Genesis 28:15 - Divine promise: eternal protection, return.

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Hebrew Text

וְהִנֵּה אָנֹכִי עִמָּךְ וּשְׁמַרְתִּיךָ בְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר־תֵּלֵךְ וַהֲשִׁבֹתִיךָ אֶל־הָאֲדָמָה הַזֹּאת כִּי לֹא אֶעֱזָבְךָ עַד אֲשֶׁר אִם־עָשִׂיתִי אֵת אֲשֶׁר־דִּבַּרְתִּי לָךְ׃

English Translation

And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places to which thou goest, and will bring thee back to this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

Transliteration

Vehineh anochi imach ushmarticha bechol asher-telech vehashivoticha el-ha'adamah hazot ki lo e'ezavcha ad asher im-asiti et asher-dibarti lach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֜י עִמָּ֗ךְ וּשְׁמַרְתִּ֙יךָ֙ בְּכֹ֣ל אֲשֶׁר־תֵּלֵ֔ךְ וַהֲשִׁ֣בֹתִ֔יךָ אֶל־הָאֲדָמָ֖ה הַזֹּ֑את כִּ֚י לֹ֣א אֶֽעֱזׇבְךָ֔ עַ֚ד אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִם־עָשִׂ֔יתִי אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר־דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי לָֽךְ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 28:15) is part of Hashem's promise to Yaakov Avinu during his dream of the ladder at Beit El. Yaakov was fleeing from his brother Esav and heading toward Charan. The verse reassures Yaakov of divine protection and the fulfillment of the covenant made with Avraham and Yitzchak.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְהִנֵּה אָנֹכִי עִמָּךְ" ("And, behold, I am with thee") is a promise that Hashem will protect Yaakov even outside Eretz Yisrael, despite the general principle that the Shechinah does not fully manifest outside the Land. This is an exceptional guarantee due to Yaakov's righteousness.

Regarding "וַהֲשִׁבֹתִיךָ אֶל־הָאֲדָמָה הַזֹּאת" ("and will bring thee back to this land"), Rashi notes that this promise was necessary because Yaakov feared he might die in exile like his grandfather Avraham (who was buried in Chevron) or his father Yitzchak (who never left Eretz Yisrael). Hashem assures him of his safe return.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:18), Rambam interprets this verse as an example of divine providence (hashgacha pratit) granted to the righteous. Yaakov's unique spiritual stature warranted direct divine intervention in his travels and eventual return.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

The Talmud (Berachot 4a) connects this verse to the concept that tefillah (prayer) is a "ladder" connecting heaven and earth, mirroring Yaakov's dream. Hashem's presence accompanies those who seek Him sincerely.
Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeitzei 2) elaborates that the phrase "בְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר־תֵּלֵךְ" ("in all places to which thou goest") includes Yaakov's future descendants—wherever Jews are exiled, Hashem's protection endures.

Ibn Ezra's Linguistic Analysis

Ibn Ezra highlights the emphatic language of "כִּי לֹא אֶעֱזָבְךָ" ("for I will not leave thee"), noting the double negative (לֹא...עַד אֲשֶׁר אִם) as a rhetorical device to stress the absolute certainty of Hashem's promise.

Chassidic Interpretation (Sefat Emet)

The Sefat Emet teaches that Yaakov's journey symbolizes the soul's descent into physicality. Hashem's assurance signifies that divine light accompanies even the lowest spiritual states, ensuring ultimate elevation—a lesson for all Jews in exile.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about divine protection and the promise made to Jacob.

📖 Berakhot 4b

The verse is cited in the context of discussing God's promises and protection for the righteous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 28:15 mean?
A: Genesis 28:15 is part of Hashem's promise to Yaakov (Jacob) in his dream of the ladder. It means that Hashem assures Yaakov of His constant presence, protection during his journey, and a safe return to the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this promise was given to comfort Yaakov as he left his homeland, ensuring that Hashem would fulfill His covenant with Avraham and Yitzchak through him.

Q: Why is Genesis 28:15 important?
A: This verse is important because it reaffirms the eternal covenant between Hashem and the descendants of Avraham. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that this promise demonstrates Hashem's personal providence over the righteous, ensuring that His divine plan will be fulfilled. It also serves as a foundational assurance for the Jewish people of Hashem's protection in exile and eventual return to Eretz Yisrael.

Q: What can we learn from Genesis 28:15 today?
A: We learn that Hashem watches over us even in difficult or uncertain times, just as He protected Yaakov. The Midrash teaches that this verse offers comfort to all generations—just as Hashem did not abandon Yaakov, He will not abandon the Jewish people. It reminds us to trust in Hashem's promises, especially regarding our connection to Eretz Yisrael.

Q: How does Genesis 28:15 apply to the Jewish people today?
A: This verse applies today as a reminder of Hashem's eternal covenant with the Jewish people. The Talmud (Berachos 64a) connects this promise to the idea that the righteous are protected wherever they go. It also reinforces the belief in our eventual return to Eretz Yisrael, as the verse explicitly states, 'I will bring you back to this land.'

Q: What does 'I will not leave you' mean in Genesis 28:15?
A: The phrase 'I will not leave you' means that Hashem assures Yaakov of His constant presence and support until all the promises—such as the inheritance of the land and the growth of his descendants—are fulfilled. Rashi explains that this is an unconditional promise, showing that Hashem's protection is unwavering, even when we face challenges in life.