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Genesis 26:29 - Peaceful plea for divine protection

Genesis 26:29 - בראשית 26:29

Hebrew Text

אִם־תַּעֲשֵׂה עִמָּנוּ רָעָה כַּאֲשֶׁר לֹא נְגַעֲנוּךָ וְכַאֲשֶׁר עָשִׂינוּ עִמְּךָ רַק־טוֹב וַנְּשַׁלֵּחֲךָ בְּשָׁלוֹם אַתָּה עַתָּה בְּרוּךְ יְהוָה׃

English Translation

that thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done to thee nothing but good, and have sent thee away in peace: thou art now the blessed of the Lord.

Transliteration

Im-ta'aseh imanu ra'ah ka'asher lo nega'anukha vecha'asher asinu imekha rak-tov vaneshalechakha beshalom atah atah berukh Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

אִם־תַּעֲשֵׂ֨ה עִמָּ֜נוּ רָעָ֗ה כַּאֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א נְגַֽעֲנ֔וּךָ וְכַאֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשִׂ֤ינוּ עִמְּךָ֙ רַק־ט֔וֹב וַנְּשַׁלֵּֽחֲךָ֖ בְּשָׁל֑וֹם אַתָּ֥ה עַתָּ֖ה בְּר֥וּךְ יְהֹוָֽה׃
אִם־תַּעֲשֵׂ֨ה עִמָּ֜נוּ רָעָ֗ה כַּאֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א נְגַֽעֲנ֔וּךָ וְכַאֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשִׂ֤ינוּ עִמְּךָ֙ רַק־ט֔וֹב וַנְּשַׁלֵּֽחֲךָ֖ בְּשָׁל֑וֹם אַתָּ֥ה עַתָּ֖ה בְּר֥וּךְ יְהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 26:29) is part of the dialogue between Avimelech, king of the Philistines, and Yitzchak (Isaac). Avimelech and his advisors approach Yitzchak to establish a covenant of peace after recognizing that Yitzchak is blessed by Hashem. The verse reflects Avimelech's acknowledgment of Yitzchak's righteousness and divine favor.

Key Themes and Interpretations

  • Recognition of Divine Blessing: Avimelech acknowledges Yitzchak as "בְּרוּךְ יְהוָה" (blessed of the Lord). Rashi explains that this recognition stems from the visible prosperity and success Yitzchak experienced, which Avimelech attributes to Hashem's blessing (Rashi on Genesis 26:29).
  • Peaceful Intentions: Avimelech emphasizes that he and his people have not harmed Yitzchak ("as we have not touched thee") and have only acted with goodwill. The Midrash Tanchuma (Toldot 12) highlights this as a model for peaceful relations between nations, even when tensions arise.
  • Moral Accountability: Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that Avimelech's words reflect a universal ethical principle: one should not harm those who have done no wrong. This aligns with the Torah's emphasis on justice and fairness in interpersonal dealings.

Grammatical and Linguistic Insights

The phrase "וַנְּשַׁלֵּחֲךָ בְּשָׁלוֹם" ("and have sent thee away in peace") uses the term "שָׁלוֹם" (peace) to signify not just the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness and goodwill. The Talmud (Berachot 64a) teaches that "שָׁלוֹם" is one of the names of Hashem, underscoring its spiritual significance.

Lessons for Contemporary Life

  • Divine Providence: Yitzchak's blessed state teaches that material success is a sign of Hashem's favor when aligned with righteousness.
  • Peaceful Coexistence: The covenant between Yitzchak and Avimelech serves as a precedent for resolving conflicts through dialogue and mutual respect.
  • Ethical Conduct: The verse reinforces the Torah's demand for honesty and fairness in all relationships, even with those outside the Jewish community.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 26:29 mean?
A: Genesis 26:29 records the words of Avimelech, king of the Philistines, to Yitzchak (Isaac). After seeing Yitzchak's success and realizing God was with him, Avimelech seeks a peace treaty, acknowledging that they treated Yitzchak well and asking for the same in return. The verse emphasizes peaceful coexistence and recognizing God's blessings upon the righteous.
Q: Why is Genesis 26:29 important?
A: This verse is important because it shows how even non-Jewish leaders recognized God's hand in Yitzchak's life. It teaches the value of peaceful relationships and mutual respect, as well as the impact of living a God-fearing life that others can witness (Rashi on Genesis 26:29).
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 26:29?
A: We learn that living with integrity and God's blessing can influence others positively. Avimelech sought peace because he saw Yitzchak's success came from God. The verse also teaches the importance of fair dealings and peaceful resolutions in conflicts (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 6:3).
Q: How does Genesis 26:29 apply today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us to maintain peaceful relationships with others, act with kindness, and recognize that our behavior reflects on God's name. Just as Yitzchak's conduct led to a peace treaty, we should strive to be a positive influence in our interactions (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayera 4).
Q: Who is speaking in Genesis 26:29?
A: Avimelech, the king of the Philistines, is speaking to Yitzchak (Isaac). After initially expelling Yitzchak due to envy, Avimelech returns to make peace, acknowledging God's blessing upon Yitzchak (Rashi, Genesis 26:29).