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Genesis 24:40 - Divine guidance finds Isaac's bride

Genesis 24:40 - בראשית 24:40

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָי יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר־הִתְהַלַּכְתִּי לְפָנָיו יִשְׁלַח מַלְאָכוֹ אִתָּךְ וְהִצְלִיחַ דַּרְכֶּךָ וְלָקַחְתָּ אִשָּׁה לִבְנִי מִמִּשְׁפַּחְתִּי וּמִבֵּית אָבִי׃

English Translation

And he said to me, The Lord, before Whom I walk, will send His angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father’s house:

Transliteration

Va'yomer elai Adonai asher hit'halachti lefanav yishlach mal'acho itach v'hatzli'ach darkecha v'lakachta isha livni mi'mishpachti u'mibeit avi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אֵלָ֑י יְהֹוָ֞ה אֲשֶׁר־הִתְהַלַּ֣כְתִּי לְפָנָ֗יו יִשְׁלַ֨ח מַלְאָכ֤וֹ אִתָּךְ֙ וְהִצְלִ֣יחַ דַּרְכֶּ֔ךָ וְלָקַחְתָּ֤ אִשָּׁה֙ לִבְנִ֔י מִמִּשְׁפַּחְתִּ֖י וּמִבֵּ֥ית אָבִֽי׃
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אֵלָ֑י יְהֹוָ֞ה אֲשֶׁר־הִתְהַלַּ֣כְתִּי לְפָנָ֗יו יִשְׁלַ֨ח מַלְאָכ֤וֹ אִתָּךְ֙ וְהִצְלִ֣יחַ דַּרְכֶּ֔ךָ וְלָקַחְתָּ֤ אִשָּׁה֙ לִבְנִ֔י מִמִּשְׁפַּחְתִּ֖י וּמִבֵּ֥ית אָבִֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 24:40) is part of Avraham Avinu's instructions to his servant Eliezer, who was sent to find a wife for Yitzchak from Avraham's family in Charan. The verse reflects Avraham's deep faith in Hashem's guidance in this critical mission.

Key Phrases and Their Meanings

  • "ה' אשר התהלכתי לפניו" - "The Lord, before Whom I walk": Rashi explains that this refers to Avraham's complete devotion to Hashem, walking in His ways with sincerity and righteousness. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:7) notes that this phrase exemplifies the ideal of imitatio Dei – emulating Hashem's attributes in one's conduct.
  • "ישלח מלאכו אתך" - "Will send His angel with thee": The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 59:10) teaches that this angel was none other than the angel Michael, sent to ensure the success of Eliezer's mission. The Talmud (Chullin 95b) discusses how angels are dispatched to assist those engaged in mitzvot.
  • "והצליח דרכך" - "And prosper thy way": The Sforno comments that this success was not merely in finding a wife, but in finding the right wife – one whose character matched the spiritual legacy of Avraham's household.
  • "ממשפחתי ומבית אבי" - "Of my kindred, and of my father’s house": The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Avraham insisted on a wife from his family to ensure spiritual compatibility, as they would have been influenced by the monotheistic teachings passed down from Terach (despite Terach's idolatry, some traditions suggest he later repented).

Theological Implications

The Malbim highlights that Avraham's statement demonstrates the principle of hashgacha pratit (divine providence) – that Hashem directly involves Himself in the lives of those who serve Him faithfully. Avraham's confidence in divine assistance stemmed from his lifelong commitment to walking before Hashem.

Practical Lessons

  • The importance of seeking divine assistance (siyata dishmaya) when undertaking important missions, especially those involving Jewish continuity.
  • The value of maintaining family traditions and seeking spouses who share spiritual values, as emphasized by Avraham's insistence on a wife from his family.
  • The concept that angels may be sent to assist in the performance of mitzvot, as seen in Eliezer's mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 24:40 mean when it says 'The Lord, before Whom I walk'?
A: The phrase 'The Lord, before Whom I walk' refers to Avraham's constant awareness of Hashem's presence in his life. Rashi explains that this means Avraham conducted all his actions with the consciousness that he was walking before Hashem, living a life of righteousness and devotion. It teaches us the importance of serving G-d in all aspects of our daily lives.
Q: Why did Avraham send his servant with an angel in Genesis 24:40?
A: Avraham sent his servant Eliezer with Divine assistance (an angel) to ensure the mission's success in finding a proper wife for Yitzchak. The Ramban explains that this shows Avraham's complete trust in Hashem's providence, even for personal family matters. The angel represents Divine guidance in finding the right match, which is considered as difficult as splitting the Red Sea (Talmud Sotah 2a).
Q: What is the significance of Avraham specifying that the wife should come from his family in Genesis 24:40?
A: Avraham insisted on a wife from his family because he wanted to maintain spiritual continuity. As Rashi explains, Avraham's family members shared his values of recognizing Hashem and rejecting idolatry. This teaches us the importance of shared values in marriage and maintaining Jewish tradition within families.
Q: How does the concept of Divine guidance in finding a spouse in Genesis 24:40 apply today?
A: The verse teaches that finding a proper spouse involves both human effort (sending the servant) and Divine assistance (the angel). Today, we learn from this that while we must make proper efforts in shidduchim (matchmaking), we should also pray for Hashem's guidance, as finding the right partner is ultimately in His hands (Talmud Moed Katan 18b).
Q: What does 'prosper thy way' mean in Genesis 24:40?
A: The blessing 'prosper thy way' means that Hashem would make Eliezer's mission successful. The Sforno explains that this includes removing all obstacles and making the signs that would identify the proper wife clearly evident. This teaches that when we undertake mitzvot with pure intentions, Hashem helps smooth the path to success.