The third parashah of Torah tells us of the moment when the Jewish people began their long journey into nationhood. Though this would take many generations, and require skill, luck and faith along the way, that origin is found in Abraham's decision to 'go forth'. Though the way was uncertain, and Abraham contended with doubt, the hope of a bountiful future emerged despite those concerns. Would Abraham truly be the father of a great nation? He wasn't at all convinced, even if G-d was sure. Along the way, we read one of the strangest digressions in all of Torah - the Battle of the Nine Kings. While it provides some context about the land into which Abraham was enetering, it's meaning needs quite a bit of further consideration.