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Genesis 28:1 - Father's blessing, Canaanite warning

Genesis 28:1 - בראשית 28:1

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא יִצְחָק אֶל־יַעֲקֹב וַיְבָרֶךְ אֹתוֹ וַיְצַוֵּהוּ וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ לֹא־תִקַּח אִשָּׁה מִבְּנוֹת כְּנָעַן׃

English Translation

And Yiżĥaq called Ya῾aqov, and blessed him, and charged him, and said to him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Kena῾an.

Transliteration

Vayikra Yitzchak el-Yaakov vayevarech oto vayetzavehu vayomer lo lo-tikach isha mibnot Kena'an.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֥א יִצְחָ֛ק אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֖ב וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אֹת֑וֹ וַיְצַוֵּ֙הוּ֙ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֔וֹ לֹֽא־תִקַּ֥ח אִשָּׁ֖ה מִבְּנ֥וֹת כְּנָֽעַן׃
וַיִּקְרָ֥א יִצְחָ֛ק אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֖ב וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אֹת֑וֹ וַיְצַוֵּ֙הוּ֙ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֔וֹ לֹֽא־תִקַּ֥ח אִשָּׁ֖ה מִבְּנ֥וֹת כְּנָֽעַן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Isaac's Command to Jacob

The verse (Bereshit 28:1) describes Yitzchak summoning Yaakov to bless him and command him not to marry a Canaanite woman. This instruction echoes Avraham's earlier directive to Eliezer (Bereshit 24:3) not to take a wife for Yitzchak from the daughters of Canaan.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Yitzchak's prohibition against marrying Canaanite women was due to their immoral character. The Canaanites were known for their corrupt behavior, and Yitzchak wanted to ensure that Yaakov's descendants would maintain spiritual purity. Rashi also notes that this command was given after the blessing, implying that the blessing was contingent upon Yaakov's adherence to this directive.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Issurei Biah (12:1), the Rambam codifies this principle, stating that the Torah later forbids intermarriage with the seven Canaanite nations because of their idolatrous and immoral practices. Yitzchak's command to Yaakov thus serves as a precursor to this halachic prohibition.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (65:3): The Midrash emphasizes that Yitzchak and Rivka were deeply concerned about Yaakov marrying within the family lineage (as Yitzchak had done) to preserve the spiritual legacy of Avraham.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayetze 4): Suggests that Canaanite women were prone to idolatry, and Yitzchak wanted to distance Yaakov from any influence that could lead him astray from monotheism.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara in Avodah Zarah (36b) discusses how the prohibition against intermarriage with Canaanite nations was later expanded to include all non-Jews to prevent assimilation and idolatrous influences. Yitzchak's command thus establishes a foundational principle in Jewish law regarding marriage and maintaining Jewish identity.

Yaakov's Fulfillment of the Command

Yaakov's subsequent journey to Charan and marriage to Rachel and Leah (the daughters of Lavan, Rivka's brother) demonstrates his adherence to Yitzchak's directive. This choice ensured the continuity of the Abrahamic covenant through a spiritually suitable lineage.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 119b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the blessings given by Isaac to Jacob, particularly focusing on the prohibition against marrying Canaanite women.
📖 Sanhedrin 59b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the Noahide laws and the prohibition against intermarriage with Canaanites, illustrating the continuity of this prohibition from Noah to Isaac and Jacob.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yitzchak (Isaac) tell Yaakov (Jacob) not to marry a Canaanite woman?
A: Yitzchak instructed Yaakov not to marry a Canaanite woman because the Canaanites were known for their immoral behavior and idol worship (Rashi on Genesis 28:1). The Torah emphasizes the importance of marrying someone who shares the values of Avraham's family to maintain spiritual purity and commitment to Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of Yitzchak blessing Yaakov before giving him this instruction?
A: The blessing before the instruction shows that Yitzchak wanted Yaakov to build a family rooted in holiness. The Ramban explains that the blessing was connected to the command—ensuring that Yaakov's descendants would be worthy of inheriting the land and fulfilling Hashem's covenant (Ramban on Genesis 28:1).
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish marriage today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of marrying within the Jewish faith to preserve Torah values. The Talmud (Kiddushin 68b) and halacha (Jewish law) emphasize marrying a Jewish spouse to maintain a home dedicated to mitzvot and kedusha (holiness).
Q: Why didn't Yitzchak want Yaakov to marry a Canaanite if Esau already married Canaanite women?
A: Esau's marriages to Canaanite women (Genesis 26:34) led to grief for Yitzchak and Rivkah (Rashi there). Yitzchak wanted Yaakov—the one chosen to continue the covenant—to avoid the negative influence of Canaanite culture, ensuring the future of the Jewish people would remain faithful to Hashem.
Q: What was the broader message behind Yitzchak's command to Yaakov?
A: Beyond avoiding Canaanite wives, Yitzchak was teaching Yaakov the importance of building a family aligned with Hashem's will. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 65:2) highlights that Yaakov’s obedience in this matter led to the establishment of the Twelve Tribes, showing how proper marriage choices shape Jewish destiny.