share torah logo

Genesis 27:28 - Dew, abundance, divine blessing

Genesis 27:28 - בראשית 27:28

Hebrew Text

וְיִתֶּן־לְךָ הָאֱלֹהִים מִטַּל הַשָּׁמַיִם וּמִשְׁמַנֵּי הָאָרֶץ וְרֹב דָּגָן וְתִירֹשׁ׃

English Translation

therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:

Transliteration

V'yiten-lecha ha'Elohim mital hashamayim umishmanei ha'aretz v'rov dagan v'tirosh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיִֽתֶּן־לְךָ֙ הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים מִטַּל֙ הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וּמִשְׁמַנֵּ֖י הָאָ֑רֶץ וְרֹ֥ב דָּגָ֖ן וְתִירֹֽשׁ׃
וְיִֽתֶּן־לְךָ֙ הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים מִטַּל֙ הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וּמִשְׁמַנֵּ֖י הָאָ֑רֶץ וְרֹ֥ב דָּגָ֖ן וְתִירֹֽשׁ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 27:28) is part of Yitzchak's blessing to Yaakov, which includes material prosperity and divine favor. The language reflects both physical and spiritual blessings, as understood by traditional Jewish commentators.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) interprets the phrase "מִטַּל הַשָּׁמַיִם" (dew of heaven) as a symbol of divine benevolence. He explains that dew represents God's constant and reliable blessing, unlike rain, which can be withheld as a punishment (Rashi on Bereshit 27:28). The "שְׁמַנֵּי הָאָרֶץ" (fatness of the earth) refers to the fertile produce of the land, indicating abundance.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes that material blessings are secondary to spiritual growth. In Moreh Nevuchim, he suggests that physical prosperity is granted to facilitate the pursuit of wisdom and divine service, aligning with the Torah's broader ethical framework.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (66:2) connects the "dew of heaven" to the future resurrection of the dead, based on Yeshayahu 26:19 ("Your dew is like the dew of light"). This implies that Yitzchak's blessing carries eternal significance.
  • The "רֹב דָּגָן וְתִירֹשׁ" (plenty of grain and wine) symbolizes not just sustenance but also joy and celebration, as wine is associated with simcha (joy) in Jewish tradition (Tehillim 104:15).

Kabbalistic Interpretation

The Zohar (1:141b) links the "dew of heaven" to divine emanation (shefa) from the upper spiritual realms, suggesting that Yaakov's blessing includes both earthly and heavenly sustenance. The "fatness of the earth" represents the flow of divine energy into the physical world.

Halachic Implications

The blessing underscores the importance of gratitude for material prosperity, as reflected in halachic obligations like birkat hamazon (grace after meals) and terumot u'maasrot (tithes), which acknowledge God as the source of bounty.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 17b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the blessings given to the righteous and how they are fulfilled.
📖 Berakhot 32b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the efficacy of prayer and how God responds to the prayers of the righteous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'dew of heaven' and 'fatness of the earth' mean in Genesis 27:28?
A: According to Rashi, 'dew of heaven' symbolizes divine blessing and sustenance from above, while 'fatness of the earth' represents material prosperity from the land. Together, they signify a complete blessing encompassing both spiritual and physical abundance.
Q: Why did Isaac bless Jacob with these specific blessings in Genesis 27:28?
A: The Midrash explains that Isaac's blessing reflects the ideal Jewish destiny: spiritual connection ('dew of heaven') and material success ('fatness of the earth') used for holiness. Rambam teaches that such blessings are conditional upon living righteously.
Q: How does the blessing of 'plenty of corn and wine' apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 35a) teaches that agricultural blessings remind us to recite blessings over food and recognize God as the true source of sustenance. Today, this verse inspires gratitude for our nourishment and using material wealth for mitzvot.
Q: What is the significance of dew in Jewish tradition based on this verse?
A: The Talmud (Ta'anit 3b) states dew symbolizes God's constant kindness, as it nourishes even when rain is withheld. This verse establishes dew as a metaphor for divine providence that sustains us subtly yet powerfully throughout history.
Q: Why are these blessings still recited in Jewish prayers today?
A: These blessings are incorporated into daily prayers (like the Amidah) because, as the Sforno explains, they represent eternal Jewish aspirations. We pray for both spiritual elevation ('dew of heaven') and physical prosperity to serve God properly ('fatness of earth').