In the Torah’s narrative of Avraham, there are only two times when the expression אחר הדברים האלה “after what has been related thus far” appears. The first time is at the start of chapter 15, immediately following Avraham’s victory over the four kings. The second time is preceding עקידת יצחק, the binding of Yitzchak.
The word אחר means “after” and it also means “other”. What follows is the other side of what preceded. The “other side of the coin”. The words “front and back” are פנים ואחור.
The idea here is that each part of Avraham’s life was a stepping stone to the next. Each was a preparation for the next phase.
During phase one Avraham’s task was to trust God, living a life of isolation while calling out in God’s name demonstrated by the way he lived. During this phase Avraham would find continued success. He would win over and conquer the world’s heart by demonstrating his faith in God and the success it brings.
God now prepared him for the next phase of his life. This will be the decree of exile necessary for the formation of the nation. He is promised he will have children of his own, but they will have to endure exile in various stages.
The third and final phase, the binding of Yitzchak, will be the zenith of Avraham’s growth in faith.
Beraishis 15:1
pages 346-347
