Benefit and Goodness

Rashi explains why the double language of לך לך, “You shall surely go out,” was used by Hashem to Avraham Avinu. There would be two benefits by moving to Israel. One would be להנאתך, to your benefit, and the other would be לטובתך, so that it be good for you.

Rav Kook explains that the word, הנאה, for your benefit, usually refers to material benefits and pleasures. The word, לטובתך, describes טוב as being able to do good for others.

In Avraham’s case, the benefit he would receive by coming to Israel, would be a spiritual benefit. When he was told to traverse the land, he understood that he would then be able to absorb the spirituality inherent in the land.

Real goodness comes when we are able to share it with others. The Maharal explained that the reason G-d created the world was because His essence was goodness. A person is not satisfied with the good that he has unless he can share that good with others.

This explains why Avraham was upset when he had no visitors on that hot day, when he was recovering from his Brit Mila. He wanted to do good by welcoming guests and teaching them about the one true G-d.

We see a great deal about Avraham’s nature and his view of “benefit and good.” But we also learn that one cannot reach his spiritual potential when he lives outside of Eretz Yisrael. Avraham became complete when he was circumcised. He was then able to enjoy the benefits, goodness, and spirituality in the Land of Israel.