After these incidents: Wherever the term
אַחַר is used, it signifies immediately afterwards;
אַחֲרֵי signifies a long time afterwards (Gen. Rabbah 44:5). After this miracle had been wrought for him, that he slew the kings, he was worried and said, ?Perhaps I have received reward for all my righteous deeds.? Therefore, the Omnipresent said to him, ?Fear not Abram, I am your Shield? from punishment, that you will not be punished for all those souls that you have slain, and as far as your being worried about receiving reward, your reward is exceedingly great. [from Aggadath Bereishith 16:2; Tan. Buber, Lech Lecha 15; Pirkei d?Rabbi Eliezer ch. 27]
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