share torah logo

Genesis 26:28 - Divine presence inspires peacemaking.

Genesis 26:28 - בראשית 26:28

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ רָאוֹ רָאִינוּ כִּי־הָיָה יְהוָה עִמָּךְ וַנֹּאמֶר תְּהִי נָא אָלָה בֵּינוֹתֵינוּ בֵּינֵינוּ וּבֵינֶךָ וְנִכְרְתָה בְרִית עִמָּךְ׃

English Translation

And they said, We saw indeed that the Lord was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath between us, between us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;

Transliteration

Vayomru ra'o ra'inu ki-haya Adonai imach vanomer tehi na alah beinoteinu beineinu uveinecha venichreta brit imach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ רָא֣וֹ רָאִ֘ינוּ֮ כִּֽי־הָיָ֣ה יְהֹוָ֣ה <small>׀</small> עִמָּךְ֒ וַנֹּ֗אמֶר תְּהִ֨י נָ֥א אָלָ֛ה בֵּינוֹתֵ֖ינוּ בֵּינֵ֣ינוּ וּבֵינֶ֑ךָ וְנִכְרְתָ֥ה בְרִ֖ית עִמָּֽךְ׃
וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ רָא֣וֹ רָאִ֘ינוּ֮ כִּֽי־הָיָ֣ה יְהֹוָ֣ה ׀ עִמָּךְ֒ וַנֹּ֗אמֶר תְּהִ֨י נָ֥א אָלָ֛ה בֵּינוֹתֵ֖ינוּ בֵּינֵ֣ינוּ וּבֵינֶ֑ךָ וְנִכְרְתָ֥ה בְרִ֖ית עִמָּֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 26:28) appears in the narrative of Yitzchak (Isaac) and Avimelech, king of the Philistines. After Yitzchak prospers in Gerar despite initial strife over wells, Avimelech and his advisors acknowledge divine favor upon Yitzchak and seek to establish a covenant with him.

Phrase-by-Phrase Analysis

  • "We saw indeed that the Lord was with thee" (רָאוֹ רָאִינוּ כִּי־הָיָה יְהוָה עִמָּךְ): Rashi explains that Avimelech and his people recognized Yitzchak's success was divinely ordained, as his crops yielded a hundredfold despite drought (Genesis 26:12). The double language of "ra'o ra'inu" ("we saw indeed") emphasizes their certainty after witnessing Yitzchak's blessings.
  • "Let there be now an oath between us" (תְּהִי נָא אָלָה בֵּינוֹתֵינוּ): The Sforno notes that Avimelech sought a binding agreement to prevent future conflict, acknowledging that opposing Yitzchak would mean opposing Hashem's will. The term "אָלָה" (oath) implies a solemn, divinely witnessed pledge.
  • "Let us make a covenant with thee" (וְנִכְרְתָה בְרִית עִמָּךְ): Ramban highlights that a "brit" (covenant) formalizes mutual obligations. Here, it signifies Avimelech's desire for peaceful coexistence, recognizing Yitzchak's spiritual and material ascendancy.

Theological Implications

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 64:8) contrasts Avimelech's acknowledgment of divine providence with the later behavior of Esav (Esau), who resisted recognizing Yaakov's (Jacob's) blessed status. This verse underscores how even non-Jewish leaders perceived the tangible presence of Hashem in the lives of the Avot (Patriarchs).

Practical Lessons

  • Divine Providence: The Malbim teaches that Yitzchak's visible success became a kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name), inspiring others to recognize divine involvement in human affairs.
  • Diplomacy and Peace: The Kli Yakar notes that Yitzchak's willingness to make a covenant—despite prior mistreatment—models the Jewish value of pursuing peace when adversaries show sincere repentance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 26:28 mean when it says 'the Lord was with thee'?
A: In Genesis 26:28, when Avimelech and his advisors say 'the Lord was with thee,' they recognize that Yitzchak (Isaac) was blessed and protected by Hashem. Rashi explains that they saw Yitzchak's success in digging wells and prospering despite challenges, which clearly showed divine favor. This teaches that when a person follows Hashem's ways, others can recognize His presence in their lives.
Q: Why did Avimelech want to make a covenant with Yitzchak in Genesis 26:28?
A: Avimelech sought a covenant (brit) with Yitzchak because he saw that Yitzchak was under Hashem's protection and blessing. The Midrash notes that Avimelech feared Yitzchak's growing influence and wanted to ensure peace. This teaches the importance of establishing peaceful agreements, especially when recognizing another's righteousness and divine favor.
Q: What is the significance of an oath (אָלָה) in Genesis 26:28?
A: The oath (alah) in Genesis 26:28 signifies a solemn, binding agreement between Avimelech and Yitzchak, invoking Hashem as a witness. The Rambam (Hilchot Shevuot) explains that oaths in Torah are serious commitments, and breaking them violates a divine covenant. Here, it underscores the importance of trust and honesty in relationships, even between different nations.
Q: How does Genesis 26:28 apply to us today?
A: Genesis 26:28 teaches that living a righteous life can lead others to recognize Hashem's presence and seek peaceful relationships with us. The Talmud (Berachot 64a) says 'scholars increase peace in the world'—like Yitzchak, we should strive to be examples of integrity, inspiring others to pursue harmony and mutual respect.
Q: What can we learn from Yitzchak's response to Avimelech in this verse?
A: Yitzchak's acceptance of the covenant (later in the passage) teaches the value of diplomacy and avoiding unnecessary conflict. As the Mishnah (Avot 1:12) advises, 'Be of the disciples of Aharon, loving peace and pursuing peace.' Yitzchak models how to respond graciously even to those who previously mistreated him (as Avimelech had expelled him earlier).