Genesis 35:8 - Burial beneath sacred oak

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Hebrew Text

וַתָּמָת דְּבֹרָה מֵינֶקֶת רִבְקָה וַתִּקָּבֵר מִתַּחַת לְבֵית־אֵל תַּחַת הָאַלּוֹן וַיִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ אַלּוֹן בָּכוּת׃

English Translation

And Devora, Rivqa’s nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bet-el under an oak: and the name of it was called Allon-bakhut.

Transliteration

Vatamat Devora meyneket Rivka vatikaber mitachat levet-el tachat ha'alon vayikra shmo Alon Bachut.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתָּ֤מׇת דְּבֹרָה֙ מֵינֶ֣קֶת רִבְקָ֔ה וַתִּקָּבֵ֛ר מִתַּ֥חַת לְבֵֽית־אֵ֖ל תַּ֣חַת הָֽאַלּ֑וֹן וַיִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ אַלּ֥וֹן בָּכֽוּת׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Devora's Death and Burial

The verse (Bereishit 35:8) describes the death and burial of Devora, Rivka's nurse. Rashi explains that Devora was sent by Rivka to accompany Yaakov to Charan when he fled from Esav. Her presence symbolized the continuity of Rivka's care for Yaakov even after he left home. The fact that she died and was buried near Bet-el suggests a deep connection to Yaakov's spiritual journey, as Bet-el was the site of his famous dream of the ladder.

The Name "Allon-Bakhut" (Oak of Weeping)

The naming of the oak as "Allon-Bakhut" (Oak of Weeping) carries profound meaning. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 81:5) explains that this name commemorates the mourning for Devora, but also alludes to future tragedies. Ramban suggests that this location became a place of mourning for the Jewish people, foreshadowing the destruction of the First Temple, as the term "Bakhut" (weeping) echoes Yirmiyahu's lamentations.

Devora's Role in Yaakov's Life

Symbol of Maternal Connection: As Rivka's nurse, Devora represented the maternal bond between Rivka and Yaakov, accompanying him during his exile.
Spiritual Influence: The Zohar teaches that righteous individuals like Devora bring divine protection to those they accompany, suggesting her presence safeguarded Yaakov.
Historical Continuity: Sforno notes that her burial near Bet-el connects her to Yaakov's covenant with Hashem at that sacred site.

Theological Implications of the Burial Site

The Talmud (Chullin 92a) discusses how burial sites of tzadikim (righteous individuals) become places of spiritual significance. Devora's burial beneath the oak at Bet-el sanctified the location, making it a place of prayer and reflection. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the weeping associated with this oak reminds us of the temporary nature of life and the importance of spiritual legacy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Devora, Rivka's nurse, mentioned in Genesis 35:8?
A: Devora was the nurse who cared for Rivka (Rebecca) from her childhood. According to Rashi, she was sent by Rivka to accompany Yaakov (Jacob) when he left home, showing her importance in the family. Her death marked the end of an era connecting Yaakov to his mother's household.

Q: Why is the place called 'Allon-Bakhut' (Oak of Weeping) in Genesis 35:8?
A: The name 'Allon-Bakhut' (Oak of Weeping) commemorates the mourning over Devora's death. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 81:5) explains that Yaakov and his family wept there, and the name serves as a reminder of their grief and respect for her lifelong dedication.

Q: What is the significance of Devora being buried near Bet-el?
A: Bet-el was a sacred place where Yaakov had previously experienced divine revelation (Genesis 28:10-22). Burying Devora there, as noted by Ramban, honored her as part of Yaakov's spiritual journey, linking her memory to a place of holiness.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the mourning over Devora in Genesis 35:8?
A: The Talmud (Moed Katan 27b) teaches that honoring and mourning faithful caregivers is a Jewish value. Devora's burial and the name 'Allon-Bakhut' remind us to appreciate those who dedicate their lives to serving others, even if they are not prominent figures.