share torah logo

Genesis 15:13 - Exile foretold, redemption promised

Genesis 15:13 - בראשית 15:13

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר לְאַבְרָם יָדֹעַ תֵּדַע כִּי־גֵר יִהְיֶה זַרְעֲךָ בְּאֶרֶץ לֹא לָהֶם וַעֲבָדוּם וְעִנּוּ אֹתָם אַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת שָׁנָה׃

English Translation

And He said to Avram, Know surely that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

Transliteration

Vayomer le'Avram yadoa teida ki-ger yihye zar'acha be'eretz lo lahem va'avadum ve'inu otam arba me'ot shana.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְאַבְרָ֗ם יָדֹ֨עַ תֵּדַ֜ע כִּי־גֵ֣ר <b>׀</b> יִהְיֶ֣ה זַרְעֲךָ֗ בְּאֶ֙רֶץ֙ לֹ֣א לָהֶ֔ם וַעֲבָד֖וּם וְעִנּ֣וּ אֹתָ֑ם אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָֽה׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְאַבְרָ֗ם יָדֹ֨עַ תֵּדַ֜ע כִּי־גֵ֣ר ׀ יִהְיֶ֣ה זַרְעֲךָ֗ בְּאֶ֙רֶץ֙ לֹ֣א לָהֶ֔ם וַעֲבָד֖וּם וְעִנּ֣וּ אֹתָ֑ם אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Covenant Between the Pieces (ברית בין הבתרים)

This verse (Genesis 15:13) is part of the prophetic vision known as the "Covenant Between the Pieces," where Hashem informs Avram (later Avraham) about the future exile and suffering of his descendants in Egypt. This prophecy sets the stage for the eventual redemption and inheritance of the Land of Israel.

Key Interpretations from Classical Commentators

  • Rashi: Explains that the phrase "יָדֹעַ תֵּדַע" ("know surely") is an emphatic expression, meaning this prophecy is absolute and certain. The suffering in exile is a divinely ordained process that will ultimately lead to the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham's descendants.
  • Ramban (Nachmanides): Suggests that the "land not theirs" refers not only to Egypt but to all future exiles, teaching that Jewish history will involve periods of displacement and oppression before ultimate redemption.
  • Sforno: Notes that the affliction serves to refine the Jewish people, preparing them spiritually to receive the Torah and inherit Eretz Yisrael.

The Calculation of 400 Years

The verse mentions a period of "four hundred years," but the actual Egyptian exile lasted 210 years (as derived from Exodus 12:40-41). Several resolutions are offered:

  • Talmud (Nedarim 32a): Explains that the count began from the birth of Yitzchak, as he was the first "seed" of Avraham, making the total duration of subjugation (including the time before Egypt) 400 years.
  • Ibn Ezra: Suggests that 400 years is a rounded number or refers to the total time of oppression across Jewish history, not just Egypt.

Theological Significance

This prophecy underscores the concept of yeridah l'tzorech aliyah ("descent for the sake of ascent")—the idea that hardship precedes spiritual elevation. The exile in Egypt was necessary to forge the Jewish nation before Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah) and entry into Eretz Yisrael.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Rabbah (Genesis 44:13) connects this verse to the future redemption, teaching that just as the exile was foretold, so too will the final geulah (redemption) be assured. The suffering in Egypt is seen as a microcosm of all future exiles, with the promise that each will end in divine salvation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nedarim 32a
The verse is discussed in the context of the covenant between God and Abraham, particularly regarding the prophecy of the Egyptian exile.
📖 Sanhedrin 99b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the duration of the Egyptian exile and its implications for Jewish history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 15:13 mean when it says Avram's descendants will be strangers in a land not theirs?
A: This verse foretells the future exile and slavery of the Jewish people in Egypt. Rashi explains that 'a land not theirs' refers to Egypt, where Avram's descendants (the Israelites) would live as foreigners before being enslaved. The Torah later recounts how this prophecy was fulfilled in the Book of Exodus.
Q: Why does the verse say the affliction will last 400 years?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 9a) discusses that while the actual slavery in Egypt lasted 210 years (as calculated from other verses), the 400 years includes the entire period from this prophecy until the Exodus. Rambam explains that this teaches us about Hashem's precise fulfillment of prophecies, even when timelines appear different on the surface.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 15:13 today?
A: This verse teaches about divine providence - that Hashem knows the future and prepares His people for challenges. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) notes that despite predicting hardship, this prophecy ultimately leads to redemption. Today, we learn to trust in Hashem's plan even during difficult periods in Jewish history.