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Genesis 35:1 - Return to Divine encounter site

Genesis 35:1 - בראשית 35:1

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים אֶל־יַעֲקֹב קוּם עֲלֵה בֵית־אֵל וְשֶׁב־שָׁם וַעֲשֵׂה־שָׁם מִזְבֵּחַ לָאֵל הַנִּרְאֶה אֵלֶיךָ בְּבָרְחֲךָ מִפְּנֵי עֵשָׂו אָחִיךָ׃

English Translation

And God said to Ya῾aqov, Arise, go up to Bet-el, and dwell there: and make there an altar to God, Who appeared to thee when thou didst flee from the face of ῾Esav thy brother.

Transliteration

Vayomer Elohim el-Yaakov kum aleh Beit-El veshev-sham va'aseh-sham mizbeach la'El hanireh eleicha bevorchacha mipnei Esav achicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֔ב ק֛וּם עֲלֵ֥ה בֵֽית־אֵ֖ל וְשֶׁב־שָׁ֑ם וַעֲשֵׂה־שָׁ֣ם מִזְבֵּ֔חַ לָאֵל֙ הַנִּרְאֶ֣ה אֵלֶ֔יךָ בְּבׇ֨רְחֲךָ֔ מִפְּנֵ֖י עֵשָׂ֥ו אָחִֽיךָ׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֔ב ק֛וּם עֲלֵ֥ה בֵֽית־אֵ֖ל וְשֶׁב־שָׁ֑ם וַעֲשֵׂה־שָׁ֣ם מִזְבֵּ֔חַ לָאֵל֙ הַנִּרְאֶ֣ה אֵלֶ֔יךָ בְּבׇ֨רְחֲךָ֔ מִפְּנֵ֖י עֵשָׂ֥ו אָחִֽיךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 35:1) occurs after Yaakov's return to Eretz Yisrael and his encounter with Esav. It marks a pivotal moment where Hashem commands Yaakov to ascend to Beit El, the place where he originally experienced his prophetic dream of the ladder (Bereshit 28:10-22). Rashi explains that this directive comes after Yaakov had settled in Shechem, where the incident with Dinah and the subsequent conflict with the city occurred. Hashem instructs Yaakov to leave Shechem and return to Beit El to fulfill his earlier vow (Bereshit 28:20-22).

The Significance of Beit El

Beit El holds profound spiritual meaning in Yaakov's life. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 68:12) teaches that Beit El was the site of the future Beit HaMikdash, linking Yaakov's altar to the ultimate service of Hashem in Jerusalem. Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that this location was chosen because it was where Hashem first revealed Himself to Yaakov, reinforcing the concept of divine promise and providence.

The Command to Build an Altar

Hashem instructs Yaakov to build an altar in gratitude for the protection he received while fleeing from Esav. The Sforno notes that this altar was not merely for sacrifices but also to establish a permanent place of worship, symbolizing Yaakov's commitment to Hashem after years of hardship. The Kli Yakar adds that the phrase "הַנִּרְאֶה אֵלֶיךָ" ("Who appeared to you") emphasizes that this altar commemorates a personal encounter with the Divine, distinguishing it from generic acts of worship.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Gratitude for Divine Protection: Yaakov is commanded to acknowledge Hashem's intervention during his time of distress, teaching the importance of recognizing divine assistance in our lives (based on Malbim).
  • Returning to Spiritual Roots: The journey to Beit El represents a return to one's foundational spiritual experiences, as emphasized by the Meshech Chochmah.
  • Establishing Sacred Spaces: The altar signifies the need to create physical reminders of our relationship with Hashem, a concept later embodied by the Mishkan and Beit HaMikdash (as discussed in Rambam's Hilchot Beit HaBechirah).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did God tell Yaakov (Jacob) to go to Bet-el and build an altar there?
A: God commanded Yaakov to return to Bet-el (House of God) because it was the place where he first encountered God when fleeing from Esav (Genesis 28:10-22). Building an altar there was an act of gratitude and dedication, fulfilling the vow Yaakov had made earlier (Genesis 28:20-22). Rashi explains that this was a call for Yaakov to reconnect with his spiritual roots after difficult events (like the incident with Dinah in Shechem).
Q: What is the significance of God being called 'the God Who appeared to you' in this verse?
A: The phrase 'the God Who appeared to you' reminds Yaakov of his earlier divine encounter at Bet-el (Genesis 28:12-13). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 81:2) teaches that this was to strengthen Yaakov's faith by recalling God's past protection during his time of need. It emphasizes that the same God who helped him flee from Esav is now guiding him again.
Q: How does this verse relate to Yaakov's earlier experiences with Esav?
A: This verse connects back to when Yaakov fled from Esav (Genesis 27:41-45). Now, after many years (and after reconciling with Esav in Genesis 33), God reminds Yaakov of His protection during that difficult time. The Ramban explains that this shows God's continuous care—just as He helped Yaakov in the past, He is guiding him again now.
Q: Why is Bet-el so important in Yaakov's life?
A: Bet-el is where Yaakov first experienced prophecy (Genesis 28:10-19), calling it 'the gate of heaven.' The Talmud (Pesachim 88a) states that Bet-el represents a place of divine connection. By returning there, Yaakov reaffirms his relationship with God. Rashi notes that this return completes a spiritual journey that began when he first fled from Esav.
Q: What lesson can we learn from God's command to Yaakov in this verse?
A: This verse teaches the importance of remembering and returning to moments of divine inspiration in our lives. Just as Yaakov was told to go back to where he first encountered God, we too should revisit and strengthen our spiritual foundations. The Sforno explains that building the altar symbolizes making a permanent place for God in one's life, even after times of challenge or distraction.