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Genesis 48:3 - Divine promise at Luz remembered

Genesis 48:3 - בראשית 48:3

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יַעֲקֹב אֶל־יוֹסֵף אֵל שַׁדַּי נִרְאָה־אֵלַי בְּלוּז בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן וַיְבָרֶךְ אֹתִי׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov said to Yosef, God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Kena῾an, and blessed me,

Transliteration

Vayomer Yaakov el-Yosef El Shaddai nir'ah elai b'Luz b'eretz Kna'an vayevarech oti.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף אֵ֥ל שַׁדַּ֛י נִרְאָֽה־אֵלַ֥י בְּל֖וּז בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן וַיְבָ֖רֶךְ אֹתִֽי׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף אֵ֥ל שַׁדַּ֛י נִרְאָֽה־אֵלַ֥י בְּל֖וּז בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן וַיְבָ֖רֶךְ אֹתִֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Revelation at Luz

The verse (Bereishit 48:3) recounts Yaakov's declaration to Yosef about Hashem appearing to him in Luz (Bet-El) and blessing him. Rashi explains that Yaakov mentioned this revelation to emphasize that the blessings he was about to bestow upon Yosef's sons were not merely his own, but rooted in divine promise. The location "Luz" is significant—it was the same place where Yaakov first encountered Hashem in his dream of the ladder (Bereishit 28:19).

The Divine Name "El Shaddai"

Yaakov uses the name El Shaddai, which Ramban interprets as emphasizing Hashem's power to fulfill promises, particularly the covenant of the land. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 46:3) connects "Shaddai" to the phrase she'amar l'olamo dai ("Who said to His world 'Enough'"), signifying Hashem's control over creation and His ability to limit nature to fulfill His will.

The Blessing Received

Yaakov does not specify the content of the blessing here, but the context suggests it refers to the promise of progeny and land (Bereishit 35:11-12). The Sforno notes that Yaakov's mention of this blessing was to reassure Yosef that the transfer of the birthright to him (through Ephraim and Menashe) was divinely sanctioned.

Connection to Yosef's Sons

  • Legitimacy of the Blessing: By invoking the earlier revelation, Yaakov affirms that his actions align with Hashem's will (Malbim).
  • Continuity of Covenant: The blessing of Ephraim and Menashe as tribes reflects the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to make Yaakov a "multitude of nations" (Bereishit 35:11, as explained by Rashi).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing Jacob's blessings and the significance of Luz as a place of divine revelation.
📖 Megillah 16b
Mentioned in relation to the blessings given by Jacob to Joseph and the importance of divine appearances in biblical narratives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yaakov mean when he says 'God Almighty appeared to me at Luz'?
A: Yaakov is referring to the vision he had in Luz (later called Beit El), where Hashem appeared to him in a dream (Genesis 28:10-22). Rashi explains that Yaakov mentions this to Yosef to emphasize that the blessings he's about to give come from the same Divine source.
Q: Why does Yaakov call God 'El Shaddai' in this verse?
A: The name 'El Shaddai' (God Almighty) is used here because it represents God's power to fulfill promises and blessings. Ramban explains that Yaakov uses this name to stress that the blessings he received - and is now passing to Yosef's sons - come from God who has the power to make them happen.
Q: Why is Yaakov telling Yosef about this vision now?
A: According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah), Yaakov is establishing his authority to bless Yosef's sons by reminding him of his Divine encounter. This shows that the blessings he's about to give aren't just his own words, but come with Divine approval and power.
Q: What is the significance of mentioning that this happened in the land of Canaan?
A: The Sforno explains that by mentioning Canaan, Yaakov is emphasizing that these blessings are connected to the Land of Israel. Even though they were currently in Egypt, the spiritual legacy and promises were tied to the land God promised to their ancestors.
Q: How does Yaakov's blessing apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 88a) teaches that Yaakov's blessings establish a pattern for how parents should bless their children with spiritual values and connection to our heritage. Just as Yaakov connected his blessings to Divine encounters, we should root our blessings in Torah values and Jewish tradition.