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Genesis 2:14 - Rivers of ancient boundaries?

Genesis 2:14 - בראשית 2:14

Hebrew Text

וְשֵׁם הַנָּהָר הַשְּׁלִישִׁי חִדֶּקֶל הוּא הַהֹלֵךְ קִדְמַת אַשּׁוּר וְהַנָּהָר הָרְבִיעִי הוּא פְרָת׃

English Translation

And the name of the third river is Ḥiddeqel: that is it which goes toward the east of Ashshur. And the fourth river is Perat.

Transliteration

Veshem hanahar hashlishi Chidekel hu haholekh kidmat Ashur vehanahar harevi'i hu Prat.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשֵׁ֨ם הַנָּהָ֤ר הַשְּׁלִישִׁי֙ חִדֶּ֔קֶל ה֥וּא הַֽהֹלֵ֖ךְ קִדְמַ֣ת אַשּׁ֑וּר וְהַנָּהָ֥ר הָֽרְבִיעִ֖י ה֥וּא פְרָֽת׃
וְשֵׁ֨ם הַנָּהָ֤ר הַשְּׁלִישִׁי֙ חִדֶּ֔קֶל ה֥וּא הַֽהֹלֵ֖ךְ קִדְמַ֣ת אַשּׁ֑וּר וְהַנָּהָ֥ר הָֽרְבִיעִ֖י ה֥וּא פְרָֽת׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Rivers Ḥiddeqel and Perat in Bereishit

The verse describes two of the four rivers flowing from Gan Eden: the Ḥiddeqel (Tigris) and the Perat (Euphrates). These rivers hold geographical and symbolic significance in Jewish tradition.

Rashi's Commentary on Ḥiddeqel

Rashi (Bereishit 2:14) explains that Ḥiddeqel is called so because its waters are "sharp (ḥad) and swift (qal)". This aligns with the nature of the Tigris River, known for its rapid currents. Rashi also notes its location "toward the east of Ashshur", identifying it with the region of Assyria, a significant area in Tanakh.

Rambam's Geographical Insight

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:30) discusses these rivers in the context of Gan Eden's boundaries, emphasizing that the Torah uses known geographical landmarks to describe a spiritual reality. The Perat (Euphrates) is particularly significant as it later becomes the eastern border of Eretz Yisrael (Bereishit 15:18).

Midrashic Interpretations

  • Bereishit Rabbah 16:3 connects the four rivers to the directions of the world, with Ḥiddeqel representing the east, symbolizing the dawn of civilization in Mesopotamia.
  • Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer associates these rivers with the future lands of exile, hinting at Ashur (Assyria) as the place of the Ten Tribes' exile.

Symbolism in Kabbalah

The Zohar (Bereishit 27b) interprets these rivers as channels of divine sustenance (shefa), with Ḥiddeqel and Perat representing different spiritual energies flowing from the supernal Garden.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 74b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the geography of the Garden of Eden and the rivers mentioned in Genesis, including the Hiddekel (Tigris) and Perat (Euphrates).
📖 Chullin 92a
The verse is alluded to in a discussion about the boundaries of the land of Israel, mentioning the rivers Hiddekel and Perat as geographical markers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the Hiddekel and Perat rivers mentioned in Genesis 2:14?
A: The Hiddekel (חִדֶּקֶל) is the Tigris River, and the Perat (פְרָת) is the Euphrates River, two of the four rivers flowing from the Garden of Eden. Rashi explains that these rivers were well-known in ancient times, with the Hiddekel flowing east of Assyria (Ashur) and the Perat being a major river in the region.
Q: Why does the Torah mention the Hiddekel and Perat rivers in Genesis?
A: The Torah identifies these rivers to give geographical context to the Garden of Eden's location. The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that these rivers were significant landmarks, helping later generations understand the boundaries of the land connected to early human history and the origins of civilization.
Q: What is the significance of the rivers in Genesis 2:14 for Jews today?
A: While the exact location of Eden remains uncertain, these rivers remind us of humanity's divine origins and the importance of water as a life source. The Talmud (Chullin 18a) discusses the holiness of the Land of Israel, which is nourished by these rivers, symbolizing spiritual and physical sustenance from Hashem.
Q: How do Jewish sources interpret the direction 'east of Ashur' for the Hiddekel?
A: Rashi explains that 'east of Ashur' refers to the Tigris (Hiddekel) flowing along the eastern border of Assyria. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 16:3) elaborates that these descriptions highlight Hashem's precision in creation, showing that every detail in the Torah has meaning.