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Genesis 15:15 - Peaceful return to ancestors

Genesis 15:15 - בראשית 15:15

Hebrew Text

וְאַתָּה תָּבוֹא אֶל־אֲבֹתֶיךָ בְּשָׁלוֹם תִּקָּבֵר בְּשֵׂיבָה טוֹבָה׃

English Translation

And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace

Transliteration

Ve'ata tavo el-avotekha beshalom tikaber b'seiva tova.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַתָּ֛ה תָּב֥וֹא אֶל־אֲבֹתֶ֖יךָ בְּשָׁל֑וֹם תִּקָּבֵ֖ר בְּשֵׂיבָ֥ה טוֹבָֽה׃
וְאַתָּ֛ה תָּב֥וֹא אֶל־אֲבֹתֶ֖יךָ בְּשָׁל֑וֹם תִּקָּבֵ֖ר בְּשֵׂיבָ֥ה טוֹבָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse

The verse "וְאַתָּה תָּבוֹא אֶל־אֲבֹתֶיךָ בְּשָׁלוֹם תִּקָּבֵר בְּשֵׂיבָה טוֹבָה" ("And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age") appears in Bereshit (Genesis) 15:15, where Hashem speaks to Avraham Avinu. This promise is given in the context of the Brit Bein HaBetarim (Covenant Between the Parts).

Key Interpretations from Classical Commentators

  • Rashi explains that "coming to one's fathers" refers to being gathered to one's ancestors in the afterlife, implying a spiritual reunion in Olam Haba (the World to Come). He notes that Avraham would not witness the suffering of his descendants during their enslavement in Egypt, as he would pass away beforehand in peace.
  • Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that "in peace" (בְּשָׁלוֹם) signifies a complete and tranquil end, free from strife or turmoil. He connects this to the concept of shalom as wholeness, indicating Avraham’s righteous life would culminate in spiritual fulfillment.
  • Sforno emphasizes that "a good old age" (שֵׂיבָה טוֹבָה) refers not only to longevity but to a life of moral and intellectual completeness, where Avraham’s wisdom and deeds remained intact until his passing.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (44:28) elaborates that Avraham was granted this blessing because he lived a life dedicated to chessed (kindness) and emunah (faith). His peaceful departure was a reward for his unwavering commitment to Hashem’s will.

Halachic and Philosophical Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 8:1) teaches that a righteous person’s death is described as "coming in peace" because their soul departs without suffering, having achieved its purpose. This aligns with the broader Jewish belief that a life of Torah and mitzvot leads to a tranquil transition to the next world.

Contemporary Relevance

This verse serves as a reminder of the ideal Jewish aspiration: to live a life of righteousness so that one’s departure from this world is marked by shleimut (wholeness) and shalom. It underscores the value of a meaningful life dedicated to Torah values, ensuring a legacy that transcends physical existence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Moed Katan 28a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper burial of the righteous and the concept of dying in peace.
📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the death of Abraham and the peaceful end of the righteous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'go to thy fathers in peace' mean in Genesis 15:15?
A: This verse, spoken to Avraham (Abraham), means that he will die peacefully at an old age and be reunited with his ancestors in the afterlife. Rashi explains that 'in peace' refers to dying without suffering, and 'good old age' means he would still have his mental faculties intact (Rashi on Genesis 15:15).
Q: Why is this promise to Avraham important in Judaism?
A: This promise is important because it shows Hashem's reward for Avraham's faithfulness. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 44:28) teaches that this was a special blessing since dying peacefully in old age isn't guaranteed to everyone - it was a reward for Avraham's righteousness.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 15:15 about how to live our lives?
A: We learn that living a righteous life like Avraham leads to divine blessings. The Talmud (Berachos 8a) connects this verse to the concept of 'shalom' (peace) being one of G-d's names, teaching that peace in life and death comes from following Torah ways.
Q: How does the concept of 'going to one's fathers' apply to Jewish beliefs today?
A: This reflects the Jewish belief in Olam Haba (the World to Come) where souls are reunited. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 8) explains that righteous souls achieve peace in the afterlife, just as Avraham was promised. This gives comfort that proper living leads to eternal peace.
Q: What does 'good old age' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'good old age' (seivah tovah) refers to reaching advanced years with dignity and wisdom. Ibn Ezra explains this means Avraham would maintain his physical and mental capabilities until the end, unlike some who age with suffering - showing it was an ideal way to complete one's years.