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Genesis 26:32 - Water from Avraham's merit?

Genesis 26:32 - בראשית 26:32

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא וַיָּבֹאוּ עַבְדֵי יִצְחָק וַיַּגִּדוּ לוֹ עַל־אֹדוֹת הַבְּאֵר אֲשֶׁר חָפָרוּ וַיֹּאמְרוּ לוֹ מָצָאנוּ מָיִם׃

English Translation

And it came to pass the same day, that Yiżĥaq’s servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had dug, and said to him, We have found water.

Transliteration

Vayehi bayom hahu vayavo avdei Yitzchak vayagidu lo al-odot habe'er asher chafaru vayomru lo matzanu mayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֣י <b>׀</b> בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֗וּא וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙ עַבְדֵ֣י יִצְחָ֔ק וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ ל֔וֹ עַל־אֹד֥וֹת הַבְּאֵ֖ר אֲשֶׁ֣ר חָפָ֑רוּ וַיֹּ֥אמְרוּ ל֖וֹ מָצָ֥אנוּ מָֽיִם׃
וַיְהִ֣י ׀ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֗וּא וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙ עַבְדֵ֣י יִצְחָ֔ק וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ ל֔וֹ עַל־אֹד֥וֹת הַבְּאֵ֖ר אֲשֶׁ֣ר חָפָ֑רוּ וַיֹּ֥אמְרוּ ל֖וֹ מָצָ֥אנוּ מָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bereshit 26:32) occurs during the narrative of Yitzchak dwelling in Gerar, where he re-digs the wells originally dug by his father Avraham. The Philistines had stopped them up, and Yitzchak's servants now report finding water in one of these wells.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bereshit 26:32) notes that the phrase "וַיְהִי בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא" ("And it came to pass the same day") connects this event to the previous verse where Avimelech makes a covenant with Yitzchak. The finding of water was a divine sign that Yitzchak had found favor in Avimelech's eyes, just as his father Avraham had.

Symbolism of the Wells

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 64:8) explains that the wells symbolize Torah and spiritual sustenance. Just as water is essential for physical life, Torah is essential for spiritual life. The fact that Yitzchak's servants "found water" after persistent digging teaches that Torah wisdom becomes accessible through diligent effort.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:50), Rambam discusses how water often represents divine wisdom in Tanach. The successful discovery of water after previous conflicts over wells (Bereshit 26:19-22) demonstrates that true wisdom prevails despite opposition.

Halachic Insight

The Talmud (Bava Kama 82a) derives from this episode that finding water is considered a particularly auspicious sign. This forms part of the basis for the halachic principle that certain blessings are recited upon encountering natural wonders like wells and springs.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal HaTanya (Likutei Torah) explains that the three wells dug by Yitzchak represent three levels of divine service:

  • The first well (Esek) - struggle in serving Hashem
  • The second well (Sitnah) - overcoming opposition
  • The final well (Rechovot) - reaching a state of expanded consciousness in divine connection

The report of finding water in our verse represents the ultimate success in this spiritual progression.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of finding water in Genesis 26:32?
A: In Genesis 26:32, finding water symbolizes divine blessing and success in Yitzchak's (Isaac's) efforts. Water is essential for life, and discovering it after digging a well shows that Hashem (G-d) approved of Yitzchak's actions. Rashi explains that this was a sign of Yitzchak's righteousness and that his presence in the land was divinely sanctioned.
Q: Why did Yitzchak's servants tell him about the well?
A: Yitzchak's servants informed him about the well to show that their hard work had succeeded under his leadership. According to the Midrash, this moment highlights Yitzchak’s role as a spiritual leader—just as water sustains physical life, Torah (which is often compared to water) sustains spiritual life. The servants recognized that their success came through Yitzchak’s merit.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 26:32 today?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of perseverance and faith in Hashem’s blessings. Yitzchak faced challenges (like disputes over wells, as mentioned earlier in the chapter), but he persisted. The Rambam teaches that effort (hishtadlut) is necessary, but ultimate success comes from Hashem. When we work honestly and trust in G-d, we can merit seeing the fruits of our labor.
Q: Why is this verse about digging wells important in the Torah?
A: The digging of wells is significant because it represents Yitzchak’s mission to reveal holiness in the world. The Talmud (Bava Kama 82a) compares wells to Torah study—just as water is vital for physical survival, Torah is vital for spiritual survival. Yitzchak’s wells, especially this final successful one, symbolize restoring the spiritual legacy of his father Avraham (Abraham) in the Land of Israel.