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Genesis 26:15 - Blocking Avraham's life-giving wells?

Genesis 26:15 - בראשית 26:15

Hebrew Text

וְכָל־הַבְּאֵרֹת אֲשֶׁר חָפְרוּ עַבְדֵי אָבִיו בִּימֵי אַבְרָהָם אָבִיו סִתְּמוּם פְּלִשְׁתִּים וַיְמַלְאוּם עָפָר׃

English Translation

For all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Avraham his father, the Pelishtim had stopped them up, and filled them with earth.

Transliteration

Ve-khol-ha-be-erot a-sher khaf-ru av-dei a-vi-vo bi-mei Av-ra-ham a-vi-vo si-te-mum Plishtim va-yim-le-um a-far.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכׇל־הַבְּאֵרֹ֗ת אֲשֶׁ֤ר חָֽפְרוּ֙ עַבְדֵ֣י אָבִ֔יו בִּימֵ֖י אַבְרָהָ֣ם אָבִ֑יו סִתְּמ֣וּם פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים וַיְמַלְא֖וּם עָפָֽר׃
וְכׇל־הַבְּאֵרֹ֗ת אֲשֶׁ֤ר חָֽפְרוּ֙ עַבְדֵ֣י אָבִ֔יו בִּימֵ֖י אַבְרָהָ֣ם אָבִ֑יו סִתְּמ֣וּם פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים וַיְמַלְא֖וּם עָפָֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereishit 26:15) describes how the Pelishtim (Philistines) stopped up the wells that Avraham's servants had dug, filling them with earth. This occurred during the time of Yitzchak, after Avraham's passing. The blocking of wells is not merely a physical act but carries deeper spiritual and symbolic significance in Jewish tradition.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the Pelishtim stopped the wells out of jealousy and hostility toward Yitzchak's growing prosperity. They sought to undermine his livelihood, as water sources were essential for sustenance and agriculture. Rashi further notes that these were the same wells dug by Avraham, which had been associated with his legacy of spreading monotheism (see Bereishit 21:30). By obstructing them, the Pelishtim symbolically rejected Avraham's spiritual influence.

Symbolism of the Wells

Midrashic sources (Bereishit Rabbah 64:8) interpret the wells as representing the spiritual "wellsprings" of Torah and divine wisdom that Avraham established. The Pelishtim's act of filling them with earth symbolizes the forces of impurity (tumah) attempting to suppress holiness. Yitzchak's subsequent re-digging of the wells (Bereishit 26:18) signifies the resilience of divine truth and the continuity of Avraham's mission.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 1:3) discusses how Avraham's teachings were like "wells of living water" that nourished the world with knowledge of Hashem. The opposition of the Pelishtim reflects the recurring struggle between truth and idolatry. Yitzchak's perseverance in reopening the wells teaches the importance of restoring and preserving Torah values despite opposition.

Practical Lessons

  • Resilience in Faith: Just as Yitzchak persisted in re-digging the wells, Jews must steadfastly uphold Torah values even when faced with hostility.
  • Spiritual Legacy: The wells represent the transmission of faith from Avraham to Yitzchak, emphasizing the duty to pass on Torah teachings to future generations.
  • Opposition to Holiness: The Pelishtim's actions remind us that forces opposing kedushah (holiness) will arise, but truth ultimately prevails.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Philistines fill Avraham's wells with earth?
A: The Philistines filled Avraham's wells with earth out of jealousy and hostility. According to Rashi (Genesis 26:15), they wanted to prevent Yitzchak (Isaac) from benefiting from the wells his father Avraham had dug, showing their resentment toward Avraham's success and influence in the land.
Q: What is the significance of wells in this verse?
A: Wells in the Torah often symbolize spiritual sustenance and Torah wisdom. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 54:4) teaches that Avraham's wells represent the teachings he spread, and the Philistines' attempt to stop them up reflects opposition to spreading divine wisdom. This teaches us the importance of preserving and continuing the spiritual legacy of our ancestors.
Q: How does this verse relate to challenges in keeping Torah traditions today?
A: Just as the Philistines tried to block Avraham's wells, there are forces that try to obstruct Torah values and Jewish traditions. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 1:3) teaches that we must stand firm in our beliefs like our forefathers. This verse reminds us to persevere in maintaining our heritage despite opposition.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that these wells were dug in Avraham's time?
A: The Torah emphasizes that these were Avraham's wells to show the continuity between Avraham and Yitzchak. Rashi (Genesis 26:18) explains that Yitzchak later re-dug these same wells, showing how children must uphold and rebuild the spiritual foundations of their parents. This teaches the importance of mesorah (tradition) in Judaism.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Philistines stopping up the wells?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) teaches that just as the Philistines tried to block physical sustenance (water), there are always attempts to block spiritual sustenance. This teaches us to be vigilant in protecting our Torah values and not to be discouraged when facing obstacles in our spiritual growth.