share torah logo

Genesis 26:22 - Divinely granted space for growth

Genesis 26:22 - בראשית 26:22

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעְתֵּק מִשָּׁם וַיַּחְפֹּר בְּאֵר אַחֶרֶת וְלֹא רָבוּ עָלֶיהָ וַיִּקְרָא שְׁמָהּ רְחֹבוֹת וַיֹּאמֶר כִּי־עַתָּה הִרְחִיב יְהוָה לָנוּ וּפָרִינוּ בָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

And he removed from there, and dug another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Reĥovot; and he said, For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.

Transliteration

Va'ya'tek mi'sham va'yachpor be'er acheret ve'lo ravu a'leyha va'yikra she'mah rechovot va'yomer ki-atah hirchiv Adonai lanu u'farinu ba'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּעְתֵּ֣ק מִשָּׁ֗ם וַיַּחְפֹּר֙ בְּאֵ֣ר אַחֶ֔רֶת וְלֹ֥א רָב֖וּ עָלֶ֑יהָ וַיִּקְרָ֤א שְׁמָהּ֙ רְחֹב֔וֹת וַיֹּ֗אמֶר כִּֽי־עַתָּ֞ה הִרְחִ֧יב יְהֹוָ֛ה לָ֖נוּ וּפָרִ֥ינוּ בָאָֽרֶץ׃
וַיַּעְתֵּ֣ק מִשָּׁ֗ם וַיַּחְפֹּר֙ בְּאֵ֣ר אַחֶ֔רֶת וְלֹ֥א רָב֖וּ עָלֶ֑יהָ וַיִּקְרָ֤א שְׁמָהּ֙ רְחֹב֔וֹת וַיֹּ֗אמֶר כִּֽי־עַתָּ֞ה הִרְחִ֧יב יְהֹוָ֛ה לָ֖נוּ וּפָרִ֥ינוּ בָאָֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Context: Yitzchak's Wells

The verse (Bereishit 26:22) describes Yitzchak Avinu's experience after relocating and digging a new well, which was not contested by the Philistines. He names it Rechovot, declaring that Hashem has now granted them ample space to flourish in the land. This follows earlier disputes over wells (Esek and Sitnah), symbolizing Yitzchak's perseverance in securing a divine blessing.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (26:22) emphasizes that the name Rechovot ("expanses") reflects Yitzchak's recognition of Hashem's providence. Unlike the previous wells, this one was uncontested, signifying a shift from strife to peace. Rashi notes that Yitzchak attributed this success to divine intervention, acknowledging that true expansion comes only through Hashem's will.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Providence

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:17) discusses how divine providence operates in accordance with human merit. Yitzchak's naming of the well demonstrates his awareness that material success is contingent on spiritual alignment with Hashem's will. The absence of conflict here indicates divine favor due to Yitzchak's righteousness.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (64:6) connects the three wells to future Batei Mikdash: The first two (Esek and Sitnah) allude to the destruction of the first and second Temples due to strife, while Rechovot foreshadows the third Temple, which will be established in peace.
  • Chizkuni (26:22) highlights that Yitzchak's declaration, "we shall be fruitful in the land", echoes Hashem's promise to Avraham (Bereishit 17:6), reinforcing the covenant's continuity.

Symbolism of the Wells

The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) explains that the wells represent spiritual sustenance. The first two were contested because they symbolized incomplete divine service, while Rechovot—achieved without strife—reflects a perfected relationship with Hashem, where blessings flow unimpeded.

Practical Lesson: Trust in Hashem

The Sforno (26:22) teaches that Yitzchak's experience models emunah (faith). Despite earlier setbacks, he persisted in digging wells, trusting that Hashem would ultimately provide. His naming of Rechovot serves as a timeless lesson: true success comes when we recognize Hashem's hand in our endeavors.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the name 'Rechovot' mean in Genesis 26:22?
A: The name 'Rechovot' (רְחֹבוֹת) means 'wide spaces' or 'room.' Yitzchak (Isaac) named the well Rechovot because Hashem had finally granted him and his family ample space to live and thrive without conflict, as Rashi explains on this verse.
Q: Why did Yitzchak keep digging wells in Genesis 26:22?
A: Yitzchak persisted in digging wells despite earlier disputes (as seen in previous verses) because he trusted in Hashem's promise to his father Avraham. The Ramban explains that this demonstrated his humility and commitment to peace, avoiding unnecessary conflict over resources.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yitzchak naming the well 'Rechovot'?
A: We learn the importance of recognizing and expressing gratitude for Hashem's blessings. Yitzchak acknowledged that his success came from divine providence ('For now Hashem has made room for us'), teaching us to attribute our achievements to Hashem's kindness, as emphasized in Jewish thought.
Q: Why is this verse about Yitzchak's wells important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse highlights key Jewish values: perseverance in mitzvot (like settling the Land of Israel), avoiding strife (as Yitzchak sought peaceful solutions), and trusting in Hashem’s plan. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) connects these wells symbolically to future places of Torah study and divine blessing.
Q: How does the phrase 'we shall be fruitful in the land' apply today?
A: This reflects the eternal Jewish belief in settling and flourishing in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) as a divine promise. The Sforno explains that Yitzchak’s words affirm that true prosperity comes through living a Torah life in the land Hashem designated for the Jewish people.