Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Hashem tell Yitzchak not to go down to Mitzrayim (Egypt)?
A: Hashem told Yitzchak not to go down to Mitzrayim because He wanted Yitzchak to remain in Eretz Yisrael, the land promised to Avraham and his descendants. According to Rashi, this was to reinforce that Yitzchak was uniquely connected to the Land of Israel—unlike Avraham and Yaakov, who left at times, Yitzchak never left its borders his entire life.
Q: What is the significance of Hashem appearing to Yitzchak in this verse?
A: Hashem's appearance to Yitzchak reaffirms the covenant made with Avraham and shows that Yitzchak was chosen to continue the spiritual legacy. The Ramban explains that this was a moment of divine reassurance, especially during a famine (mentioned in the previous verse), teaching that trusting in Hashem’s guidance is more important than seeking material security elsewhere.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yitzchak being told to stay in the land?
A: The verse teaches the importance of staying in Eretz Yisrael and trusting in Hashem’s providence, even during difficult times like famine. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) highlights that Yitzchak’s obedience set an example of bitachon (trust in Hashem), showing that true security comes from following divine instruction rather than human logic.
Q: Why does the verse say 'dwell in the land which I shall tell you of' instead of naming the land directly?
A: Rashi explains that Hashem did not need to specify the land because Yitzchak was already in Eretz Yisrael—the instruction was to remain there. The phrasing emphasizes that Yitzchak’s dwelling place was divinely designated, reinforcing that his presence in the land was part of a greater plan for the Jewish people.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish people today?
A: This verse reinforces the eternal bond between the Jewish people and Eretz Yisrael. Just as Yitzchak was commanded to stay in the land despite challenges, Jewish tradition (as discussed in the Talmud and later halachic sources) emphasizes the mitzvah of living in Israel and trusting in Hashem’s protection, even in times of hardship.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Genesis 26:2) appears during a famine in the land of Canaan, when Yitzchak (Isaac) considers descending to Mitzrayim (Egypt) for sustenance. Hashem appears to him and instructs him to remain in the land. This mirrors a similar test faced by Avraham (Abraham) in Genesis 12:10, where he did descend to Egypt during a famine.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Genesis 26:2) notes that Hashem's command to Yitzchak, "אַל־תֵּרֵד מִצְרָיְמָה" ("Do not go down to Egypt"), contrasts with Avraham's experience. Yitzchak is uniquely commanded to stay in Eretz Yisrael because:
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:9) derives from this verse a broader principle about dwelling in Eretz Yisrael. He teaches that one should not leave the land except under extreme circumstances (e.g., severe famine), and even then, only temporarily. Yitzchak's adherence to Hashem's command exemplifies the ideal of ישוב הארץ (settling the Land of Israel) as a mitzvah.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 64:3) elaborates that Hashem assured Yitzchak, "שְׁכֹן בָּאָרֶץ" ("Dwell in the land"), because the land itself would provide for him despite the famine. This reflects the idea that Eretz Yisrael is sustained by divine providence, and those who trust in Hashem will be cared for even in difficult times.
Spiritual Lessons