Genesis 35:13 - Divine ascent after sacred dialogue.

Commentary on Genesis 35:13

The verse states: "וַיַּעַל מֵעָלָיו אֱלֹהִים בַּמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר אִתּוֹ" ("And God went up from him in the place where He talked with him"). This follows Yaakov's encounter with Hashem at Beit-El, where he received divine blessings and reaffirmation of the covenant.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Genesis 35:13) explains that the phrase "וַיַּעַל מֵעָלָיו" ("went up from him") indicates that the Divine Presence ascended gradually, as if to show reluctance in departing from Yaakov. This mirrors the way a king departs from a beloved friend—slowly, to allow for lingering closeness. Rashi connects this to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 82:7), which teaches that Hashem’s presence remains with the righteous even after revelation, sustaining them.

Rambam’s Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:27), Rambam discusses prophetic visions and explains that when Scripture describes Hashem "ascending" or "descending," it refers to the prophetic experience—where divine communication ceases, and the prophet returns to ordinary consciousness. Here, Yaakov’s prophetic encounter concludes, marking the end of direct revelation.

Midrashic Insights

• Beit-El as a Sacred Place: The Midrash (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 35) emphasizes that the phrase "בַּמָּקוֹם" ("in the place") refers specifically to Beit-El, the site of Yaakov’s earlier dream of the ladder (Genesis 28). This reinforces its sanctity as a place of ongoing divine connection.
• Divine Reluctance: The Talmud (Chullin 91b) notes that Hashem’s gradual departure symbolizes His enduring relationship with the righteous—even after revelation, His influence remains.

Kabbalistic Interpretation

The Zohar (1:153b) interprets the ascent as a return of the Shechinah to its heavenly abode, having completed its mission of blessing Yaakov. This mirrors the cyclical nature of divine interaction—descent for revelation and ascent for concealment, yet leaving an imprint of holiness.

Halachic Implication

The Ramban (Genesis 35:13) connects this verse to the concept of ma’amad Har Sinai—just as Hashem’s presence departed from Sinai after Matan Torah, yet the sanctity remained, so too at Beit-El. This teaches that places of divine encounter retain holiness for future generations.