share torah logo

Genesis 31:13 - Divine vow recalls ancestral promise.

Genesis 31:13 - בראשית 31:13

Hebrew Text

אָנֹכִי הָאֵל בֵּית־אֵל אֲשֶׁר מָשַׁחְתָּ שָּׁם מַצֵּבָה אֲשֶׁר נָדַרְתָּ לִּי שָׁם נֶדֶר עַתָּה קוּם צֵא מִן־הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת וְשׁוּב אֶל־אֶרֶץ מוֹלַדְתֶּךָ׃

English Translation

I am the God of Bet-el, where thou didst anoint a pillar, and where thou didst vow a vow to me: now arise, get out of this land, and return to the land of thy birth.

Transliteration

Anochi ha'El Beit-El asher masachta sham matzevah asher nadarta li sham neder atah kum tze min-ha'aretz hazot v'shuv el-eretz moladetecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

אָנֹכִ֤י הָאֵל֙ בֵּֽית־אֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר מָשַׁ֤חְתָּ שָּׁם֙ מַצֵּבָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר נָדַ֥רְתָּ לִּ֛י שָׁ֖ם נֶ֑דֶר עַתָּ֗ה ק֥וּם צֵא֙ מִן־הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את וְשׁ֖וּב אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ מוֹלַדְתֶּֽךָ׃
אָנֹכִ֤י הָאֵל֙ בֵּֽית־אֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר מָשַׁ֤חְתָּ שָּׁם֙ מַצֵּבָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר נָדַ֥רְתָּ לִּ֛י שָׁ֖ם נֶ֑דֶר עַתָּ֗ה ק֥וּם צֵא֙ מִן־הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את וְשׁ֖וּב אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ מוֹלַדְתֶּֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 31:13) is part of Hashem's message to Yaakov Avinu, instructing him to leave Lavan's house and return to Eretz Yisrael. The verse recalls Yaakov's earlier encounter with Hashem at Beit El (Genesis 28:10-22), where he anointed a pillar and made a vow.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Hashem identifies Himself as "the God of Bet-el" to remind Yaakov of his previous commitment there. The phrase "where you anointed a pillar" refers to Yaakov pouring oil on the stone he set up as a monument (Genesis 28:18). The mention of the vow serves as a reminder that Yaakov had promised to return to Eretz Yisrael if Hashem protected him (Genesis 28:20-22).

Ramban's Insight

The Ramban notes that this divine communication came at a critical juncture when Yaakov might have been hesitant to leave Lavan's household despite the growing tensions. By invoking the earlier covenant at Beit El, Hashem reinforced that Yaakov's destiny lay in Eretz Yisrael, not in Charan.

Midrashic Interpretation

  • Bereishit Rabbah (74:4) connects this verse to Yaakov's earlier dream at Beit El, emphasizing how the same Divine Presence that appeared to him then was now instructing him to return.
  • The Midrash highlights that Yaakov's anointing of the pillar represented his dedication to establishing a place of worship, foreshadowing the future Beit HaMikdash.

Halachic Significance

The Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim 1:16) derives from this verse that vows made to Hashem must be fulfilled, as evidenced by how Hashem held Yaakov accountable for his earlier pledge at Beit El. This reinforces the Torah's emphasis on keeping one's word, especially in matters of spiritual commitment.

Symbolic Meaning

The Ohr HaChaim explains that "the land of your birth" refers not just physically to Eretz Yisrael, but spiritually to Yaakov's roots in the lineage of Avraham and Yitzchak. The call to return represents a return to his spiritual destiny and mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the God of Bet-el' mean in Genesis 31:13?
A: The phrase 'the God of Bet-el' refers to Hashem's revelation to Yaakov (Jacob) at Bet-el (Genesis 28:10-22), where Yaakov had a dream of a ladder and vowed to serve Hashem. Here, Hashem reminds Yaakov of that encounter and his commitment.
Q: Why does Hashem tell Yaakov to leave Lavan's house and return home?
A: Hashem commands Yaakov to return to his homeland because his time with Lavan was temporary. Rashi explains that Yaakov had fulfilled his purpose there (building a family and acquiring wealth) and needed to return to Eretz Yisrael to establish the future tribes of Israel.
Q: What is the significance of the pillar and vow mentioned in this verse?
A: The pillar refers to the stone Yaakov anointed with oil at Bet-el (Genesis 28:18), symbolizing his covenant with Hashem. The vow was Yaakov's promise to serve Hashem if protected and returned safely (Genesis 28:20-22). Here, Hashem reminds Yaakov of that commitment.
Q: How does this verse connect to Yaakov's earlier experience at Bet-el?
A: This verse directly references Yaakov's first encounter with Hashem at Bet-el (Genesis 28). The Midrash teaches that Hashem was reminding Yaakov of his spiritual roots and the promise he made, reinforcing that it was time to return to his mission in the Land of Israel.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Hashem's command to Yaakov in this verse?
A: The Rambam teaches that this verse shows Divine Providence—Hashem guides individuals to fulfill their purpose. Just as Yaakov was directed when to leave and return, we learn to recognize when our circumstances align with Hashem's plan for our growth and mission.