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Genesis 22:17 - Boundless Jewish destiny promised

Genesis 22:17 - בראשית 22:17

Hebrew Text

כִּי־בָרֵךְ אֲבָרֶכְךָ וְהַרְבָּה אַרְבֶּה אֶת־זַרְעֲךָ כְּכוֹכְבֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם וְכַחוֹל אֲשֶׁר עַל־שְׂפַת הַיָּם וְיִרַשׁ זַרְעֲךָ אֵת שַׁעַר אֹיְבָיו׃

English Translation

that I will exceedingly bless thee, and I will exceedingly multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of its enemies;

Transliteration

Ki-varakh avarekhekha veharba arbeh et-zarakha k'khochvei hashamayim vechachol asher al-sfat hayam veyirash zarakha et sha'ar oyevav.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־בָרֵ֣ךְ אֲבָרֶכְךָ֗ וְהַרְבָּ֨ה אַרְבֶּ֤ה אֶֽת־זַרְעֲךָ֙ כְּכוֹכְבֵ֣י הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וְכַח֕וֹל אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־שְׂפַ֣ת הַיָּ֑ם וְיִרַ֣שׁ זַרְעֲךָ֔ אֵ֖ת שַׁ֥עַר אֹיְבָֽיו׃
כִּֽי־בָרֵ֣ךְ אֲבָרֶכְךָ֗ וְהַרְבָּ֨ה אַרְבֶּ֤ה אֶֽת־זַרְעֲךָ֙ כְּכוֹכְבֵ֣י הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וְכַח֕וֹל אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־שְׂפַ֣ת הַיָּ֑ם וְיִרַ֣שׁ זַרְעֲךָ֔ אֵ֖ת שַׁ֥עַר אֹיְבָֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Promise of Blessing and Multiplication

The verse (Genesis 22:17) contains Hashem's promise to Avraham Avinu after the Akeidah, emphasizing two forms of blessing: abundant material prosperity ("כִּי־בָרֵךְ אֲבָרֶכְךָ") and the exponential growth of his descendants ("וְהַרְבָּה אַרְבֶּה אֶת־זַרְעֲךָ"). Rashi explains that the double language ("אֲבָרֶכְךָ... אַרְבֶּה") signifies an overflowing, limitless blessing—both in quality and quantity. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:49) notes that such repetition in divine promises indicates their absolute certainty.

The Similes of Stars and Sand

The comparison of Avraham's offspring to "כְּכוֹכְבֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם" and "כַחוֹל אֲשֶׁר עַל־שְׂפַת הַיָּם" carries deep symbolism. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 22:9) teaches:

  • Stars: Just as stars appear small yet are immense, so too Avraham's descendants may seem insignificant in exile but are spiritually luminous and eternal.
  • Sand: Like sand that withstands crashing waves, Klal Yisrael endures oppression yet remains indestructible (Maharal, Gur Aryeh).

Ibn Ezra adds that while stars are visible only at night, sand is seen by day—hinting that Avraham's progeny will be ever-present in history, whether in times of darkness or light.

Possessing the "Gate of Enemies"

The phrase "וְיִרַשׁ זַרְעֲךָ אֵת שַׁעַר אֹיְבָיו" is interpreted by Chazal in multiple dimensions:

  • Military Victory: Radak explains it literally—descendants will conquer enemy strongholds (the "gate" symbolizing a city's power).
  • Spiritual Triumph: The Sforno teaches that "שַׁעַר" (gate) represents the "gateways" of wisdom; Avraham's heirs will overcome ideological adversaries through Torah.
  • Messianic Fulfillment: The Talmud (Pesachim 87b) alludes to this as a promise that even in exile, Jews will rise to leadership roles ("gates") among nations.

The Covenant Context

This bracha reaffirms the Bris Bein HaBesarim (Genesis 15). The Kli Yakar emphasizes that unlike the earlier covenant—where descendants were compared only to stars (symbolizing heavenly destiny)—here sand is added to stress their earthly resilience. This duality reflects the mission of Am Yisrael: to elevate the physical world while maintaining spiritual grandeur.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 32b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the power of prayer and God's promises to the patriarchs.
📖 Megillah 14a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the blessings given to Abraham and their fulfillment in Jewish history.
📖 Sanhedrin 90a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the resurrection of the dead and the fulfillment of divine promises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'I will exceedingly bless thee' mean in Genesis 22:17?
A: This phrase means that Hashem promised Avraham immense blessings for his unwavering faith, particularly after the test of the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac). Rashi explains that this blessing includes both material prosperity and spiritual greatness, showing that Avraham's devotion earned him and his descendants eternal divine favor.
Q: Why does the verse compare Avraham's descendants to stars and sand?
A: The comparison to stars (symbolizing prominence and heavenly destiny) and sand (symbolizing vast numbers and earthly presence) teaches that Avraham's descendants will be both numerous and influential. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains that just as stars are visible yet uncountable, and sand is abundant and enduring, so too will the Jewish people be eternal and impactful in both spiritual and physical realms.
Q: What does 'possess the gate of its enemies' mean in this verse?
A: In ancient times, controlling a city's gate meant having authority over it. Ramban explains that this promise signifies that Avraham's descendants will achieve victory over their adversaries, both militarily and morally. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) connects this to the idea that the Jewish people will ultimately triumph through righteousness and divine assistance.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: This verse reassures Jews of Hashem's eternal covenant with Avraham's descendants. The Sforno teaches that our continued existence—despite exile and persecution—fulfills this promise. Today, it inspires faith in divine protection and the ultimate redemption, reminding us that our spiritual legacy (like stars) and physical resilience (like sand) remain unbroken.
Q: Why is this blessing repeated to Avraham in different forms throughout the Torah?
A: The repetition emphasizes the certainty and multi-layered nature of Hashem's promise. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 11:1) notes that each iteration adds context—here, it follows Avraham's supreme test of faith. The Talmud (Berachot 32b) teaches that repeated divine assurances reinforce the eternal bond between Hashem and the Jewish people.