we need to examine the spiritual state across these generations. Not all of Avraham’s children followed his path—Avraham had both a tzaddik like Yitzchak and also Yishmael. Similarly, Yitzchak had two sons: Yaakov and Esav; while Yaakov was righteous, Esav went astray. Only by Yaakov do we say mitaso sheleimah—his bed was complete—meaning all his children were tzaddikim and followed in his ways. In Avraham and Yitzchak’s times, the world wasn’t yet refined; their mission was still in its early stages. Avraham began teaching monotheism to a world that laughed at him and rejected these new ideas. It took time for these teachings to take root and for society to change.6. The Necessity of Covenants in Earlier Generations
Because the world wasn’t yet ready for full Jewish sovereignty over Eretz Yisrael during Avraham and Yitzchak’s eras, forming covenants with other nations made sense at that time. Making a treaty meant recognizing shared rights over the land; Hashem had not yet given exclusive possession of Eretz Yisrael to Bnei Yisrael. By contrast, in Yaakov’s time things had changed—the world had become more refined through generations of spiritual work by Avraham and Yitzchak. All of Yaakov’s children were righteous; now Bnei Yisrael were ready for their unique mission without further delay or compromise.7. Lessons for Our Times: Treaties and Eretz Yisrael
Today as well we see attempts to form treaties with those who claim parts of Eretz Yisrael as their own rather than accepting that Hashem gave this land as an eternal gift to Bnei Yisrael—the land of our forefathers. The Torah documents again and again how places like Chevron were purchased outright by our ancestors. Making treaties is not always positive; sometimes it grants legitimacy or foothold where none should exist according to Torah perspective.8. A Prayer for Peace and Redemption
May Hashem help that everything should proceed smoothly without any tzoros—suffering or trouble—from enemies in Eretz HaKodesh, but rather there should be peace and tranquility (sholem v'shalva v'hashket). And may we soon merit the coming of Moshiach who will bring true peace to all humanity.