Universal to Particular

Up until the story Avraham we mentioned a lot in class the idea that everything that is going on is universal. The Torah is not just pinpointing at the Jewish nation; we were looking at Bereishit through a universal lens. For example, when we were learning about Dor Hamabul, we talked about the brit, treaty, between man and G-d. The treaty was that G-d will never destroy the world if the people after the mabul follow the sheva mitzvot bnei Noach. We emphasized that this was a UNIVERSAL idea and that everyone must show respect for the hierarchy and follow the sheva mitzvot bnei Noach. However, today, when I was reading through the pessukim of Lech Lecha I realized that we are no longer focused on the world, we are focused on Avram because Avram is the one who will multiply, become a strong nation, and enter the Land of Israel. This is focused on us, the Jewish people. I think we should all realize this important shift in the sefer. However, I am left with a question: why? Why all of the sudden does G-d turn to Avram and decide to make a great nation out of him? I was thinking maybe G-d saw that the world, universally could not live up to his 'standards.' Like we always said in class, it seemed as though we were going from sin to sin and even more sin. Perhaps Migdal Bavel was the last straw. So after Migdal Bavel, G-d realized that He needs a nation, a people that is devoted to Him and his ways and that is where Avram fits in the picture. Obviously, my explanation is a bit childish because I am making it seem like G-d has feelings and made a mistake by thinking the whole world could be his chosen people. However, maybe G-d allowed all of this to happen to lead up to the story of Avram and our people. Just like we all want to know why G-d chose Avram, we also want to know why us? What was wrong with the rest of the world? And perhaps, that is what the first 11 perakim of Bereishit come to teach us.