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Genesis 24:60 - Blessing for countless descendants

Genesis 24:60 - בראשית 24:60

Hebrew Text

וַיְבָרֲכוּ אֶת־רִבְקָה וַיֹּאמְרוּ לָהּ אֲחֹתֵנוּ אַתְּ הֲיִי לְאַלְפֵי רְבָבָה וְיִירַשׁ זַרְעֵךְ אֵת שַׁעַר שֹׂנְאָיו׃

English Translation

And they blessed Rivqa, and said to her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of ten thousands, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.

Transliteration

Vayevarechu et-Rivka vayomru lah achoteinu at hayi lealfei revava veyirash zar'ach et sha'ar sone'av.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְבָרְכ֤וּ אֶת־רִבְקָה֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּ לָ֔הּ אֲחֹתֵ֕נוּ אַ֥תְּ הֲיִ֖י לְאַלְפֵ֣י רְבָבָ֑ה וְיִירַ֣שׁ זַרְעֵ֔ךְ אֵ֖ת שַׁ֥עַר שֹׂנְאָֽיו׃
וַיְבָרְכ֤וּ אֶת־רִבְקָה֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּ לָ֔הּ אֲחֹתֵ֕נוּ אַ֥תְּ הֲיִ֖י לְאַלְפֵ֣י רְבָבָ֑ה וְיִירַ֣שׁ זַרְעֵ֔ךְ אֵ֖ת שַׁ֥עַר שֹׂנְאָֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Blessing of Rivka

The verse (Bereshit 24:60) describes the blessing given to Rivka by her family before she departs with Eliezer to marry Yitzchak. The blessing contains profound significance in Jewish tradition.

"Be thou the mother of thousands of ten thousands"

Rashi explains that this blessing foretells Rivka's descendants - that she would become the matriarch of vast multitudes. The phrase "אַלְפֵי רְבָבָה" (thousands of ten thousands) alludes to the future tribes of Israel who would descend from her. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 60:15) connects this to the 600,000 Israelites who stood at Mount Sinai, showing how Rivka's progeny would become the foundation of the Jewish nation.

"Let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them"

The Ramban interprets this as a prophecy that Rivka's descendants would achieve victory over their enemies. In ancient times, the city gate was where legal and military matters were decided (as seen in Devarim 21:19 and elsewhere). The blessing therefore suggests Rivka's offspring would prevail in both judicial and military conflicts with their adversaries.

The Kli Yakar offers a deeper interpretation: "שער שונאיו" (the gate of those which hate them) refers specifically to the gates of the Heavenly Court. He explains that Rivka's descendants would merit to have their prayers enter through these gates and be accepted before Hashem, even when facing enemies.

The Significance of "Our Sister"

The family's address to Rivka as "אֲחֹתֵנוּ" (our sister) before giving the blessing is noteworthy. The Malbim explains this demonstrates their complete identification with her - though she was leaving to join Avraham's family, they emphasized their eternal bond with her. This familial connection remained despite geographical separation.

Fulfillment in Jewish History

  • The blessing found partial fulfillment in the military victories of the Jewish people under kings like David and Shlomo
  • Its complete fulfillment awaits the Messianic era when all enemies of Israel will be subdued
  • The Talmud (Yevamot 64a) notes that Rivka was initially barren, making the fulfillment of this blessing particularly miraculous

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 64a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the blessings given to Rivka (Rebecca) and their fulfillment in her descendants.
📖 Bava Batra 123a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the blessings and inheritance of the patriarchs and matriarchs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the blessing 'be thou the mother of thousands of ten thousands' mean in Genesis 24:60?
A: This blessing given to Rivka (Rebecca) by her family expresses the hope that she will become the ancestress of a vast and mighty nation. According to Rashi, 'thousands of ten thousands' (אַלְפֵי רְבָבָה) refers to the 600,000 Israelites who would later leave Egypt (representing 'ten thousands') and their descendants ('thousands'). It is a prophetic blessing about the future Jewish people.
Q: Why did Rivka's family bless her with 'let your seed possess the gate of their enemies'?
A: In biblical times, the 'gate' (שַׁעַר) of a city was where legal and military matters were decided. This blessing means that Rivka's descendants would triumph over their adversaries, both physically and spiritually. The Ramban explains that this foreshadows the Jewish people's ability to overcome enemies and establish justice, as seen in many events throughout Jewish history.
Q: How is Rivka's blessing connected to the Jewish people today?
A: Rivka's blessing is seen as eternally relevant to the Jewish people. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) connects this blessing to the concept of Jewish continuity and resilience. Just as Rivka became a matriarch of the Jewish nation, her descendants continue to thrive despite challenges, fulfilling the promise of being numerous and strong in their identity.
Q: Why is Rivka called 'our sister' in this verse when she was leaving her family?
A: Rashi explains that calling Rivka 'our sister' (אֲחֹתֵנוּ) was an expression of affection and closeness, even as she departed to marry Yitzchak (Isaac). It reflects the bond of family and the hope that she would carry their values with her. The Talmud (Ketubot 7b) also notes that blessings are most effective when given with love and kinship.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the blessings given to Rivka?
A: The blessings teach the importance of foreseeing the potential in a person and articulating positive aspirations for their future. The Sforno emphasizes that Rivka's family recognized her righteousness and blessed her accordingly. This reminds us to bless others with sincere hopes for their success and to trust in G-d's plan for Jewish continuity and strength.