share torah logo

Genesis 28:13 - Divine promise to Jacob's descendants

Genesis 28:13 - בראשית 28:13

Hebrew Text

וְהִנֵּה יְהוָה נִצָּב עָלָיו וַיֹּאמַר אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי אַבְרָהָם אָבִיךָ וֵאלֹהֵי יִצְחָק הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה שֹׁכֵב עָלֶיהָ לְךָ אֶתְּנֶנָּה וּלְזַרְעֶךָ׃

English Translation

And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Avraham thy father, and the God of Yiżĥaq: the land on which thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

Transliteration

Vehineh Adonai nitzav alav vayomar ani Adonai Elohei Avraham avicha veElohei Yitzhak ha'aretz asher atah shochev aleiha lecha etnenah ulzar'echa.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִנֵּ֨ה יְהֹוָ֜ה נִצָּ֣ב עָלָיו֮ וַיֹּאמַר֒ אֲנִ֣י יְהֹוָ֗ה אֱלֹהֵי֙ אַבְרָהָ֣ם אָבִ֔יךָ וֵאלֹהֵ֖י יִצְחָ֑ק הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ שֹׁכֵ֣ב עָלֶ֔יהָ לְךָ֥ אֶתְּנֶ֖נָּה וּלְזַרְעֶֽךָ׃
וְהִנֵּ֨ה יְהֹוָ֜ה נִצָּ֣ב עָלָיו֮ וַיֹּאמַר֒ אֲנִ֣י יְהֹוָ֗ה אֱלֹהֵי֙ אַבְרָהָ֣ם אָבִ֔יךָ וֵאלֹהֵ֖י יִצְחָ֑ק הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ שֹׁכֵ֣ב עָלֶ֔יהָ לְךָ֥ אֶתְּנֶ֖נָּה וּלְזַרְעֶֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Presence and Promise to Yaakov

The verse (Bereishit 28:13) describes Hashem appearing to Yaakov in a dream at the site of the future Beit HaMikdash. Rashi explains that the phrase "ה' ניצב עליו" ("Hashem stood above him") signifies that Hashem was protecting Yaakov during his journey, as the ladder in the dream represented the connection between heaven and earth with angels ascending and descending.

The Significance of Mentioning Avraham and Yitzchak

Hashem identifies Himself as "אלהי אברהם אביך ואלהי יצחק" ("the God of Avraham your father and the God of Yitzchak"). Ramban notes that this phrasing emphasizes the continuity of the covenant through the generations. Avraham is called "your father" to remind Yaakov of his spiritual legacy, while Yitzchak is mentioned by name to affirm that the promise applies specifically to Yaakov, not Eisav.

The Promise of the Land

Hashem declares "הארץ אשר אתה שוכב עליה לך אתננה ולזרעך" ("the land on which you lie, I will give to you and your descendants"). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 69:5) teaches that Hashem folded the entire Land of Israel beneath Yaakov, symbolizing that his descendants would inherit it in its entirety. The Sforno adds that this promise reinforced that Yaakov’s journey was divinely guided toward fulfilling the covenant.

Theological Implications

  • Divine Providence: The presence of Hashem over Yaakov (as explained by the Malbim) demonstrates that even in exile, the Jewish people are under divine protection.
  • Covenantal Continuity: By invoking Avraham and Yitzchak, the verse reinforces that Yaakov is the chosen heir of the divine promise (as per the Rambam in Hilchot Avodah Zarah 1:3).
  • Eretz Yisrael as an Eternal Inheritance: The promise of the land is unconditional, as later affirmed by Nevi'im and Chazal (see Gemara Ketubot 111a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the angels ascending and descending the ladder in Jacob's dream, connecting it to God's presence and promise to Jacob.
📖 Berakhot 26b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the times for prayer, linking Jacob's encounter with God to the establishment of the evening prayer (Ma'ariv).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 28:13 mean?
A: Genesis 28:13 describes a vision Yaakov (Jacob) had in which Hashem (God) appears to him and reaffirms the covenant made with Avraham (Abraham) and Yitzchak (Isaac). Hashem promises that the land on which Yaakov is lying will be given to him and his descendants. This verse is significant because it shows the continuity of the divine promise to the Jewish people through the generations.
Q: Why is Genesis 28:13 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it reaffirms the eternal covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people, promising the Land of Israel to Yaakov and his descendants. Rashi explains that this vision occurred at the site of the future Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple), emphasizing the spiritual significance of the land. The Rambam (Maimonides) also highlights this as a foundational promise in Jewish belief.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 28:13 today?
A: We learn from this verse that Hashem's promises are eternal and unwavering. Just as He assured Yaakov of the land for his descendants, we can trust in His divine plan for the Jewish people. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah) teaches that this moment also symbolizes divine protection, as Hashem stood 'above' Yaakov to guard him—a lesson in faith and divine providence for all generations.
Q: Why does Hashem call Himself 'the God of Avraham and Yitzchak' in this verse?
A: Hashem identifies this way to emphasize the continuity of the covenant through the generations. Rashi explains that although Avraham and Yitzchak had passed away, Hashem remains their God, showing that the bond is everlasting. This also reassures Yaakov that he, too, is part of this sacred legacy.
Q: How does Genesis 28:13 connect to the Jewish people's claim to the Land of Israel?
A: This verse is a key biblical source for the Jewish people's connection to the Land of Israel. Hashem explicitly promises the land to Yaakov and his descendants. Traditional Jewish sources, like the Talmud (Chullin 91b), see this as an eternal deed (מתנה) that cannot be revoked. This divine promise underpins the Jewish people's historical and spiritual bond with the land.