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Genesis 15:17 - Covenant forged through fire.

Genesis 15:17 - בראשית 15:17

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ בָּאָה וַעֲלָטָה הָיָה וְהִנֵּה תַנּוּר עָשָׁן וְלַפִּיד אֵשׁ אֲשֶׁר עָבַר בֵּין הַגְּזָרִים הָאֵלֶּה׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning torch that passed between those pieces.

Transliteration

Vayehi hashemesh baah va'alatah hayah vehineh tanur ashan velapid esh asher avar bein hagzarim ha'eleh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֤י הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙ בָּ֔אָה וַעֲלָטָ֖ה הָיָ֑ה וְהִנֵּ֨ה תַנּ֤וּר עָשָׁן֙ וְלַפִּ֣יד אֵ֔שׁ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָבַ֔ר בֵּ֖ין הַגְּזָרִ֥ים הָאֵֽלֶּה׃
וַיְהִ֤י הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙ בָּ֔אָה וַעֲלָטָ֖ה הָיָ֑ה וְהִנֵּ֨ה תַנּ֤וּר עָשָׁן֙ וְלַפִּ֣יד אֵ֔שׁ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָבַ֔ר בֵּ֖ין הַגְּזָרִ֥ים הָאֵֽלֶּה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Bereishit (Genesis 15:17)

This verse describes the covenant between Hashem and Avraham (the Brit Bein HaBetarim), where Hashem promises the Land of Israel to Avraham's descendants. The imagery of the smoking furnace and burning torch symbolizes divine presence and the future trials of the Jewish people.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) interprets the tanur ashan (smoking furnace) as a representation of the suffering of Israel in exile, particularly in Egypt ("ki tanur zeh mitzrayim"). The lapid eish (burning torch) symbolizes Hashem's deliverance, as seen in the Exodus (Shemot 19:18). The passing between the pieces signifies Hashem's unbreakable covenant with Avraham.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 2:42) explains that the vision was a prophetic experience, where Avraham perceived divine messages through symbolic imagery. The fire and smoke represent divine revelation and the enduring bond between Hashem and the Jewish people.

Midrashic Interpretations

  • Bereishit Rabbah (44:13): The tanur ashan alludes to the trials of Avraham's descendants, while the lapid eish represents the Torah, which illuminates their path.
  • Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer (28): The fire and smoke parallel the future offerings in the Beit HaMikdash, symbolizing Avraham's merit and the sanctity of the Land.

Symbolism in the Covenant

The act of passing between the split animals (mentioned earlier in the chapter) follows ancient covenant rituals, where parties would walk between pieces to signify commitment. Here, only Hashem passes through, indicating His unilateral promise to Avraham, as emphasized by the Mechilta and Sforno.

Halachic Implications

The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this covenant underscores the eternal Jewish claim to Eretz Yisrael, a principle codified in halachic discussions about settling the Land (e.g., Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Melachim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 26b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing of the evening prayer, connecting the 'smoking furnace' and 'burning torch' to the transition between day and night.
📖 Nedarim 32a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the covenant between God and Abraham, emphasizing the significance of the 'smoking furnace' and 'burning torch' as symbols of divine presence and promise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the 'smoking furnace' and 'burning torch' represent in Genesis 15:17?
A: According to Rashi, the 'smoking furnace' symbolizes the future suffering of the Jewish people (like the furnace of Egypt), while the 'burning torch' represents the Divine presence that will ultimately redeem them. This was part of the covenant between Hashem and Avraham.
Q: Why did this vision happen at night in Genesis 15:17?
A: The Midrash explains that night symbolizes exile and darkness, foreshadowing the difficult periods the Jewish people would endure. However, the burning torch shows that Hashem's presence remains with us even in dark times.
Q: What is the significance of the fire passing between the animal pieces in Genesis 15:17?
A: This was part of an ancient covenant ritual (called 'brit bein habetarim'). By passing between the pieces, Hashem was showing Avraham that He would keep His promise about giving the Land of Israel to his descendants, even if they would first go through exile.
Q: How does Genesis 15:17 relate to Jewish history?
A: Traditional Jewish sources see this verse as prophesying both the Egyptian exile (smoking furnace) and the eventual redemption (burning torch). The Rambam teaches that this shows Hashem's promise is eternal, even when we face challenges.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Genesis 15:17?
A: The verse teaches that even when things seem dark (like the night in the verse), Hashem's light (the torch) is always present. This gives us faith during difficult times, knowing that just as Hashem kept His promises to Avraham, He continues to guide the Jewish people.