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Genesis 24:62 - Isaac returns from divine encounter

Genesis 24:62 - בראשית 24:62

Hebrew Text

וְיִצְחָק בָּא מִבּוֹא בְּאֵר לַחַי רֹאִי וְהוּא יוֹשֵׁב בְּאֶרֶץ הַנֶּגֶב׃

English Translation

And Yiżĥaq came from the way of Be᾽er-laĥay-ro᾽i

Transliteration

V'Yitzhak ba mi'bo Be'er Lachai Ro'i v'hu yoshev b'eretz HaNegev.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיִצְחָק֙ בָּ֣א מִבּ֔וֹא בְּאֵ֥ר לַחַ֖י רֹאִ֑י וְה֥וּא יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּאֶ֥רֶץ הַנֶּֽגֶב׃
וְיִצְחָק֙ בָּ֣א מִבּ֔וֹא בְּאֵ֥ר לַחַ֖י רֹאִ֑י וְה֥וּא יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּאֶ֥רֶץ הַנֶּֽגֶב׃

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Parasha Commentary

Verse Context

The verse (Bereshit 24:62) describes Yitzchak's return from Be'er Lachai Ro'i, where he had gone before meeting Rivkah for the first time. This location holds significance as it was previously associated with Hagar's encounter with an angel (Bereshit 16:14).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Yitzchak was coming from Be'er Lachai Ro'i because he had gone there to bring Hagar back to Avraham Avinu so she could become his wife after Sarah's passing (known as Keturah in Bereshit 25:1). Rashi cites the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 60:14) which states that Yitzchak sought to honor his father by reuniting him with Hagar.

Location Significance

  • Be'er Lachai Ro'i: Literally means "the Well of the Living One Who Sees Me," named by Hagar when she fled from Sarah (Bereshit 16:14).
  • Connection to Yitzchak: The Sforno suggests Yitzchak went there to meditate and pray, as it was a place of divine revelation.
  • Negev Location: The verse notes he was dwelling in the Negev, which Ramban explains was near Be'er Sheva, where Avraham lived.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Yitzchak's journey demonstrates his trait of gevurah (strength/restraint) by showing honor to his father even after Sarah's passing. Additionally, his presence in the Negev - a harsh desert - symbolizes his willingness to endure hardship for spiritual growth.

Chassidic Insight

The Baal HaTanya interprets that Yitzchak's return from Be'er Lachai Ro'i ("the Well of Life and Vision") represents his attainment of higher spiritual perception before meeting his destined partner, Rivkah, showing how divine providence guided this sacred union.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Be'er Lachai Ro'i' mean in Genesis 24:62?
A: Be'er Lachai Ro'i means 'the Well of the Living One Who Sees Me.' It refers to the well where Hagar encountered an angel (Genesis 16:14). Rashi explains that this name reflects Divine providence—Hashem sees and cares for all, even in the wilderness.
Q: Why was Yitzchak coming from Be'er Lachai Ro'i in this verse?
A: According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:14), Yitzchak was returning from bringing Hagar (now called Keturah) back to Avraham after Sarah's passing. The well symbolizes Divine mercy, showing Yitzchak's role in continuing his father's legacy of kindness.
Q: What is the significance of Yitzchak dwelling in the Negev (southern land)?
A: The Ramban notes that the Negev was a harsh desert region. Yitzchak's presence there demonstrates his trust in Hashem's promise to give this land to his descendants (Genesis 26:3). It also foreshadows the Jewish people's future connection to this area.
Q: How does this verse connect to the story of Eliezer finding Rivkah?
A: Rashi explains that Yitzchak was praying at Be'er Lachai Ro'i when Eliezer arrived with Rivkah (Genesis 24:63). The well represents answered prayers—just as Hagar was saved there, Yitzchak's prayers for a wife were being fulfilled through Divine guidance.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yitzchak's journey in this verse?
A: The Sforno teaches that Yitzchak's movement from the well to the Negev symbolizes a Jew's lifelong journey—starting with spiritual 'water' (Torah) and then applying those lessons in 'dry' challenges of daily life. It reminds us to carry faith into all situations.