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Genesis 32:10 - Yaakov's humble gratitude plea

Genesis 32:10 - בראשית 32:10

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יַעֲקֹב אֱלֹהֵי אָבִי אַבְרָהָם וֵאלֹהֵי אָבִי יִצְחָק יְהוָה הָאֹמֵר אֵלַי שׁוּב לְאַרְצְךָ וּלְמוֹלַדְתְּךָ וְאֵיטִיבָה עִמָּךְ׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov said, O God of my father Avraham, and God of my father Yiżĥaq, the Lord Who did say to me, Return to thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:

Transliteration

Vayomer Yaakov Elohei avi Avraham ve'elohei avi Yitzhak Adonai ha'omer elai shuv le'artzecha ul'moladtecha ve'etiva imach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֘אמֶר֮ יַעֲקֹב֒ אֱלֹהֵי֙ אָבִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם וֵאלֹהֵ֖י אָבִ֣י יִצְחָ֑ק יְהֹוָ֞ה הָאֹמֵ֣ר אֵלַ֗י שׁ֧וּב לְאַרְצְךָ֛ וּלְמוֹלַדְתְּךָ֖ וְאֵיטִ֥יבָה עִמָּֽךְ׃
וַיֹּ֘אמֶר֮ יַעֲקֹב֒ אֱלֹהֵי֙ אָבִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם וֵאלֹהֵ֖י אָבִ֣י יִצְחָ֑ק יְהֹוָ֞ה הָאֹמֵ֣ר אֵלַ֗י שׁ֧וּב לְאַרְצְךָ֛ וּלְמוֹלַדְתְּךָ֖ וְאֵיטִ֥יבָה עִמָּֽךְ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Invocation of the Divine Name

Yaakov begins his prayer by invoking "God of my father Avraham and God of my father Yitzchak" rather than addressing Hashem directly as "my God." Rashi (Bereshit 32:10) explains that Yaakov felt unworthy to claim the same level of personal relationship with Hashem as his fathers had attained. This demonstrates Yaakov's exceptional humility, a trait praised throughout Jewish tradition.

The Significance of the Double Reference

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 76:1) notes that Yaakov mentions both Avraham and Yitzchak separately to emphasize that each had a unique relationship with Hashem. Avraham discovered Hashem through intellectual inquiry (as per Rambam in Hilchot Avodah Zarah 1:3), while Yitzchak maintained the tradition through mesorah (received tradition). Yaakov thus connects himself to both approaches to divine service.

Recalling the Divine Promise

Yaakov specifically mentions Hashem's command to return to his homeland (Bereshit 31:3). The Ramban explains that Yaakov is:

  • Expressing gratitude for the initial instruction to return
  • Reminding himself (and perhaps Hashem) of the accompanying promise "I will deal well with you"
  • Demonstrating his faith that Hashem keeps His promises even in difficult circumstances (as Yaakov faced Esav's threat)

Theological Implications

The Sforno notes that Yaakov's phrasing establishes the continuity of divine providence across generations. By connecting Hashem's relationship with him to that with his fathers, Yaakov affirms the Jewish belief in a personal God who maintains covenantal relationships with descendants of the patriarchs. This becomes a model for all Jewish prayer, where we invoke the merit of our ancestors while seeking divine favor.

Linguistic Nuance

The Malbim highlights the change from "אֱלֹהֵי" (God of) to "יְהוָה" (the proper Name). This reflects a progression from the general concept of divinity to the specific, covenantal relationship denoted by the Tetragrammaton, showing Yaakov's growing awareness of his personal connection to Hashem despite his initial humility.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Jacob's prayer and his encounter with the divine, illustrating his devotion and the fulfillment of God's promise to him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Jacob refer to God as 'the God of my father Abraham and the God of my father Isaac'?
A: Jacob mentions both Abraham and Isaac to connect his prayer to the covenant God made with his ancestors (Rashi on Genesis 32:10). This shows that Jacob was not just praying for himself, but as part of the ongoing relationship between God and the descendants of Abraham and Isaac.
Q: What is the significance of Jacob saying 'Return to your country and to your kindred'?
A: Jacob is recalling God's command to leave Laban's house and return to the Land of Canaan (Genesis 31:3). This demonstrates Jacob's faith in fulfilling God's instruction despite the danger of facing his brother Esau (Ramban on Genesis 32:10).
Q: Why does Jacob mention God's promise 'I will deal well with you' in his prayer?
A: Jacob reminds God of His promise as a form of humble request—not as a demand. The Talmud (Berachot 32a) teaches that one should always include God's past kindnesses when praying, showing gratitude while asking for continued help.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Jacob's prayer in this verse?
A: Jacob teaches us to pray with humility, connecting to our spiritual heritage while acknowledging God's past kindnesses. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 76:1) praises Jacob's prayer as a model of proper devotion—grounded in gratitude and trust in God's promises.
Q: How does this verse show Jacob's growth in faith?
A: Earlier, Jacob made conditional promises to God (Genesis 28:20-22), but here he prays with complete reliance on God's word. Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 1:2) notes that true prayer involves surrendering to God's will, as Jacob demonstrates here.