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Genesis 22:16 - Divine oath after ultimate test

Genesis 22:16 - בראשית 22:16

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר בִּי נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי נְאֻם־יְהוָה כִּי יַעַן אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂיתָ אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה וְלֹא חָשַׂכְתָּ אֶת־בִּנְךָ אֶת־יְחִידֶךָ׃

English Translation

and said, By myself have I sworn, says the Lord, because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thy only son:

Transliteration

Va'yomer bi nishba'ti ne'um-Adonai ki ya'an asher asita et-ha'davar hazeh ve'lo chasachta et-bincha et-yechidecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר בִּ֥י נִשְׁבַּ֖עְתִּי נְאֻם־יְהֹוָ֑ה כִּ֗י יַ֚עַן אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשִׂ֙יתָ֙ אֶת־הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֔ה וְלֹ֥א חָשַׂ֖כְתָּ אֶת־בִּנְךָ֥ אֶת־יְחִידֶֽךָ׃
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר בִּ֥י נִשְׁבַּ֖עְתִּי נְאֻם־יְהֹוָ֑ה כִּ֗י יַ֚עַן אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשִׂ֙יתָ֙ אֶת־הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֔ה וְלֹ֥א חָשַׂ֖כְתָּ אֶת־בִּנְךָ֥ אֶת־יְחִידֶֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Oath and Its Significance

The verse (Bereishit 22:16) records Hashem's oath following Avraham Avinu's unwavering commitment during the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak). Rashi explains that the phrase "By myself have I sworn" signifies that Hashem swore by His own essence, as there is no higher authority by which to swear. This underscores the eternal nature of the covenant established with Avraham.

Avraham's Ultimate Test

The phrase "because thou hast done this thing" refers to Avraham's complete obedience in being willing to sacrifice his son Yitzchak. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:24) teaches that this test demonstrated Avraham's absolute love and fear of Hashem, surpassing all previous trials. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 56:7) elaborates that Avraham's actions revealed his readiness to fulfill Hashem's will without hesitation.

The Meaning of "Thy Only Son"

The term "thy only son" carries deep significance. While Yitzchak was not Avraham's only biological son (Yishmael was also his son), Rashi clarifies that Yitzchak was unique in his spiritual stature as the inheritor of Avraham's legacy. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) notes that Hashem emphasized Yitzchak's status to highlight the magnitude of Avraham's sacrifice.

Theological Implications

  • The oath establishes an eternal covenant with Avraham's descendants (Ramban on Bereishit 22:16).
  • The Akeidah became a merit for future generations, especially invoked during times of distress (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer 31).
  • This moment solidified Yitzchak's role as the next link in the chain of the Jewish people's spiritual inheritance (Sforno on Bereishit 22:16).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 4a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the merit of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac and how it impacts future generations.
📖 Sanhedrin 89b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the binding of Isaac (Akeidah) and its significance in Jewish thought and theology.
📖 Megillah 31a
The verse is mentioned in relation to the reading of the Torah portion that includes the story of the binding of Isaac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 22:16 mean in the context of the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac)?
A: Genesis 22:16 is part of Hashem's response to Avraham after the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac). Here, Hashem swears by Himself (the highest form of oath) to bless Avraham because he demonstrated ultimate faith by being willing to sacrifice his son Yitzchak. Rashi explains that this oath establishes the eternal covenant with Avraham's descendants.
Q: Why does Hashem say 'you did not withhold your son, your only son' in Genesis 22:16?
A: The phrase emphasizes how Avraham overcame his natural parental love to fulfill Hashem's command. Ramban explains that 'your only son' refers to Yitzchak being the only son from Sarah (despite Yishmael), and the one destined to continue Avraham's spiritual legacy. The test proved Avraham's complete devotion to Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 22:16 about tests from Hashem?
A: This verse teaches that when we pass difficult tests with faith, Hashem recognizes our efforts and rewards us. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 56:7) explains that because Avraham obeyed without hesitation, his descendants merited special protection and blessings. It also shows that true devotion sometimes requires great personal sacrifice.
Q: How is the oath in Genesis 22:16 relevant to Jewish people today?
A: The Malbim explains that this oath established an eternal bond between Hashem and the Jewish people. The merit of the Akeidah continues to protect us (as referenced in daily prayers). It reminds us that just as Avraham demonstrated unwavering faith, we too must maintain our commitment to Hashem even in challenging times.
Q: Why does Hashem swear 'by Myself' in Genesis 22:16?
A: The Talmud (Nedarim 32a) explains that Hashem swore by His own existence because there is nothing greater to swear by. This shows the absolute certainty and permanence of His promise. Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 1:4) notes that divine oaths in Torah are metaphorical expressions emphasizing the unchangeable nature of Hashem's word.