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Genesis 15:14 - Exile precedes redemption?

Genesis 15:14 - בראשית 15:14

Hebrew Text

וְגַם אֶת־הַגּוֹי אֲשֶׁר יַעֲבֹדוּ דָּן אָנֹכִי וְאַחֲרֵי־כֵן יֵצְאוּ בִּרְכֻשׁ גָּדוֹל׃

English Translation

and also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterwards shall they come out with great substance.

Transliteration

Ve'gam et-hagoy asher ya'avodu dan anochi ve'acharei-chen yetze'u birchush gadol.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְגַ֧ם אֶת־הַגּ֛וֹי אֲשֶׁ֥ר יַעֲבֹ֖דוּ דָּ֣ן אָנֹ֑כִי וְאַחֲרֵי־כֵ֥ן יֵצְא֖וּ בִּרְכֻ֥שׁ גָּדֽוֹל׃
וְגַ֧ם אֶת־הַגּ֛וֹי אֲשֶׁ֥ר יַעֲבֹ֖דוּ דָּ֣ן אָנֹ֑כִי וְאַחֲרֵי־כֵ֥ן יֵצְא֖וּ בִּרְכֻ֥שׁ גָּדֽוֹל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Bereshit (Genesis 15:14)

This verse appears in the Brit Bein HaBetarim (Covenant Between the Parts), where Hashem foretells Avraham about the future exile and redemption of his descendants. The promise includes both judgment upon the oppressing nation and the eventual departure of Bnei Yisrael with great wealth.

Judgment on the Oppressing Nation

Rashi explains that the phrase "will I judge" refers to the Ten Plagues in Egypt, through which Hashem demonstrated His judgment upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians (Rashi on Bereshit 15:14). The Ramban adds that this judgment was not only punitive but also served to reveal Hashem's sovereignty to the world (Ramban on Bereshit 15:14).

Departure with Great Substance

The great substance mentioned refers to the wealth Bnei Yisrael took from Egypt during the Exodus. The Midrash (Tanchuma Bo 13) elaborates that this fulfilled the promise to Avraham and was also compensation for their years of unpaid labor. The Gemara (Sanhedrin 91a) further notes that the Egyptians willingly gave their possessions to Bnei Yisrael out of fear after witnessing the plagues.

Spiritual and Physical Redemption

  • Physical Wealth: The Ibn Ezra emphasizes that the material wealth was a sign of Hashem’s complete redemption, ensuring Bnei Yisrael left Egypt with dignity (Ibn Ezra on Bereshit 15:14).
  • Spiritual Purpose: The Sforno teaches that this wealth later contributed to the construction of the Mishkan, elevating the physical into the service of Hashem (Sforno on Shemot 12:36).

Echoes in Later Prophecy

The Malbim connects this verse to the future redemption, noting that just as the Exodus included both judgment on the oppressor and wealth for Israel, so too will the final redemption be accompanied by Hashem’s justice and benevolence (Malbim on Bereshit 15:14).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 9a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the Exodus from Egypt and the promise of great wealth given to the Israelites.
📖 Sanhedrin 91a
The verse is cited in a debate about the fulfillment of divine promises, particularly regarding the Israelites' departure from Egypt with great wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse mean when it says 'the nation whom they shall serve, will I judge'?
A: This verse is part of the 'Covenant Between the Parts' (ברית בין הבתרים) where Hashem promises Avraham that his descendants will be enslaved but ultimately redeemed. Rashi explains that Hashem will judge the enslaving nation (Egypt) for oppressing Bnei Yisrael excessively, even though the enslavement was foretold.
Q: What is the 'great substance' that the Israelites will take when they leave?
A: The 'great substance' refers to the wealth Bnei Yisrael took from Egypt during the Exodus (Shemot 12:36). Midrash explains that this fulfilled Hashem's promise to Avraham and was compensation for their years of unpaid labor. Ramban adds that it also symbolized their transition from slavery to freedom with dignity.
Q: Why did Hashem tell Avraham about future slavery in Egypt?
A: The Talmud (Nedarim 32a) teaches that this prophecy served multiple purposes: 1) It showed Avraham that his descendants would survive exile and be redeemed, 2) It explained why they wouldn't inherit Canaan immediately (as the Amorites' sins hadn't yet reached their peak), and 3) It demonstrated Hashem's ultimate justice - even the oppressors would be judged.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Passover story?
A: This verse is the foundation of the Exodus narrative. The 'judgment' refers to the Ten Plagues (Makot Mitzrayim), and the 'great substance' is the spoons taken at Yetziat Mitzrayim. The Seder's Maggid section quotes this verse to show how Hashem's promise to Avraham was fulfilled exactly as predicted.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches emunah (faith) in Hashem's promises and divine justice. Even during difficult periods like the Egyptian exile, Hashem foresaw both the suffering and redemption. The Chofetz Chaim notes that just as this prophecy was fulfilled in detail, we can trust all of Hashem's assurances about our ultimate redemption.