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Genesis 26:3 - Divine promise to Isaac's descendants

Genesis 26:3 - בראשית 26:3

Hebrew Text

גּוּר בָּאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת וְאֶהְיֶה עִמְּךָ וַאֲבָרְכֶךָּ כִּי־לְךָ וּלְזַרְעֲךָ אֶתֵּן אֶת־כָּל־הָאֲרָצֹת הָאֵל וַהֲקִמֹתִי אֶת־הַשְּׁבֻעָה אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי לְאַבְרָהָם אָבִיךָ׃

English Translation

sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for to thee, and to thy seed, I will give all these countries and I will perform the oath which I swore to Avraham thy father;

Transliteration

Gur ba'aretz hazot ve'ehiye imcha va'avarechecha ki-lecha ulzar'acha etten et-kol-ha'aratzot ha'el vehakimoti et-hashvu'a asher nishba'ti le'Avraham avicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

גּ֚וּר בָּאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את וְאֶֽהְיֶ֥ה עִמְּךָ֖ וַאֲבָרְכֶ֑ךָּ כִּֽי־לְךָ֣ וּֽלְזַרְעֲךָ֗ אֶתֵּן֙ אֶת־כׇּל־הָֽאֲרָצֹ֣ת הָאֵ֔ל וַהֲקִֽמֹתִי֙ אֶת־הַשְּׁבֻעָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִשְׁבַּ֖עְתִּי לְאַבְרָהָ֥ם אָבִֽיךָ׃
גּ֚וּר בָּאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את וְאֶֽהְיֶ֥ה עִמְּךָ֖ וַאֲבָרְכֶ֑ךָּ כִּֽי־לְךָ֣ וּֽלְזַרְעֲךָ֗ אֶתֵּן֙ אֶת־כׇּל־הָֽאֲרָצֹ֣ת הָאֵ֔ל וַהֲקִֽמֹתִי֙ אֶת־הַשְּׁבֻעָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִשְׁבַּ֖עְתִּי לְאַבְרָהָ֥ם אָבִֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 26:3) is part of Hashem's reassurance to Yitzchak Avinu during a famine in the land of Canaan. Yitzchak had considered descending to Egypt, but Hashem instructs him to remain in Eretz Yisrael, promising divine protection, blessing, and the fulfillment of the covenant made with Avraham Avinu.

Key Themes and Interpretations

  • גּוּר בָּאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת (Sojourn in this land): Rashi explains that Yitzchak was commanded to dwell as a "ger" (stranger) in the land, emphasizing temporary residency rather than permanent settlement. This reflects the spiritual challenge of living with faith in Hashem's promise while not yet possessing the land.
  • וְאֶהְיֶה עִמְּךָ (I will be with thee): The Ramban notes that this assurance of divine presence is a recurring theme in the lives of the Avot, signifying that their merit and connection to Hashem would protect them even in times of hardship.
  • כִּי־לְךָ וּלְזַרְעֲךָ אֶתֵּן אֶת־כָּל־הָאֲרָצֹת הָאֵל (For to thee and to thy seed I will give all these countries): The Sforno highlights that this promise reaffirms the eternal covenant of Eretz Yisrael to Yitzchak and his descendants, linking it to the original oath to Avraham.

The Oath to Avraham

The phrase וַהֲקִמֹתִי אֶת־הַשְּׁבֻעָה אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי לְאַבְרָהָם אָבִיךָ ("I will perform the oath which I swore to Avraham thy father") underscores the continuity of the covenant. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 64:3) teaches that Yitzchak's merit was intertwined with Avraham's, demonstrating that the blessings and promises are inherited through righteous lineage.

Practical Lessons

  • Emunah in Hashem's Promises: Yitzchak's willingness to remain in the land despite famine exemplifies trust in divine providence, a model for future generations.
  • The Sanctity of Eretz Yisrael: The verse reinforces the unique spiritual status of the land, as later discussed in the Talmud (Ketubot 110b), which extols dwelling in Eretz Yisrael as equal to all other mitzvot combined.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 42b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the blessings and promises given to the patriarchs, particularly in the context of divine protection and providence.
📖 Megillah 17a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the historical and theological significance of the promises made to Isaac and his descendants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean when Hashem tells Yitzchak to 'sojourn in this land'?
A: When Hashem tells Yitzchak to 'sojourn in this land' (Genesis 26:3), it means he should temporarily dwell in the land of Gerar during a famine, despite it being a foreign place. Rashi explains that this was a test of faith, showing that Yitzchak should trust in Hashem's protection even outside the Land of Israel at that time.
Q: Why does Hashem promise to bless Yitzchak in this verse?
A: Hashem promises to bless Yitzchak because of the covenant (brit) He made with Avraham, Yitzchak's father. The Ramban teaches that this demonstrates the principle of 'zechut avot' (merit of the fathers), where the righteousness of Avraham continues to bring blessings to his descendants who follow in his ways.
Q: What is the significance of Hashem saying 'I will be with thee' to Yitzchak?
A: When Hashem says 'I will be with thee' (Genesis 26:3), it is a promise of divine protection and guidance. The Sforno explains that this assurance was especially important since Yitzchak was living among the Philistines, reminding him that Hashem's presence would shield him from harm as long as he remained faithful.
Q: What lands is Hashem promising to give to Yitzchak's descendants?
A: Hashem is referring to the entire Land of Israel, which He promised to Avraham and now reaffirms to Yitzchak. According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 64:3), this includes all the territories mentioned in earlier covenants, emphasizing that the Jewish people's connection to the land is eternal and divinely ordained.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches us about emunah (faith) in Hashem's promises and the importance of our connection to Eretz Yisrael. The Chatam Sofer explains that just as Yitzchak trusted Hashem during challenges, we too must recognize that our bond with the land and our blessings are rooted in our ancestors' covenant with Hashem.