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Genesis 49:28 - Tribes' unique divine blessings

Genesis 49:28 - בראשית 49:28

Hebrew Text

כָּל־אֵלֶּה שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר וְזֹאת אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר לָהֶם אֲבִיהֶם וַיְבָרֶךְ אוֹתָם אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר כְּבִרְכָתוֹ בֵּרַךְ אֹתָם׃

English Translation

All these are the twelve tribes of Yisra᾽el: and this is that which their father spoke to them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.

Transliteration

Kol-eleh shivtei Yisrael shneim asar ve-zot asher-diber lahem avihem va-yevarekh otam ish asher ke-virkhato berakh otam.

Hebrew Leining Text

כׇּל־אֵ֛לֶּה שִׁבְטֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל שְׁנֵ֣ים עָשָׂ֑ר וְ֠זֹ֠את אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֨ר לָהֶ֤ם אֲבִיהֶם֙ וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אוֹתָ֔ם אִ֛ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר כְּבִרְכָת֖וֹ בֵּרַ֥ךְ אֹתָֽם׃
כׇּל־אֵ֛לֶּה שִׁבְטֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל שְׁנֵ֣ים עָשָׂ֑ר וְ֠זֹ֠את אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֨ר לָהֶ֤ם אֲבִיהֶם֙ וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אוֹתָ֔ם אִ֛ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר כְּבִרְכָת֖וֹ בֵּרַ֥ךְ אֹתָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Twelve Tribes and Their Individual Blessings

The verse (Bereishit 49:28) states: "All these are the twelve tribes of Yisrael, and this is what their father spoke to them and blessed them; each according to his blessing, he blessed them." This summation of Yaakov Avinu's blessings to his sons highlights the unique spiritual qualities of each tribe, as expounded by our Sages.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that Yaakov blessed each son "according to his blessing"—meaning he tailored his words to the individual nature and future role of each tribe. For example:

  • Yehuda received blessings of kingship (Malchut).
  • Yissachar was blessed with wisdom in Torah study.
  • Zevulun was blessed with success in commerce to support Torah scholars.

Rashi emphasizes that these were not mere personal blessings but prophetic declarations about the future roles of each tribe within Klal Yisrael.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:50), Rambam explains that Yaakov's blessings contained both immediate personal guidance and long-term national prophecies. Each blessing was carefully formulated to guide the tribe in fulfilling its unique mission in serving Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 98:3) teaches that when the verse states "he blessed them" (in the plural), it indicates that after giving individual blessings, Yaakov also gave a collective blessing to all the tribes together, uniting them as one nation.

The Sforno's Commentary

Sforno notes that the phrase "each according to his blessing" teaches that while the blessings differed, each was perfectly suited to help that tribe achieve its divinely ordained purpose. No blessing was superior—rather, each was essential for the complete tapestry of Am Yisrael.

Practical Lessons

  • The diversity among the tribes teaches that there are multiple valid paths in serving Hashem.
  • Just as Yaakov recognized each son's unique qualities, we must appreciate the different strengths within our communities.
  • The ultimate unity came through recognizing how each tribe's role complemented the others in serving the collective mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the blessings given by Jacob to his sons, the twelve tribes of Israel, and how these blessings are significant in Jewish tradition.
📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is mentioned in relation to the discussion of the tribes of Israel and their respective blessings, highlighting the unity and diversity among the tribes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 49:28 mean?
A: Genesis 49:28 summarizes Yaakov's (Jacob's) blessings to his twelve sons, who became the ancestors of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Each son received a unique blessing tailored to his character and future role. The verse emphasizes that Yaakov blessed each son individually 'according to his blessing'—meaning each tribe had a distinct destiny and purpose in the Jewish nation.
Q: Why is the blessing of the twelve tribes important in Judaism?
A: The blessings are foundational in Judaism because they outline the spiritual and national roles of each tribe. Rashi explains that Yaakov prophetically foresaw each tribe's future—their strengths, challenges, and contributions to the Jewish people. These blessings also highlight the diversity within unity, showing how each tribe had a unique path while remaining part of one nation.
Q: How do Yaakov's blessings apply to Jews today?
A: Although we no longer know our specific tribal lineage (except for Kohanim and Levi'im), the blessings teach timeless lessons. The Rambam notes that every Jew has a unique role in serving Hashem, just as each tribe did. The verse reminds us to recognize and cultivate our individual strengths while remaining united as one people.
Q: What does 'according to his blessing' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase means Yaakov gave personalized blessings suited to each son's nature and future. For example, Yehuda received leadership (Genesis 49:8-10), while Yissachar was blessed with Torah wisdom (Genesis 49:14-15). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains that Yaakov was inspired by the Divine Spirit to address each son's unique potential.
Q: Why does the Torah mention 'twelve tribes' specifically?
A: The number twelve represents completeness in Jewish tradition. The Talmud (Berachot 58a) connects it to the twelve constellations and the twelve months, symbolizing how the tribes together form a complete spiritual and national unit. Each tribe contributed differently to the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later to Eretz Yisrael, showing their collective harmony.