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Genesis 28:4 - Abraham's legacy: land and blessing

Genesis 28:4 - בראשית 28:4

Hebrew Text

וְיִתֶּן־לְךָ אֶת־בִּרְכַּת אַבְרָהָם לְךָ וּלְזַרְעֲךָ אִתָּךְ לְרִשְׁתְּךָ אֶת־אֶרֶץ מְגֻרֶיךָ אֲשֶׁר־נָתַן אֱלֹהִים לְאַבְרָהָם׃

English Translation

and give thee the blessing of Avraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayst inherit the land in which thou art a sojourner, and which God gave to Avraham.

Transliteration

V'yiten-lecha et-birkat Avraham lecha ul'zar'acha itach l'risht'cha et-eretz megureicha asher-natan Elohim l'Avraham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיִֽתֶּן־לְךָ֙ אֶת־בִּרְכַּ֣ת אַבְרָהָ֔ם לְךָ֖ וּלְזַרְעֲךָ֣ אִתָּ֑ךְ לְרִשְׁתְּךָ֙ אֶת־אֶ֣רֶץ מְגֻרֶ֔יךָ אֲשֶׁר־נָתַ֥ן אֱלֹהִ֖ים לְאַבְרָהָֽם׃
וְיִֽתֶּן־לְךָ֙ אֶת־בִּרְכַּ֣ת אַבְרָהָ֔ם לְךָ֖ וּלְזַרְעֲךָ֣ אִתָּ֑ךְ לְרִשְׁתְּךָ֙ אֶת־אֶ֣רֶץ מְגֻרֶ֔יךָ אֲשֶׁר־נָתַ֥ן אֱלֹהִ֖ים לְאַבְרָהָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 28:4) is part of Yitzchak's blessing to Yaakov before he departs for Charan. Yitzchak reiterates the divine promise originally given to Avraham, emphasizing the continuity of the covenant through Yaakov and his descendants.

The Blessing of Avraham

Rashi explains that "the blessing of Avraham" refers specifically to the promise of the Land of Israel and abundant progeny (Bereshit 12:2-3). The Ramban adds that this includes both material prosperity and spiritual greatness, as Avraham's blessing encompassed both physical and metaphysical dimensions.

Inheritance of the Land

The phrase "to inherit the land of your sojournings" carries deep significance:

  • Rashi: Notes that it's called "the land of your sojournings" (ארץ מגוריך) rather than "the land of your inheritance" to emphasize that even when the patriarchs lived there, they were temporary residents, foreshadowing the future exile and redemption cycle.
  • Sforno: Explains that true inheritance will come when the Jewish people merit it through proper observance of mitzvot, not merely through physical presence.

The Dual Nature of the Promise

The verse contains two key elements of the covenant:

  • Physical inheritance: The tangible possession of Eretz Yisrael
  • Spiritual continuity: The transmission of Avraham's spiritual legacy through "you and your seed with you"

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 68:9) connects this blessing to the future Temple service, suggesting that inheriting the land is ultimately about creating a dwelling place for the Divine presence. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the blessing is given "with you" (איתך) to show that Yaakov's personal merit would protect his descendants throughout their future exiles.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 16b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the blessings given to Abraham and his descendants, particularly in relation to the inheritance of the land.
📖 Megillah 17a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the order of blessings in the Amidah prayer, emphasizing the continuity of Abraham's blessings to his descendants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the blessing of Avraham' refer to in Genesis 28:4?
A: The 'blessing of Avraham' refers to the divine promises given to Avraham (Abraham) by Hashem, including numerous descendants, a special relationship with G-d, and the inheritance of the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this includes both material prosperity and spiritual greatness, as Avraham was blessed in all things (Genesis 24:1).
Q: Why is the inheritance of the land mentioned in this verse important?
A: The inheritance of the land (Eretz Yisrael) is a central theme in the Torah and Jewish tradition. Rambam (Maimonides) lists dwelling in the Land of Israel as one of the 613 mitzvot. This verse emphasizes that the land was given by G-d as an eternal inheritance to Avraham and his descendants, as part of the covenant (Bereishit 15:18).
Q: Who is speaking in Genesis 28:4 and to whom?
A: In this verse, Yitzchak (Isaac) is speaking to his son Yaakov (Jacob) as he sends him away to find a wife. According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah), Yitzchak was reaffirming the Abrahamic covenant and blessings upon Yaakov, who would continue the Jewish lineage.
Q: What does 'the land in which you are a sojourner' mean?
A: This phrase refers to the Land of Israel, where Avraham and his family lived as temporary residents ('gerim') before it would become their permanent inheritance. The Talmud (Chullin 60b) explains that this teaches us even when Jews are not physically in control of the land, it remains our eternal inheritance from G-d.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: This verse reminds us of our connection to Eretz Yisrael and the continuity of the Abrahamic covenant. The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that the promise of the land remains relevant in every generation. Today, this inspires Jewish attachment to Israel and the recognition that our presence there fulfills divine promises made to our ancestors.