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Genesis 22:19 - Faith's journey continues home

Genesis 22:19 - בראשית 22:19

Hebrew Text

וַיָּשָׁב אַבְרָהָם אֶל־נְעָרָיו וַיָּקֻמוּ וַיֵּלְכוּ יַחְדָּו אֶל־בְּאֵר שָׁבַע וַיֵּשֶׁב אַבְרָהָם בִּבְאֵר שָׁבַע׃

English Translation

So Avraham returned to his young men, and they rose up and went together to Be᾽er-sheva; and Avraham dwelt at Be᾽er-sheva.

Transliteration

Vayashav Avraham el-ne'arav vayakumu vayelchu yachdav el-Be'er Sheva vayeshev Avraham biv'e'er Sheva.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֤שׇׁב אַבְרָהָם֙ אֶל־נְעָרָ֔יו וַיָּקֻ֛מוּ וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ יַחְדָּ֖ו אֶל־בְּאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב אַבְרָהָ֖ם בִּבְאֵ֥ר שָֽׁבַע׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיָּ֤שׇׁב אַבְרָהָם֙ אֶל־נְעָרָ֔יו וַיָּקֻ֛מוּ וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ יַחְדָּ֖ו אֶל־בְּאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב אַבְרָהָ֖ם בִּבְאֵ֥ר שָֽׁבַע׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Return to Be'er Sheva

The verse describes Avraham Avinu's return to Be'er Sheva after the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak). Rashi (Bereishit 22:19) notes that only Avraham is mentioned as returning to his young men, whereas Yitzchak is not mentioned—implying that Yitzchak did not return with him. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 56:11) explains that Yitzchak was taken to Yeshivat Shem v'Ever to study Torah for three years before reuniting with his father.

Significance of Be'er Sheva

Be'er Sheva holds deep spiritual significance in Avraham's life. Ramban (Bereishit 21:33) explains that it was here that Avraham established a well (be'er) and swore (sheva) an oath of peace with Avimelech, symbolizing his commitment to spreading monotheism and ethical behavior. The return to Be'er Sheva after the Akeidah signifies a return to his mission of kiruv (drawing people closer to Hashem).

Avraham's Dwelling in Be'er Sheva

The verse concludes by stating that Avraham "dwelt" (vayeishev) in Be'er Sheva. The Kli Yakar (Bereishit 22:19) highlights that this term implies permanence, contrasting with his earlier transient lifestyle. This suggests that after the ultimate test of the Akeidah, Avraham reached a state of spiritual completeness, meriting a settled existence in the land.

  • Rashi: Focuses on Yitzchak's absence, linking it to his time in Torah study.
  • Ramban: Emphasizes Be'er Sheva as a place of covenant and divine service.
  • Kli Yakar: Interprets "dwelt" as a sign of Avraham's elevated spiritual status post-Akeidah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham return to Be'er Sheva after the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac)?
A: According to Rashi and Midrashic sources, Avraham returned to Be'er Sheva because it was a place where he had previously experienced divine revelation (Genesis 21:33). After the intense spiritual test of the Akeidah, he returned to a place of established holiness and connection to Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of Avraham dwelling in Be'er Sheva?
A: Be'er Sheva represents a place of covenant and connection to Hashem, as Avraham had previously made a pact with Avimelech there (Genesis 21:31-32). The Rambam teaches that choosing to dwell there shows Avraham's commitment to maintaining his spiritual level even after great tests.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Avraham returned 'with his young men'?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) explains that this teaches us about Avraham's exemplary character - even after his profound spiritual experience, he didn't abandon his servants but returned together with them. This shows the importance of responsibility towards others even during personal spiritual journeys.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham's actions after the Akeidah?
A: The Midrash teaches that Avraham's return to normal life after this tremendous test shows that true spirituality involves bringing holiness into everyday existence. As the verse states 'Vayeishev Avraham' - 'And Avraham dwelt' - he didn't remain on the mountain top, but brought that holiness down into his daily life in Be'er Sheva.
Q: Why doesn't the verse mention Yitzchak (Isaac) returning with Avraham?
A: Rashi explains that Yitzchak went to study in the yeshiva of Shem and Ever (ancient Torah sages) before rejoining his father. This teaches us that after intense spiritual experiences, one should seek Torah study to properly integrate the lessons.