By Rabbi Moshe Vosoghi
We find a fascinating debate in Parshat Vayera. Hashem decided to destroy the city of Sodom, but chose to tell Avraham about His decision. Avraham proceeded to plead for the citizens of Sodom, asking, “Would you destroy the righteous with the wicked? Shall the Judge of all the earth not do justice?” Why does Avraham think that Hashem would destroy the tzadikim? Much like Hashem saved Noach and his family during The Flood, wouldn’t Hashem similarly save the virtuous members of Sodom?
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch (1808
–1888) explains that of course Avraham knew that the tzadikim would be spared. Avraham’s request wasn’t that they survive; rather, he was stating that the righteous would experience terrible emotional pain with the destruction of their fellow countrymen. No doubt the righteous spared no effort in attempting to turn their neighbors to good, and their annihilation would cause the righteous terrible agony. Therefore, argued Avraham, spare the city of Sodom, the terrible, wicked, corrupt city of Sodom. Why? So that the good people of Sodom should not experience painful feelings.
What an amazing understanding of Hashem’s ways! We sometimes hear terrible news, or know of a friend or acquaintance going through a difficult time. Perhaps we say a tefillah, but we might tell ourselves that there is nothing we can do. However, we find that the very act of feeling another’s pain may spare them from further suffering. Hashem takes into account all of the repercussions of His actions. There may be an entire city that deserves destruction, but if there will be just a handful of people who will be adversely affected, the decree is averted. When we feel the pain of others, we may be doing much more to help them than we realize.