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Genesis 27:8 - Mother's secret command to son

Genesis 27:8 - בראשית 27:8

Hebrew Text

וְעַתָּה בְנִי שְׁמַע בְּקֹלִי לַאֲשֶׁר אֲנִי מְצַוָּה אֹתָךְ׃

English Translation

Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee.

Transliteration

Ve'atah beni shema bekoli la'asher ani metzaveh otach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַתָּ֥ה בְנִ֖י שְׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹלִ֑י לַאֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י מְצַוָּ֥ה אֹתָֽךְ׃
וְעַתָּ֥ה בְנִ֖י שְׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹלִ֑י לַאֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י מְצַוָּ֥ה אֹתָֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse "וְעַתָּה בְנִי שְׁמַע בְּקֹלִי לַאֲשֶׁר אֲנִי מְצַוָּה אֹתָךְ" (Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee) appears in Genesis 27:8, where Rivka (Rebecca) instructs her son Yaakov (Jacob) regarding the blessings of Yitzchak (Isaac). This moment is pivotal in the narrative of the patriarchal blessings.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Rivka's instruction to Yaakov was rooted in divine inspiration (ruach hakodesh). She recognized through prophecy that Yaakov was the rightful heir to the blessings, not Eisav (Esau). Rashi emphasizes that Rivka's command was not mere personal preference but aligned with Hashem's will, as Eisav was unworthy of the spiritual legacy due to his actions.

Rambam's Perspective on Obedience

Rambam (Maimonides), in Hilchos Dei'os and Hilchos Mamrim, discusses the obligation to heed parental guidance when it aligns with Torah values. Here, Rivka's command was in accordance with the divine plan, making Yaakov's obedience not only permissible but necessary. Rambam would argue that this episode underscores the principle that parental authority is binding when it furthers righteousness.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 65:16) elaborates that Rivka's words, "שְׁמַע בְּקֹלִי" (obey my voice), echo the language of divine command, paralleling Avraham's obedience to Hashem in the Akeidah. This comparison elevates Yaakov's compliance to an act of spiritual devotion, framing Rivka's instruction as a test of faith akin to Avraham's.

Talmudic Analysis

  • Sanhedrin 105b discusses the gravity of heeding a parent's voice when it reflects Torah truth. The Talmud implies that Yaakov's adherence to Rivka was justified because her directive preserved the covenant.
  • Kiddushin 31a highlights the honor due to parents but clarifies that obedience is not absolute if it contradicts Torah law. In this case, Rivka's command upheld Torah values, making Yaakov's actions meritorious.

Ethical Implications

The verse teaches that obedience to parents must be measured against Torah principles. Rivka's command was not arbitrary but served a higher purpose—ensuring the continuity of Avraham's legacy through Yaakov. This aligns with the broader Jewish ethic that familial duties are sacred but subordinate to divine will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 27:8 mean when it says 'obey my voice'?
A: In Genesis 27:8, Rebecca tells her son Jacob to 'obey my voice' in carrying out her plan to secure Isaac's blessing. According to Rashi, this emphasizes the importance of listening to parental guidance, especially when it aligns with divine will (as Rebecca had received a prophecy that Jacob would rule over Esau). The verse teaches that children should honor their parents' wisdom when it leads to fulfilling God's plan.
Q: Why did Rebecca instruct Jacob to obey her in this verse?
A: Rebecca instructed Jacob to obey her because she knew through prophecy (see Rashi on Genesis 25:23) that Jacob was destined to receive Isaac's blessings, not Esau. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 67) explains that Rebecca acted to ensure the spiritual legacy would continue through the righteous Jacob. Her command reflects a mother's role in guiding her child toward their divine purpose.
Q: How does the concept of 'obeying my voice' apply to Jewish life today?
A: The principle of 'obeying my voice' in Genesis 27:8 reminds us of the Torah obligation to honor parents (Exodus 20:12) when their guidance aligns with Torah values. The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 6) teaches that children must respect parents' instructions unless they contradict halacha. This verse also highlights trusting righteous mentors who help us fulfill our spiritual potential.
Q: Was it permissible for Jacob to obey Rebecca's plan if it involved deception?
A: Traditional Jewish sources debate this question. Some commentaries (like the Sforno) suggest Rebecca's instruction was justified because Esau had forfeited his birthright (Genesis 25:33) and Isaac intended to bless him based on a misunderstanding. The Talmud (Makkot 24a) also notes that circumstances may require unconventional actions to uphold truth. However, others emphasize that this was a unique situation guided by prophecy.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rebecca saying 'that which I command thee'?
A: The phrase 'that which I command thee' teaches that parental authority must be rooted in wisdom and divine purpose. As the Kli Yakar explains, Rebecca didn't act arbitrarily—she followed higher spiritual insight. This reminds us that true obedience (whether to parents or Torah leaders) requires discernment that the guidance aligns with Torah principles and the greater good.