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Genesis 15:9 - Covenant's sacrificial animals revealed?

Genesis 15:9 - בראשית 15:9

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו קְחָה לִי עֶגְלָה מְשֻׁלֶּשֶׁת וְעֵז מְשֻׁלֶּשֶׁת וְאַיִל מְשֻׁלָּשׁ וְתֹר וְגוֹזָל׃

English Translation

And He said to him, Take Me a heifer three years old, and a goat three years old, and a ram three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.

Transliteration

Vayomer elav kecha li egla meshuleshet ve'ez meshuleshet ve'ayil meshulash vetor vegozal.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֗יו קְחָ֥ה לִי֙ עֶגְלָ֣ה מְשֻׁלֶּ֔שֶׁת וְעֵ֥ז מְשֻׁלֶּ֖שֶׁת וְאַ֣יִל מְשֻׁלָּ֑שׁ וְתֹ֖ר וְגוֹזָֽל׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֗יו קְחָ֥ה לִי֙ עֶגְלָ֣ה מְשֻׁלֶּ֔שֶׁת וְעֵ֥ז מְשֻׁלֶּ֖שֶׁת וְאַ֣יִל מְשֻׁלָּ֑שׁ וְתֹ֖ר וְגוֹזָֽל׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 15:9) describes Hashem's instruction to Avraham Avinu during the Brit Bein HaBetarim (Covenant Between the Parts). This event was a pivotal moment in which Hashem reaffirmed His promise to Avraham regarding the future inheritance of Eretz Yisrael by his descendants.

Explanation of the Animals

The animals specified—a three-year-old heifer, goat, ram, turtledove, and young pigeon—carry deep symbolic meaning according to traditional Jewish commentators:

  • Three-Year-Old Animals: Rashi explains that these animals correspond to the three major sins of the future Bnei Yisrael (idolatry, murder, and illicit relations), for which they would later be exiled. The three-year age represents the three generations before the Exodus (Levi, Kehat, Amram).
  • Heifer, Goat, and Ram: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 44:14) connects these to the future korbanot (sacrifices) in the Mishkan and Beit HaMikdash—the heifer recalling the Parah Adumah, the goat reminiscent of Yom Kippur offerings, and the ram symbolizing the binding of Yitzchak (Akeidat Yitzchak).
  • Turtledove and Young Pigeon: These birds represent the korbanot of the poor (Vayikra 5:7), symbolizing that even in hardship, the Jewish people would remain faithful to Hashem.

Symbolism of "Meshulash" (Threefold)

The term meshulash (threefold) is interpreted by the Ramban as signifying completeness and stability. Just as Avraham’s descendants would endure trials in three exiles (Egypt, Babylon, and Edom), they would ultimately emerge triumphant through divine promise.

The Covenant’s Deeper Meaning

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the splitting of these animals (as described in the following verses) foreshadowed the challenges Avraham’s descendants would face—being "cut apart" through suffering but ultimately redeemed. The inclusion of birds, which cannot be split, hints at the eternal nature of the covenant, unaffected by exile.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 60a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the types of animals suitable for sacrifices and their ages.
📖 Berakhot 26b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the times for prayer, drawing a connection between the sacrifices and prayer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem ask Avraham to bring these specific animals in Genesis 15:9?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, these animals symbolize different aspects of the Jewish people's future. The three-year-old animals hint to the three Patriarchs (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov), while the birds represent the offerings that would later be brought in the Mishkan and Beit Hamikdash. This was part of the covenant ceremony between Hashem and Avraham.
Q: What is the significance of the animals being 'three years old' in Genesis 15:9?
A: The Ramban explains that three-year-old animals are at their physical peak, making them most fitting for this important covenant. Additionally, the number three represents stability and completeness in Jewish thought, as seen in the three Patriarchs and the three parts of Tanach (Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim).
Q: What can we learn from Avraham's quick obedience in preparing these animals?
A: The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 9a) teaches that Avraham's immediate action demonstrates his complete faith in Hashem. This teaches us the importance of alacrity in fulfilling mitzvot and trusting in Hashem's commandments, even when we don't fully understand them.
Q: Why were both a turtledove and a young pigeon brought in Genesis 15:9?
A: Rashi explains that these two birds represent different types of korbanot (offerings) that would later be brought in the Mishkan. The turtledove (tor) represents the offering of a wealthy person, while the young pigeon (gozal) represents the offering of one who cannot afford more, showing that all Jews have a place in serving Hashem regardless of their financial means.
Q: How does Genesis 15:9 relate to Jewish practices today?
A: While we don't currently bring animal offerings, the verse reminds us of: 1) The importance of the Beit Hamikdash and our prayers for its rebuilding, 2) The value of giving according to one's means (like the different bird offerings), and 3) The eternal covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people that began with Avraham.