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Exodus 6:8 - Divine promise: land for descendants.

Exodus 6:8 - שמות 6:8

Hebrew Text

וְהֵבֵאתִי אֶתְכֶם אֶל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר נָשָׂאתִי אֶת־יָדִי לָתֵת אֹתָהּ לְאַבְרָהָם לְיִצְחָק וּלְיַעֲקֹב וְנָתַתִּי אֹתָהּ לָכֶם מוֹרָשָׁה אֲנִי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And I will bring you into the land, which I swore to give to Avraham, to Yiżĥaq, and to Ya῾aqov; and I will give it you for a heritage: I am the Lord.

Transliteration

Veheveiti etkhem el-ha'arets asher nasati et-yadi latet otah le'Avraham leYitskhak uleYa'akov venatati otah lakhem morashah ani Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהֵבֵאתִ֤י אֶתְכֶם֙ אֶל־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֤ר נָשָׂ֙אתִי֙ אֶת־יָדִ֔י לָתֵ֣ת אֹתָ֔הּ לְאַבְרָהָ֥ם לְיִצְחָ֖ק וּֽלְיַעֲקֹ֑ב וְנָתַתִּ֨י אֹתָ֥הּ לָכֶ֛ם מוֹרָשָׁ֖ה אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
וְהֵבֵאתִ֤י אֶתְכֶם֙ אֶל־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֤ר נָשָׂ֙אתִי֙ אֶת־יָדִ֔י לָתֵ֣ת אֹתָ֔הּ לְאַבְרָהָ֥ם לְיִצְחָ֖ק וּֽלְיַעֲקֹ֑ב וְנָתַתִּ֨י אֹתָ֥הּ לָכֶ֛ם מוֹרָשָׁ֖ה אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Divine Promise of Eretz Yisrael

The verse (Shemot 6:8) reaffirms Hashem's eternal covenant with the Avot (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov) regarding Eretz Yisrael. Rashi explains that the phrase "נָשָׂאתִי אֶת־יָדִי" (literally "I lifted My hand") is an idiom for taking an oath, as one raises their hand when swearing. This emphasizes the solemn, binding nature of Hashem's promise.

Inheritance vs. Gift

The term "מוֹרָשָׁה" (heritage) is significant. Ramban notes that this implies an eternal, inalienable right to the Land - not merely as a conditional gift, but as an ancestral inheritance passed down through generations. The Sforno adds that this inheritance is intrinsically tied to our identity as descendants of the Avot.

The Three Patriarchs

The mention of all three patriarchs teaches important lessons:

  • Avraham: Represents the initial covenant and our spiritual mission (Bereshit 12:1-3)
  • Yitzchak: Symbolizes the Land's connection to those born as Jews (Bereshit 26:3)
  • Yaakov: Embodies the complete nation that would inherit the Land (Bereshit 35:12)

The Divine Signature

The concluding phrase "אֲנִי יְהוָה" serves as both a seal of authenticity and a reminder of Hashem's providence. As the Rambam writes in Hilchot Teshuva, this reminds us that all of Hashem's promises are ultimately fulfilled, even if the timeline exceeds human understanding.

Contemporary Relevance

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this verse establishes the Jewish people's eternal claim to Eretz Yisrael. This promise remains valid in all generations, as the Talmud (Sanhedrin 90b) teaches that belief in the eventual return to Eretz Yisrael is a fundamental principle of Judaism.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the fulfillment of God's promise to the patriarchs regarding the land of Israel.
📖 Sanhedrin 110b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the covenant between God and the Israelites, emphasizing the inheritance of the land as promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 6:8 mean?
A: Exodus 6:8 is a promise from Hashem to the Jewish people that He will bring them into the land of Israel, which He swore to give to their forefathers—Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. The verse emphasizes that this land will be their eternal heritage ('morasha'). Rashi explains that 'morasha' implies an everlasting inheritance, passed down through generations.
Q: Why is the land of Israel so important in this verse?
A: The land of Israel is central to Jewish identity and destiny. Hashem promised it to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov as an eternal covenant (Bereishit 15:18, 26:3, 28:13). The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 1:1-3) teaches that settling the land is a mitzvah, and the Talmud (Ketubot 110b) states that living in Israel is equivalent to observing all the commandments.
Q: What can we learn from Hashem's promise in Exodus 6:8?
A: This verse teaches us about Hashem's faithfulness—He keeps His promises to our ancestors and to us. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 6:4) highlights that even during difficult times (like slavery in Egypt), Hashem remembers His covenant. It also reminds us that the Jewish people have a unique connection to the land of Israel as our eternal heritage.
Q: How does Exodus 6:8 apply to Jews today?
A: This verse reaffirms the Jewish people's right and bond to the land of Israel. The Chatam Sofer (Responsa 6:29) explains that this promise remains valid in all generations. Today, Jews worldwide maintain a spiritual and physical connection to Israel, whether by living there, praying toward it, or yearning for its rebuilding, as emphasized in daily prayers and the Passover Seder.
Q: Why does the verse mention Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov?
A: By naming the three forefathers, Hashem reinforces that His promise is unbreakable and rooted in the merit of our righteous ancestors. Rashi (on Exodus 6:8) notes that mentioning all three shows the covenant was established with each independently. The Talmud (Berachot 16b) teaches that their deeds ensure the promise endures for their descendants.