Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 26:14 mean?
A: Genesis 26:14 describes how Yitzchak (Isaac) became very wealthy with large flocks, herds, and many servants. Because of his success, the Pelishtim (Philistines) became envious of him. This verse shows how material success can sometimes lead to jealousy from others.
Q: Why did the Pelishtim envy Yitzchak?
A: The Pelishtim envied Yitzchak because Hashem blessed him with great wealth and success (Rashi on Genesis 26:14). Their jealousy stemmed from seeing his prosperity in livestock and servants, which was a visible sign of divine favor.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 26:14?
A: We learn that material success can sometimes provoke jealousy, even when it comes from righteous living. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 64:6) teaches that Yitzchak's blessings were a result of his devotion to Hashem, yet others still envied him. This reminds us to handle success with humility and awareness of others' feelings.
Q: How does Yitzchak's experience apply today?
A: Just as Yitzchak faced envy due to his blessings, people today may also encounter jealousy when they prosper. The Talmud (Bava Batra 89b) teaches the importance of conducting business with integrity to minimize resentment. This verse reminds us to stay humble and trust in Hashem's plan, even when facing others' jealousy.
Q: Why is Yitzchak's wealth mentioned in the Torah?
A: The Torah mentions Yitzchak's wealth to show how Hashem fulfilled His promise to Avraham that his descendants would be blessed (Genesis 26:3-4). Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that Yitzchak's prosperity was a continuation of the divine covenant, proving that Hashem rewards those who follow His ways.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bereshit 26:14) describes Yitzchak Avinu's prosperity in the land of the Pelishtim (Philistines), which led to their envy. The Torah emphasizes his abundant livestock, herds, and servants, highlighting the fulfillment of Hashem's blessing to Avraham's descendants.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi notes that Yitzchak's success was extraordinary—his flocks multiplied miraculously, as implied by the term "מִקְנֵה־צֹאן" (possessions of flocks). He explains that the Pelishtim's envy stemmed from witnessing this supernatural blessing, which contradicted natural expectations in a land suffering from famine (Bereshit 26:1).
Rambam on Envy
Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:11) teaches that envy ("קִנְאָה") is a destructive trait, as seen here with the Pelishtim. Their jealousy blinded them to Yitzchak's righteousness and Hashem's hand in his success, leading to conflict (Bereshit 26:15-16). This aligns with the Talmudic warning (Bava Batra 21a) that envy removes a person from the world.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Perspective
The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 156:5) cites this verse to illustrate the prohibition of causing envy through excessive displays of wealth. Yitzchak, however, was blameless; his blessings were openly granted by Hashem as a testament to the covenant with Avraham.