EXTRA 1 on Lech Lecha 13:17

EXTRA · Ohr HaChaim / Bava Batra · Parashas Lech Lecha · Passuk 13:17

Complete Passuk

ק֚וּם הִתְהַלֵּ֣ךְ בָּאָ֔רֶץ לְאָרְכָּ֖הּ וּלְרָחְבָּ֑הּ כִּ֥י לְךָ֖ אֶתְּנֶֽנָּה׃

Arise, walk through the land, its length and its breadth, for I will give it to you.

Source

Ohr HaChaim citing Bava Batra 100a (R. Eliezer / Sages on acquisition by walking)

Core Text

Core Text תַּנְיָא, הָלַךְ בָּהּ לְאָרְכָּהּ וּלְרָחְבָּהּ קָנָה בָּהּ מְקוֹם הִלּוּכוֹ, דִּבְרֵי רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר; וַחֲכָמִים אוֹמְרִים: לֹא קָנָה עַד שֶׁיַּחְזִיק.
English: It was taught: if one walked its length and breadth, he has acquired the place of his walking — the words of R. Eliezer; the Sages say: he has not acquired until he takes formal possession.
Context: The command “walk” is linked to the tannaitic dispute on whether walking alone effects acquisition of land.

What Is Learned

Avraham’s commanded walking is the prototype for the debate on kinyan by traversal.