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Genesis 24:35 - Divine blessings multiply wealth.

Genesis 24:35 - בראשית 24:35

Hebrew Text

וַיהוָה בֵּרַךְ אֶת־אֲדֹנִי מְאֹד וַיִּגְדָּל וַיִּתֶּן־לוֹ צֹאן וּבָקָר וְכֶסֶף וְזָהָב וַעֲבָדִם וּשְׁפָחֹת וּגְמַלִּים וַחֲמֹרִים׃

English Translation

And the Lord has blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and He has given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.

Transliteration

Va'Adonai berakh et-adoni me'od vayigdal vayiten-lo tzon uvakar ve'kesef vezahav va'avadim ushfachot ugmalim vachamorim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיהֹוָ֞ה בֵּרַ֧ךְ אֶת־אֲדֹנִ֛י מְאֹ֖ד וַיִּגְדָּ֑ל וַיִּתֶּן־ל֞וֹ צֹ֤אן וּבָקָר֙ וְכֶ֣סֶף וְזָהָ֔ב וַעֲבָדִם֙ וּשְׁפָחֹ֔ת וּגְמַלִּ֖ים וַחֲמֹרִֽים׃
וַיהֹוָ֞ה בֵּרַ֧ךְ אֶת־אֲדֹנִ֛י מְאֹ֖ד וַיִּגְדָּ֑ל וַיִּתֶּן־ל֞וֹ צֹ֤אן וּבָקָר֙ וְכֶ֣סֶף וְזָהָ֔ב וַעֲבָדִם֙ וּשְׁפָחֹ֔ת וּגְמַלִּ֖ים וַחֲמֹרִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 24:35) is part of the dialogue between Eliezer, Avraham's servant, and Rivkah's family. Eliezer recounts how Hashem blessed Avraham with immense wealth, emphasizing Avraham's material prosperity as a sign of divine favor. The mention of these blessings serves to demonstrate Avraham's elevated status and the fulfillment of Hashem's promises to him.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on the phrase "וַיהוָה בֵּרַךְ אֶת־אֲדֹנִי מְאֹד" ("And the Lord has blessed my master greatly") by noting that the word "מְאֹד" ("greatly") is written without a vav, suggesting that Avraham's blessings were so vast they could not be fully expressed in writing. Rashi also highlights that Avraham's wealth was not merely material but a reflection of his spiritual greatness, as his possessions were acquired through righteousness and divine providence.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides), in his philosophical works, teaches that material blessings are secondary to spiritual attainments. However, in this context, Avraham's wealth served a higher purpose—to spread monotheism and kindness in the world. His flocks, herds, and servants were tools for chessed (kindness), enabling him to host guests and fulfill his mission of teaching belief in Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 59:8) explains that Avraham's wealth was a reward for his unwavering faith and obedience, particularly during the test of the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak).
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Chayei Sarah 3) notes that the order of the blessings—flocks first, then gold—symbolizes that Avraham valued his livestock (used for hospitality) more than his monetary wealth.

Symbolism of the Possessions

The detailed list of Avraham's blessings—flocks, herds, silver, gold, servants, camels, and donkeys—carries deeper meaning:

  • Flocks and herds: Represent sustenance and the ability to perform hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests).
  • Silver and gold: Symbolize purity and enduring value, reflecting Avraham's moral integrity.
  • Servants and maidservants: Indicate his leadership and influence in teaching monotheism.
  • Camels and donkeys: Highlight his role in commerce and outreach, as these animals were essential for travel and trade.

Lesson in Divine Providence

The verse underscores the principle that material success comes from Hashem. As the Talmud (Nedarim 32a) teaches, Avraham's wealth was a direct result of his righteousness, showing that prosperity is a divine gift when aligned with Torah values. This idea is foundational in Jewish thought, emphasizing that blessings follow those who dedicate their lives to serving Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 84b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the blessings of wealth and possessions, illustrating how divine blessings manifest in material prosperity.
📖 Bava Metzia 42a
Cited in a discussion about the responsibilities of wealth and the ethical treatment of servants, referencing the verse as an example of God's blessings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 24:35 mean?
A: Genesis 24:35 describes how Hashem (God) greatly blessed Avraham with wealth and possessions, including livestock, silver, gold, and servants. This verse is part of Eliezer's speech when he explains Avraham's blessed status to Rivkah's family. According to Rashi, this emphasizes that Avraham's success came directly from Hashem's kindness.
Q: Why is Avraham's wealth mentioned in this verse?
A: Avraham's wealth is mentioned to show that his blessings were a reward for his righteousness and faith in Hashem. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) teaches that material blessings often accompany spiritual greatness when they are used for holy purposes, as Avraham used his wealth for hospitality (hachnasat orchim) and kindness.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 24:35 today?
A: We learn that true success comes from Hashem, and material blessings should be used for good deeds (mitzvot) and helping others. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot) teaches that wealth is a tool for serving Hashem—just as Avraham used his resources to spread monotheism and kindness.
Q: Why does the verse list specific possessions like flocks, silver, and camels?
A: The Torah lists these details to show the extent of Avraham's blessings. Rashi explains that each item represents a different aspect of wealth in ancient times: flocks and herds for sustenance, silver and gold for trade, and servants and camels for status and transportation. This highlights Hashem's complete providence over Avraham's life.
Q: How does this verse connect to Avraham's earlier tests?
A: After passing difficult tests (like leaving his homeland and the binding of Yitzchak), Avraham was rewarded with blessings. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 9a) teaches that hardships purify a person, and this verse shows how Avraham's faithfulness led to divine reward—demonstrating the principle of 'measure for measure' (middah k'neged middah).