Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yitzchak (Isaac) say that Rivka (Rebecca) was his sister instead of his wife?
A: Yitzchak feared that the people of Gerar would kill him to take Rivka, since she was beautiful (Rashi on Genesis 26:7). This was similar to what his father Avraham had done earlier (Genesis 20:2) in the same situation. Yitzchak's concern was for his life, as he explained to Avimelech: 'Lest I die for her.'
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yitzchak's action of saying Rivka was his sister?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 64:3) teaches that this episode shows how great the beauty of our matriarchs was, and how they were protected by Hashem. However, some commentaries note that Yitzchak's fear was natural, but ultimately, he learned that one must trust in Hashem's protection (see Ramban on Genesis 26:7).
Q: How did Avimelech find out that Rivka was Yitzchak's wife?
A: Rashi (Genesis 26:8) explains that Avimelech saw Yitzchak and Rivka behaving in a way that showed they were married (specifically, he saw them being affectionate in a manner inappropriate for siblings). This led him to realize the truth and confront Yitzchak.
Q: Why is this story repeated with Yitzchak after it already happened with Avraham?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) notes that this repetition teaches that the children follow in the ways of their parents, both in good deeds and in challenges. Additionally, it shows that the beauty of the matriarchs was a recurring test, and Hashem protected them in each generation (Bereishit Rabbah 64:3).
Q: What was Yitzchak's response when Avimelech confronted him?
A: Yitzchak honestly admitted his fear, saying, 'Because I said, Lest I die for her' (Genesis 26:9). This shows his humility and willingness to acknowledge his concerns. The Ramban notes that Yitzchak didn't make excuses but explained his genuine worry for his life.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 26:9) recounts the confrontation between Avimelekh, king of the Philistines, and Yitzchak after Avimelekh discovers that Rivkah, whom Yitzchak had presented as his sister, is actually his wife. This incident mirrors a similar episode involving Avraham and Sarah (Bereshit 20), suggesting a recurring test faced by the patriarchs in dealing with foreign rulers.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Avimelekh realized Rivkah was Yitzchak's wife because he observed their affectionate behavior, which was inconsistent with a brother-sister relationship. Rashi notes that Avimelekh's words, "הִנֵּה אִשְׁתְּךָ הִוא" ("Behold, surely she is thy wife"), imply he had witnessed their intimacy, leading him to deduce the truth.
Yitzchak's Justification
Yitzchak responds, "כִּי אָמַרְתִּי פֶּן־אָמוּת עָלֶיהָ" ("Because I said, Lest I die for her"). Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that Yitzchak feared the Philistines would kill him to take Rivkah, as she was beautiful. This echoes Avraham's earlier concern (Bereshit 20:11), indicating a legitimate fear of moral corruption among the Canaanite nations.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic and Ethical Considerations
The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 5:2) discusses the permissibility of lying to save a life (pikuach nefesh), which may inform Yitzchak's decision to conceal his marriage. However, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 57a) debates whether this justification applies universally or only in specific circumstances, reflecting the complexity of Yitzchak's choice.