Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 17:8 mean?
A: Genesis 17:8 is part of God's covenant with Avraham (Abraham), where God promises to give the land of Canaan to Avraham and his descendants as an eternal possession. This verse emphasizes the special relationship between God and the Jewish people, with God declaring that He will be their God. Rashi explains that this promise is unconditional and everlasting, reinforcing the bond between God and the Jewish nation.
Q: Why is the land of Canaan important in this verse?
A: The land of Canaan (later called Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel) is significant because it is the promised land that God designated for Avraham's descendants—the Jewish people. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that this land is central to fulfilling many mitzvot (commandments) that can only be observed there. The Midrash also highlights that this land is uniquely suited for spiritual growth and closeness to God.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: This verse reaffirms the eternal connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. According to traditional Jewish belief, this promise remains valid today, and the Jewish people have a divine right to the land. The Talmud (Ketubot 110b) discusses the importance of living in Eretz Yisrael, and many halachic (Jewish legal) authorities, like the Ramban (Nachmanides), consider settling the land a mitzvah (commandment).
Q: What does 'everlasting possession' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'everlasting possession' (לַאֲחֻזַּת עוֹלָם) means that the land of Israel is granted to the Jewish people for all time, not just temporarily. Rashi explains that this promise is unconditional and not dependent on the Jews' behavior. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 90b) also teaches that the Jewish people will ultimately inherit the land in the future, even if there are periods of exile.
Q: What is the significance of God saying 'I will be their God' in this verse?
A: When God says 'I will be their God,' He is establishing an eternal covenant with the Jewish people, binding Himself to them in a unique relationship. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) explains that this means the Jewish people are chosen to serve God and uphold His Torah. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 46:9) adds that this relationship is mutual—just as God is committed to the Jewish people, they are obligated to follow His commandments.
The Promise of Eretz Yisrael
The verse states: "And I will give to thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land in which thou dost sojourn, all the land of Kena῾an, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God." (Bereishit 17:8). This is part of the covenant between Hashem and Avraham Avinu, reaffirming the eternal bond between the Jewish people and Eretz Yisrael.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereishit 17:8) emphasizes that the phrase "the land in which thou dost sojourn" refers to Eretz Yisrael, where Avraham lived as a stranger. Rashi notes that this promise is not merely for Avraham's immediate descendants but extends to all future generations, as indicated by the words "to thy seed after thee."
Rambam on the Eternal Nature of the Covenant
Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 11:1) teaches that this verse establishes the eternal nature of the Jewish claim to Eretz Yisrael. He explains that the phrase "for an everlasting possession" means the land is irrevocably granted to the Jewish people, regardless of exile or conquest. This aligns with the Torah's repeated assurances of the land's sanctity and its connection to the Jewish people.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 46:9) elaborates on the phrase "and I will be their God," teaching that this promise is conditional upon the Jewish people maintaining their covenant with Hashem. The land is given as a sacred trust, and its possession is intertwined with the observance of mitzvot and loyalty to Hashem.
Key Themes in the Verse