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Genesis 24:7 - Divine promise guides matchmaking.

Genesis 24:7 - בראשית 24:7

Hebrew Text

יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם אֲשֶׁר לְקָחַנִי מִבֵּית אָבִי וּמֵאֶרֶץ מוֹלַדְתִּי וַאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר־לִי וַאֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע־לִי לֵאמֹר לְזַרְעֲךָ אֶתֵּן אֶת־הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת הוּא יִשְׁלַח מַלְאָכוֹ לְפָנֶיךָ וְלָקַחְתָּ אִשָּׁה לִבְנִי מִשָּׁם׃

English Translation

The Lord God of heaven, Who took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and Who spoke to me, and swore to me, saying, To thy seed will I give this land; He shall send His angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife for my son from there.

Transliteration

YHVH Elohei hashamayim asher lekachani mibeit avi ume'eretz moladeti va'asher diber-li va'asher nishba-li lemor lezar'acha etten et-ha'aretz hazot hu yishlach mal'acho lefanecha velakachta isha livni misham.

Hebrew Leining Text

יְהֹוָ֣ה <b>׀</b> אֱלֹהֵ֣י הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם אֲשֶׁ֨ר לְקָחַ֜נִי מִבֵּ֣ית אָבִי֮ וּמֵאֶ֣רֶץ מֽוֹלַדְתִּי֒ וַאֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּר־לִ֜י וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר נִֽשְׁבַּֽע־לִי֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר לְזַ֨רְעֲךָ֔ אֶתֵּ֖ן אֶת־הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֑את ה֗וּא יִשְׁלַ֤ח מַלְאָכוֹ֙ לְפָנֶ֔יךָ וְלָקַחְתָּ֥ אִשָּׁ֛ה לִבְנִ֖י מִשָּֽׁם׃
יְהֹוָ֣ה ׀ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם אֲשֶׁ֨ר לְקָחַ֜נִי מִבֵּ֣ית אָבִי֮ וּמֵאֶ֣רֶץ מֽוֹלַדְתִּי֒ וַאֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּר־לִ֜י וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר נִֽשְׁבַּֽע־לִי֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר לְזַ֨רְעֲךָ֔ אֶתֵּ֖ן אֶת־הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֑את ה֗וּא יִשְׁלַ֤ח מַלְאָכוֹ֙ לְפָנֶ֔יךָ וְלָקַחְתָּ֥ אִשָּׁ֛ה לִבְנִ֖י מִשָּֽׁם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 24:7) is part of Abraham's instructions to his servant Eliezer, whom he sends to find a wife for his son Isaac from Abraham's ancestral homeland. Abraham emphasizes his faith in Hashem's promise and guidance in this mission.

Key Themes and Interpretations

  • Hashem's Providence: Abraham acknowledges that Hashem guided him from his father's house (Ur Kasdim) to the Land of Canaan (Rashi on Genesis 24:7). This reflects the principle of hashgacha pratit (divine providence) in Jewish thought (Rambam, Moreh Nevuchim 3:17).
  • The Oath and Promise: Abraham recalls Hashem's oath to give the land to his descendants, reinforcing the covenant (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 59:9). This oath is foundational to the Jewish claim to Eretz Yisrael.
  • The Role of the Angel: The "angel" sent before Eliezer is understood by Rashi as a reference to divine assistance in ensuring the success of the mission. The Talmud (Chullin 95b) discusses how angels are sometimes sent to guide the righteous.

Abraham's Faith and Trust

Abraham's statement demonstrates his complete trust in Hashem's promises, a theme central to his character (Pirkei Avot 5:3). By invoking Hashem's past kindnesses, he reassures Eliezer that the mission will succeed under divine guidance (Sforno on Genesis 24:7).

The Mission's Significance

Finding a wife for Isaac from Abraham's family (rather than from Canaan) ensures the continuity of the covenantal line (Ramban on Genesis 24:3). This reflects the Torah's emphasis on maintaining spiritual purity through proper marriage (Talmud, Avodah Zarah 36b).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 24:7 mean?
A: In Genesis 24:7, Abraham speaks to his servant Eliezer, reminding him that Hashem (God) took him from his father's house, promised the land of Canaan to his descendants, and will send an angel to guide Eliezer in finding a wife for Isaac. This shows Abraham's complete trust in Hashem's promise (Rashi).
Q: Why is the mention of an angel important in this verse?
A: The angel mentioned in Genesis 24:7 represents divine guidance. Abraham assures his servant that Hashem will actively help in finding the right wife for Isaac, showing that even in practical matters like marriage, we should seek and trust in Hashem's assistance (Ramban).
Q: What can we learn from Abraham's words in this verse?
A: Abraham teaches us the importance of remembering Hashem's kindness (taking him from his father's house) and trusting in His promises (the land for his descendants). This faith is why Abraham confidently sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac, knowing Hashem will guide the process (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah).
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish marriage today?
A: Just as Abraham sought a righteous wife for Isaac with divine guidance, Jewish tradition emphasizes finding a spouse through proper values and divine blessing. The Shidduch (matchmaking) process today still reflects this idea of seeking Hashem's help in marriage (Talmud, Sotah 2a).
Q: Why does Abraham emphasize 'the land of my kindred' in this verse?
A: Abraham highlights that Hashem brought him from his homeland to teach that true belonging comes from following Hashem's will, not just family ties. This prepares Eliezer to understand that Isaac's wife must come from Abraham's family, but more importantly, share their faith (Rashi on Genesis 24:7).