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Genesis 25:5 - Avraham's legacy to Yitzchak

Genesis 25:5 - בראשית 25:5

Hebrew Text

וַיִּתֵּן אַבְרָהָם אֶת־כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ לְיִצְחָק׃

English Translation

And Avraham gave all that he had to Yiżĥaq.

Transliteration

Vayiten Avraham et kol asher lo l'Yitzhak.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּתֵּ֧ן אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֶת־כׇּל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֖וֹ לְיִצְחָֽק׃
וַיִּתֵּ֧ן אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֶת־כׇּל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֖וֹ לְיִצְחָֽק׃

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Parasha Commentary

Inheritance and Spiritual Legacy

The verse (Bereishit 25:5) states that Avraham gave all that he had to Yitzchak. Rashi explains that this refers not only to material possessions but also to the spiritual inheritance—specifically, the beracha (blessing) of the covenant with Hashem. This aligns with the earlier promise in Bereishit 17:19, where Hashem designates Yitzchak as the heir of Avraham's legacy.

Exclusion of Yishmael

Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that Avraham deliberately excluded Yishmael from this inheritance, as Yitzchak was the son of the covenant (ben ha-brit). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 61:6) elaborates that Avraham acted under divine instruction, ensuring that only Yitzchak would carry forward the mission of spreading monotheism.

Material vs. Spiritual Wealth

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 91a) discusses that "all that he had" includes both physical assets and intangible blessings. The Kli Yakar (R’ Shlomo Ephraim of Luntschitz) emphasizes that Avraham prioritized transmitting his spiritual values—faith in Hashem, kindness, and devotion—over mere wealth.

  • Material Inheritance: Lands, livestock, and possessions (as referenced in Bereishit 13:2).
  • Spiritual Inheritance: The covenant, divine promises, and Avraham’s ethical teachings.

Yitzchak as the Chosen Successor

The Malbim (R’ Meir Leibush Weiser) highlights that Yitzchak’s selection was not arbitrary but rooted in his spiritual readiness. Unlike Yishmael, who represented physical prowess (Bereishit 16:12), Yitzchak embodied the traits of mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice), as demonstrated at the Akeidah (Bereishit 22).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham give everything to Yitzchak and not to his other sons?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 25:5), Avraham gave all his possessions to Yitzchak because Yitzchak was his primary heir and the one chosen to continue the covenant with Hashem. His other sons, like Yishmael, received gifts but not the main inheritance, as the Torah later states (Genesis 25:6). This teaches us the importance of spiritual legacy over material wealth.
Q: What does 'all that he had' include in Genesis 25:5?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 61:6) explains that 'all that he had' refers not only to Avraham's physical possessions but also to the spiritual blessings and the covenant with Hashem. Yitzchak inherited both the material wealth and the sacred mission to uphold Avraham's teachings and relationship with G-d.
Q: How does Avraham's giving to Yitzchak apply to us today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Nachalot 6:1) derives from this verse the principle that a father has the right to designate his primary heir. Beyond legal inheritance, it teaches parents to prioritize passing down Torah values and faith to the next generation, ensuring the continuity of Jewish tradition, just as Avraham ensured it through Yitzchak.
Q: Why is this verse about inheritance important in the Torah?
A: This verse sets the foundation for Jewish lineage and inheritance laws. The Talmud (Bava Batra 133a) discusses how Avraham’s decision reflects the Torah’s emphasis on spiritual succession—Yitzchak, not the firstborn Yishmael, was chosen because of his righteousness. This highlights that Jewish leadership depends on merit, not just birth order.