The Exegesis of Bahya Ben Asher for Gen. 15:7

Bahya Ben Asher ibn Halawa (1255-1340) is one of Spain's renowned exegetes. His interpretation of the Torah was published in many editions and quoted by later commentators, so that his oeuvre became widely disseminated and highly influential. What makes his commentary unique is his innovation of combining it with traditions he was familiar with, including many legends. In his interpretation of Genesis 15:7, he takes an original approach, incorporating a medieval legend about our forefather Abraham that was generally quoted in non-canonic literary compositions. In this way, he contributed to the legend's acceptance in the mainstream exegetical canon, while at the same time developing its exegetic potential even further.