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Genesis 26:27 - Why seek estranged reconciliation?

Genesis 26:27 - בראשית 26:27

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם יִצְחָק מַדּוּעַ בָּאתֶם אֵלָי וְאַתֶּם שְׂנֵאתֶם אֹתִי וַתְּשַׁלְּחוּנִי מֵאִתְּכֶם׃

English Translation

And Yiżĥaq said to them, Why do you come to me, seeing you hate me, and have sent me away from you?

Transliteration

Va'yomer alehem Yitzhak madu'a batem elai ve'atem s'neitem oti vat'shalchuni me'itchem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ יִצְחָ֔ק מַדּ֖וּעַ בָּאתֶ֣ם אֵלָ֑י וְאַתֶּם֙ שְׂנֵאתֶ֣ם אֹתִ֔י וַתְּשַׁלְּח֖וּנִי מֵאִתְּכֶֽם׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ יִצְחָ֔ק מַדּ֖וּעַ בָּאתֶ֣ם אֵלָ֑י וְאַתֶּם֙ שְׂנֵאתֶ֣ם אֹתִ֔י וַתְּשַׁלְּח֖וּנִי מֵאִתְּכֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 26:27) appears when Avimelech, king of the Pelishtim, and his advisors approach Yitzchak after previously expelling him from their land. Yitzchak questions their sudden change in attitude, pointing out their past hostility.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 26:27) explains that Yitzchak's words reflect his astonishment at their sudden approach after their previous actions. He highlights the contradiction in their behavior—first hating and banishing him, then seeking him out. Rashi emphasizes that Yitzchak's question underscores the insincerity of their earlier actions.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that Yitzchak's phrasing ("וַתְּשַׁלְּחוּנִי מֵאִתְּכֶם") implies a forceful expulsion rather than a peaceful departure. This strengthens the idea that the Pelishtim acted with hostility, making their sudden reversal suspicious.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 64:7) elaborates that Yitzchak's words reveal his prophetic insight. He perceived that their visit was motivated by self-interest (fear of his growing power) rather than genuine reconciliation. The Midrash compares this to other instances where nations approached Avraham and Yaakov with ulterior motives.

Rambam's Ethical Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) might view this as a lesson in human nature—people often change their behavior based on shifting interests rather than true moral growth. Yitzchak's response models cautious engagement with those who have demonstrated prior hostility.

Key Themes

  • Discernment: Yitzchak's question teaches the importance of evaluating others' intentions, especially when their behavior abruptly changes.
  • Divine Protection: The narrative underscores that Yitzchak's success (Bereshit 26:12-14) was divinely ordained, prompting the Pelishtim's fear.
  • Conflict Resolution: Despite their past actions, Yitzchak ultimately makes a covenant with them (Bereshit 26:28-31), demonstrating the value of peace when sincerity is evident.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yitzchak (Isaac) say 'you hate me' to Avimelech and his people?
A: According to Rashi, Yitzchak was referring to the fact that Avimelech had previously asked him to leave their land (Genesis 26:16), which showed they didn't want him around. Even though Avimelech now came peacefully, Yitzchak questioned their sudden change in attitude after they had treated him with hostility.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yitzchak's response to Avimelech?
A: The Midrash teaches that Yitzchak's words demonstrate the importance of being cautious when dealing with people who have previously shown hostility. While we should be open to peace, we must also be wise and not ignore past behavior. This aligns with Jewish values of both pursuing peace ('darcheha darchei noam') while being 'shalem' (whole/complete) in our dealings.
Q: Why did Avimelech and his people suddenly come to Yitzchak after sending him away?
A: Rashi explains that they came because they saw that Hashem was blessing Yitzchak abundantly (Genesis 26:28). The Talmud (Berachot 7a) teaches that even those who oppose righteous people ultimately recognize their merit when they see divine blessing. This shows how Hashem's providence causes even enemies to seek peace.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish views on conflict resolution?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:9) teaches that while we should 'love peace and pursue peace,' we must also be truthful about past conflicts. Yitzchak's direct but peaceful approach models how to address past grievances while leaving room for reconciliation - an important principle in Jewish interpersonal relationships.
Q: What is the significance of Yitzchak questioning their motives?
A: The Sforno explains that Yitzchak wanted to ensure their intentions were sincere before making peace. Jewish tradition values honest relationships - the Talmud (Yevamot 65b) states 'shalom' (peace) comes from 'shalem' (wholeness), meaning true peace requires addressing past issues openly, as Yitzchak did here.