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Genesis 31:45 - Jacob's stone covenant reminder

Genesis 31:45 - בראשית 31:45

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח יַעֲקֹב אָבֶן וַיְרִימֶהָ מַצֵּבָה׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov took a stone, and set it up for a pillar.

Transliteration

Vayikach Ya'akov even vayarimeha matzeva.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקַּ֥ח יַעֲקֹ֖ב אָ֑בֶן וַיְרִימֶ֖הָ מַצֵּבָֽה׃
וַיִּקַּ֥ח יַעֲקֹ֖ב אָ֑בֶן וַיְרִימֶ֖הָ מַצֵּבָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Act of Establishing a Matzeivah

The verse states: "וַיִּקַּח יַעֲקֹב אָבֶן וַיְרִימֶהָ מַצֵּבָה" ("And Yaakov took a stone, and set it up for a pillar"). This act occurs after Yaakov's dream of the ladder (סולם יעקב) and marks a significant moment in his journey. According to Rashi (Bereshit 28:18), Yaakov's action was not merely symbolic but carried halachic and spiritual weight. The matzeivah (pillar) served as a marker of divine revelation, establishing the site as a sacred place—later identified as the future location of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple in Jerusalem).

Halachic and Historical Context

The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 6:6) discusses the prohibition of erecting a matzeivah in later generations, as it became associated with idolatrous practices. However, Yaakov's act was permitted because it preceded the Torah's prohibition and was done for a sacred purpose. The Midrash Rabbah (Bereshit 35:14) explains that Yaakov's pillar was an expression of gratitude to Hashem for the prophetic dream and a declaration of the site's future holiness.

Symbolism of the Stone

  • Rashi notes that Yaakov took twelve stones (based on Midrashic tradition), which miraculously merged into one—symbolizing the unity of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
  • The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 28:18) suggests that the stone represents the foundation of divine service, foreshadowing the Mizbe'ach (altar) that would later be built in the Beit HaMikdash.
  • The Sforno adds that the act of raising the stone demonstrated Yaakov's commitment to establishing a lasting covenant with Hashem at that location.

Connection to the Beit HaMikdash

The Targum Yonatan identifies this site as Har HaMoriyah, the future location of the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak) and the Beit HaMikdash. The Gemara (Pesachim 88a) teaches that Yaakov called the place Beit El ("House of God"), recognizing its eternal sanctity. This reinforces the idea that Yaakov's matzeivah was a precursor to the centralized worship of Hashem in Jerusalem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Jacob's actions and the significance of setting up a pillar.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the customs and practices of the patriarchs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov set up a stone as a pillar in Genesis 31:45?
A: Yaakov set up the stone as a pillar (matzeivah) to mark a covenant (brit) between himself and Lavan, his father-in-law. According to Rashi, this act symbolized the agreement that neither would cross this boundary to harm the other (Genesis 31:52). The matzeivah served as a physical reminder of their oath before Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of using a stone in this verse?
A: Stones were commonly used in biblical times to mark important events or covenants, as they were durable and visible. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) notes that stones often symbolize permanence and testimony. Here, it represents the lasting nature of the agreement between Yaakov and Lavan.
Q: Does setting up a pillar (matzeivah) have any halachic significance today?
A: In later halacha (Jewish law), the Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 6:6) explains that while matzeivos were used by righteous figures like Yaakov, they were later prohibited when associated with idolatrous practices. Today, we do not erect standalone pillars for religious purposes, but the concept of memorializing agreements remains important in Jewish tradition.
Q: What can we learn from Yaakov's action of setting up the pillar?
A: This teaches the importance of creating clear boundaries and memorializing sacred agreements. The Talmud (Sotah 17a) derives from this that witnesses and tangible reminders help uphold commitments. Yaakov’s act also shows gratitude to Hashem for protection during his journey, as the stone marks a place where Divine providence was evident.