Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Avimelech tell Yitzchak to leave?
A: Avimelech told Yitzchak to leave because he saw that Yitzchak had become very powerful and prosperous (Genesis 26:16). Rashi explains that the Philistines were jealous of Yitzchak's success and feared his growing influence, so they asked him to depart.
Q: What does this verse teach us about jealousy?
A: This verse highlights the destructive nature of jealousy. The Midrash teaches that the Philistines' jealousy of Yitzchak's blessings led them to act unfairly by expelling him, despite him causing no harm. It reminds us to be grateful for others' success and avoid envy.
Q: How did Yitzchak respond to being told to leave?
A: The Torah does not record Yitzchak arguing or resisting Avimelech's request. Instead, he peacefully moved to the Gerar Valley (Genesis 26:17). Ramban notes that Yitzchak demonstrated trust in Hashem by not fighting back, showing that his strength came from faith, not conflict.
Q: Why was Yitzchak 'mightier' than the Philistines?
A: Yitzchak was 'mightier' because Hashem blessed him with abundant crops, flocks, and wealth (Genesis 26:12-14). The Talmud (Berachot 35b) teaches that material success comes from divine blessing, not just human effort. The Philistines recognized that Yitzchak's prosperity was extraordinary.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches that true success comes from Hashem's blessing, not force or competition. Like Yitzchak, we should focus on living righteously and trust that Hashem will provide. The Orchot Tzaddikim (a classical Jewish ethical work) emphasizes that humility and faith lead to lasting success.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereishit 26:16) records Avimelekh, king of the Philistines, instructing Yitzchak to leave their land, stating, "Go from us, for you have become much mightier than we." This occurs after Yitzchak's prosperity in Gerar, where Hashem blessed him abundantly, causing tension with the local inhabitants.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that Avimelekh's statement reflects the Philistines' jealousy and fear of Yitzchak's growing power. He notes that the phrase "כִּי־עָצַמְתָּ־מִמֶּנּוּ מְאֹד" ("for you are much mightier than we") implies that Yitzchak's success was divinely ordained, making the Philistines feel threatened. Rashi also connects this to the earlier blessing Yitzchak received (Bereishit 26:12-14), where his crops yielded a hundredfold, and his flocks multiplied.
Ibn Ezra's Insight
Ibn Ezra emphasizes that Avimelekh's request was politically motivated. He suggests that the Philistines feared Yitzchak's influence would undermine their authority, as his wealth and power could attract followers and diminish their control over the region. This aligns with the recurring biblical theme of nations feeling threatened by Bnei Yisrael's success.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 64:7) elaborates that Yitzchak's prosperity was so immense that even his straw and waste became valuable. The Philistines measured their own wealth against his and realized they could not compete, leading to their demand for his departure. The Midrash also highlights that Yitzchak's blessings were a fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham, demonstrating divine providence.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (in his commentary on the Mishnah, Avot 5:19) indirectly addresses this dynamic by noting that jealousy among nations often arises when they perceive another's success as a threat. He teaches that Yitzchak's experience illustrates how righteousness and divine favor can provoke hostility from those who misunderstand or resent it.
Practical Lessons