Page 215 - BERESHIT

Hashem faulted Avraham for drafting his men who were learning Torah
in order to free his nephew Lot from captivity. This resulted in a
punishment for Avraham and his descendants. But is this really so severe
as to warrant punishment?

Avraham deserved to be rewarded for his courageous fight for Lot’s life,
as Hashem does not hold back reward for one’s good deeds even if they
are diluted or mixed with some infringement of the law. At the same time,
Avraham warranted a penalty for disrupting the learning of several
hundred men.

Avraham Avinu stops his chase at the place where he sees by Divine
revelation that his descendants would one day deteriorate and worship
idolatry. Why does Hashem see fit to show this revelation to Avraham in
the midst of his chase? I suggest that Hashem was hinting to Avraham
Avinu specifically after when he disturbed others from learning, the
severity of bitul Torah by showing him the relapse of his descendants
years later. This was meant to arouse Avraham to reflect and repent.