share torah logo

Genesis 26:1 - Famine tests Isaac's faith.

Genesis 26:1 - בראשית 26:1

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי רָעָב בָּאָרֶץ מִלְּבַד הָרָעָב הָרִאשׁוֹן אֲשֶׁר הָיָה בִּימֵי אַבְרָהָם וַיֵּלֶךְ יִצְחָק אֶל־אֲבִימֶּלֶךְ מֶלֶךְ־פְּלִשְׁתִּים גְּרָרָה׃

English Translation

And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Avraham. And Yiżĥaq went to Avimelekh, king of the Pelishtim to Gerar.

Transliteration

Vayehi ra'av ba'aretz milvad hara'av harishon asher hayah bimei Avraham vayeilech Yitzchak el-Avimelech melech-Plishtim Gerarah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֤י רָעָב֙ בָּאָ֔רֶץ מִלְּבַד֙ הָרָעָ֣ב הָרִאשׁ֔וֹן אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיָ֖ה בִּימֵ֣י אַבְרָהָ֑ם וַיֵּ֧לֶךְ יִצְחָ֛ק אֶל־אֲבִימֶ֥לֶךְ מֶֽלֶךְ־פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים גְּרָֽרָה׃
וַיְהִ֤י רָעָב֙ בָּאָ֔רֶץ מִלְּבַד֙ הָרָעָ֣ב הָרִאשׁ֔וֹן אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיָ֖ה בִּימֵ֣י אַבְרָהָ֑ם וַיֵּ֧לֶךְ יִצְחָ֛ק אֶל־אֲבִימֶ֥לֶךְ מֶֽלֶךְ־פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים גְּרָֽרָה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Famine

The verse describes a famine in the land of Canaan, distinct from the earlier famine in the days of Avraham. Rashi (Bereshit 26:1) notes that this famine was less severe than the first, as the Torah specifies "מִלְּבַד הָרָעָב הָרִאשׁוֹן" ("beside the first famine"), implying a lesser degree of hardship. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 64:2) suggests that this famine was a test for Yitzchak, paralleling the trials of his father Avraham.

Yitzchak's Journey to Gerar

Unlike Avraham, who descended to Egypt during a famine (Bereshit 12:10), Yitzchak is directed to remain in the land (Bereshit 26:2-3). Ramban (Bereshit 26:2) explains that Yitzchak, as an "olah temimah" (a pure burnt offering, alluding to the Akeidah), was forbidden to leave Eretz Yisrael. His journey to Gerar, within the borders of the land, reflects his unique spiritual status.

Avimelekh and the Philistines

The Philistine king Avimelekh reappears here, having previously interacted with Avraham (Bereshit 20). The Talmud (Bava Kama 93a) notes that this may refer to the same individual, as "Avimelekh" was a dynastic title. The Sforno (Bereshit 26:1) suggests that Yitzchak sought refuge with Avimelekh because of their prior treaty (Bereshit 21:22-32), demonstrating the importance of honoring agreements.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Divine Providence: The famine serves as a backdrop to demonstrate Hashem's direct communication with Yitzchak (Bereshit 26:2-5), affirming the covenant.
  • Continuity of the Avot: As noted by the Kli Yakar, Yitzchak's experience mirrors Avraham's, showing the recurring challenges faced by the patriarchs in securing their place in the land.
  • Trust in Hashem: Despite the famine, Yitzchak remains in the land, exemplifying bitachon (trust in Divine providence), as emphasized by Rabbeinu Bachya.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yitzchak go to Avimelech during the famine?
A: Yitzchak went to Avimelech in Gerar because there was a famine in the land (Genesis 26:1). Rashi explains that Yitzchak initially considered going to Egypt, like his father Avraham did during a famine (Genesis 12:10), but Hashem appeared to him and told him not to leave the Land of Israel (Genesis 26:2). Gerar was within the borders of the land promised to Avraham's descendants, so Yitzchak went there instead.
Q: What is the significance of the Torah mentioning 'the first famine in the days of Avraham'?
A: The Torah mentions the first famine in Avraham's time to show that this was a second, separate famine. Ramban explains that this teaches us that the challenges faced by the Avot (forefathers) were not coincidental but part of Divine providence shaping Jewish history. The repetition of famines tests their faith and demonstrates their commitment to Hashem's promises.
Q: Why does the Torah specify that Yitzchak went to the king of the Philistines?
A: The Torah specifies this to show that Yitzchak was interacting with the same Philistine king (or possibly his descendant with the same name) that his father Avraham had dealings with (Genesis 20-21). The Midrash notes that this demonstrates how the actions of the fathers are a sign for the children, as both Avraham and Yitzchak faced similar tests involving kings named Avimelech.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yitzchak's response to the famine?
A: We learn from Yitzchak that even during difficult times like famine, we must seek guidance from Hashem before making major decisions. The Sforno points out that Yitzchak's actions show his trust in Hashem's providence. Though he moved within the land due to the famine, he didn't abandon the Land of Israel completely, demonstrating his commitment to Hashem's promise.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish people's relationship with the Land of Israel?
A: This verse highlights the deep connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. Even during hardship, Yitzchak remained within the borders of the promised land. The Talmud (Ketubot 110b) derives from this that living in the Land of Israel is equivalent to all the mitzvot combined. Yitzchak's choice to stay in the land despite famine demonstrates this principle.