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Genesis 26:23 - Isaac returns to sacred oath-well

Genesis 26:23 - בראשית 26:23

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַל מִשָּׁם בְּאֵר שָׁבַע׃

English Translation

And he went up from there to Be᾽er-sheva.

Transliteration

Va'ya'al mi'sham Be'er Sheva.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֥עַל מִשָּׁ֖ם בְּאֵ֥ר שָֽׁבַע׃
וַיַּ֥עַל מִשָּׁ֖ם בְּאֵ֥ר שָֽׁבַע׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

וַיַּעַל מִשָּׁם בְּאֵר שָׁבַע – Commentary

This verse (Genesis 26:23) describes Yitzchak Avinu's ascent from Gerar to Be'er Sheva. The choice of the word וַיַּעַל ("and he went up") rather than a more neutral term like "וַיֵּלֶךְ" ("and he went") carries significant meaning in Jewish tradition.

Spiritual Ascent

Rashi explains that the term "וַיַּעַל" implies a spiritual elevation. After enduring trials in Gerar (including the disputes over wells and Avimelech's hostility), Yitzchak reached a higher spiritual level, meriting Divine revelation (as seen in the subsequent verses where Hashem appears to him). The ascent to Be'er Sheva represents both a physical and spiritual journey upward.

Be'er Sheva's Significance

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 54:4) notes that Be'er Sheva was a place of covenant and connection to Avraham Avinu, who also dug wells there (Genesis 21:31). By returning there, Yitzchak:

  • Reaffirmed his father's legacy
  • Demonstrated continuity in Avraham's mission
  • Chose a location already sanctified by his father's spiritual work

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:50), Rambam suggests that places where prophets received Divine communication became spiritually charged locations. Be'er Sheva, having been a place of prophecy for Avraham, was naturally where Yitzchak would seek connection with Hashem.

Talmudic Insight

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) teaches that prophets often needed to elevate themselves spiritually before receiving prophecy. Yitzchak's "ascent" to Be'er Sheva prepared him for the Divine revelation that follows in verse 24.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'And he went up from there to Be'er-sheva' mean in Genesis 26:23?
A: This verse describes Yitzchak (Isaac) moving from one place to Be'er-sheva. Rashi explains that 'going up' implies spiritual ascent, as Be'er-sheva was a place of holiness where his father Avraham had made covenants (Genesis 21:31-33). The Torah emphasizes locations to teach us about the importance of spiritual growth through physical movement.
Q: Why is Be'er-sheva significant in this verse?
A: Be'er-sheva is significant because it was a place connected to Avraham's and Yitzchak's divine encounters. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 54:4) notes that Be'er-sheva represents the concept of 'shevu'ah' (oath), as both Avraham and Avimelech made a covenant there (Genesis 21:31). Yitzchak's return there shows continuity in his father's spiritual legacy.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yitzchak going to Be'er-sheva?
A: The Rambam teaches that physical places can influence spiritual growth. Yitzchak's journey to Be'er-sheva—a place of his father's holiness—shows the importance of seeking environments that nurture our connection to Hashem. This teaches us to be mindful of where we live and travel, as locations impact our spiritual development.
Q: How does this verse connect to the previous events in Yitzchak's life?
A: Before this verse, Yitzchak faced conflicts with the Philistines over wells (Genesis 26:18-22). Moving to Be'er-sheva signifies a shift to a place of peace and divine promise. The Talmud (Berachot 8a) notes that places associated with our ancestors' prayers (like Be'er-sheva) carry special spiritual merit, which Yitzchak sought after his struggles.