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Genesis 24:9 - Oath on covenant's sacred sign?

Genesis 24:9 - בראשית 24:9

Hebrew Text

וַיָּשֶׂם הָעֶבֶד אֶת־יָדוֹ תַּחַת יֶרֶךְ אַבְרָהָם אֲדֹנָיו וַיִּשָּׁבַע לוֹ עַל־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Avraham his master, and swore to him concerning that matter.

Transliteration

Vayasem ha'eved et-yado tachat yerekh Avraham adonav vayishava lo al-hadavar hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֤שֶׂם הָעֶ֙בֶד֙ אֶת־יָד֔וֹ תַּ֛חַת יֶ֥רֶךְ אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֲדֹנָ֑יו וַיִּשָּׁ֣בַֽע ל֔וֹ עַל־הַדָּבָ֖ר הַזֶּֽה׃
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם הָעֶ֙בֶד֙ אֶת־יָד֔וֹ תַּ֛חַת יֶ֥רֶךְ אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֲדֹנָ֑יו וַיִּשָּׁ֣בַֽע ל֔וֹ עַל־הַדָּבָ֖ר הַזֶּֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Act of Placing the Hand Under the Thigh

According to Rashi (Bereshit 24:2), the phrase "וַיָּשֶׂם הָעֶבֶד אֶת־יָדוֹ תַּחַת יֶרֶךְ אַבְרָהָם" refers to the servant placing his hand on Avraham's brit milah (circumcision) as a solemn oath. This act symbolizes the covenant between Hashem and Avraham, making the oath particularly binding. The yerech (thigh) is understood here as a euphemism for the organ of circumcision, as the brit milah represents Avraham's dedication to Hashem.

The Significance of the Oath

The Rambam (Hilchot Shevuot 11:1) explains that taking an oath in this manner was a common practice in ancient times to emphasize the seriousness of the commitment. By invoking the covenant of brit milah, Avraham ensured that his servant Eliezer would fulfill his mission faithfully. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 59:8) adds that this oath was taken specifically because Eliezer was being entrusted with finding a wife for Yitzchak, which was crucial for the continuity of Avraham's spiritual legacy.

Why Not a Conventional Oath?

  • The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 24:2) suggests that a conventional oath in Hashem's name might not have been sufficient, as Eliezer had personal motives (he hoped his own daughter would marry Yitzchak). By swearing on the brit milah, he was reminded of Avraham's higher spiritual purpose.
  • The Sforno (Bereshit 24:2) explains that this method of oath-taking reinforced the servant's subservience to Avraham, as it physically demonstrated his submission to his master's covenant with Hashem.

Connection to Later Halachic Practice

The Talmud (Shevuot 38b) discusses how this form of oath evolved into the later halachic practice of holding a sacred object (such as a Sefer Torah) while swearing. The Ramban (Bereshit 24:2) notes that this act foreshadowed the sanctity with which oaths would be treated in Jewish law, ensuring their inviolability.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shevuot 38b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the validity of oaths and the method of swearing by placing a hand under the thigh, which is compared to holding a sacred object.
📖 Nedarim 32a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the significance of the act of swearing and its implications in Jewish law, particularly in relation to the covenant between Abraham and his servant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham's servant put his hand under Avraham's thigh when swearing?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Nedarim 32a), placing the hand under the thigh was an ancient form of taking an oath, specifically referring to the mitzvah of circumcision (brit milah). Since Avraham was the first to perform this covenant, the oath was connected to this sacred act to emphasize its seriousness.
Q: What is the significance of swearing in this way in the Torah?
A: The Torah teaches that oaths are serious commitments. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 59:8) explains that Avraham's servant (Eliezer) swore in this manner to show absolute loyalty to Avraham's mission of finding a wife for Yitzchak (Isaac) from Avraham's family, not from the Canaanites. This demonstrates the importance of keeping one's word in Jewish tradition.
Q: Does this method of swearing apply today?
A: No, this form of oath is not practiced today. The Rambam (Hilchot Shevuot 11:1) explains that the Torah later established verbal oaths as the standard method. However, the lesson about the seriousness of keeping one's word remains eternally relevant in Jewish law and ethics.
Q: Why was Avraham so concerned about finding the right wife for Yitzchak?
A: As Rashi explains (Genesis 24:3), Avraham insisted that Yitzchak's wife come from his family in Aram because they maintained moral values, unlike the Canaanites. This teaches the Jewish value of marrying someone who shares proper beliefs and morals, as marriage shapes future generations (Talmud Yevamot 63a).
Q: What can we learn from Eliezer's loyalty to Avraham?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 59:9) praises Eliezer's complete devotion to fulfilling Avraham's request properly. This teaches the Jewish values of faithfulness in service (shlichut) and fulfilling responsibilities with care, especially when entrusted with important tasks affecting others' lives.