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Genesis 35:5 - Divine fear protects Jacob's family.

Genesis 35:5 - בראשית 35:5

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסָּעוּ וַיְהִי חִתַּת אֱלֹהִים עַל־הֶעָרִים אֲשֶׁר סְבִיבֹתֵיהֶם וְלֹא רָדְפוּ אַחֲרֵי בְּנֵי יַעֲקֹב׃

English Translation

And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Ya῾aqov.

Transliteration

Vayisa'u vayehi khitat Elohim al-he'arim asher sevivoteihem velo radfu acharei bnei Ya'akov.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסָּ֑עוּ וַיְהִ֣י <b>׀</b> חִתַּ֣ת אֱלֹהִ֗ים עַל־הֶֽעָרִים֙ אֲשֶׁר֙ סְבִיב֣וֹתֵיהֶ֔ם וְלֹ֣א רָֽדְפ֔וּ אַחֲרֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יַעֲקֹֽב׃
וַיִּסָּ֑עוּ וַיְהִ֣י ׀ חִתַּ֣ת אֱלֹהִ֗ים עַל־הֶֽעָרִים֙ אֲשֶׁר֙ סְבִיב֣וֹתֵיהֶ֔ם וְלֹ֣א רָֽדְפ֔וּ אַחֲרֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יַעֲקֹֽב׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 35:5) describes the journey of Yaakov and his family after the incident in Shechem, where Shimon and Levi avenged the defilement of their sister Dinah. Despite the potential for retaliation from neighboring cities, Hashem instilled fear in the surrounding nations, preventing them from pursuing Yaakov's family.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "חִתַּת אֱלֹהִים" (terror of God) refers to a supernatural fear implanted by Hashem in the hearts of the surrounding nations. This divine intervention ensured that no one would seek revenge against Yaakov's family for the actions of Shimon and Levi in Shechem. Rashi emphasizes that this was a clear miracle, demonstrating Hashem's protection over Yaakov and his descendants.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 8:1) discusses how divine providence operates in the world, often through hidden miracles (נס נסתר). This verse exemplifies such providence, where Hashem influenced the emotions and decisions of the surrounding nations without overtly altering nature. Rambam would view this as an example of how Hashem guides history to fulfill His covenant with the Avot.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayishlach 12) elaborates that the terror was so great that the kings of the surrounding cities forgot their own grievances and conflicts, focusing only on their fear of Yaakov's camp.
  • Bereishit Rabbah (82:3) compares this terror to the fear instilled in the Canaanite kings during Yehoshua's conquest, showing a recurring theme of divine protection for Bnei Yisrael.

Halachic Implications

The Tur (Orach Chaim 1) cites this verse as a source for the concept of השגחה פרטית (individual divine providence). Just as Hashem protected Yaakov's family, He watches over each Jew, especially in times of danger. This idea is foundational to Jewish faith and prayer, reinforcing trust in Hashem's guardianship.

Symbolic Interpretation

The Kli Yakar suggests that the "terror of God" represents the spiritual awe inspired by Yaakov's righteousness. The surrounding nations sensed the sanctity of Yaakov's household and refrained from confrontation, illustrating how a life dedicated to Torah and mitzvot can bring divine protection and respect even from adversaries.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the terror of God was upon the cities' mean in Genesis 35:5?
A: Rashi explains that Hashem placed a supernatural fear in the hearts of the surrounding nations so they would not attack Yaakov and his family as they traveled. This was a divine protection to ensure their safety after the incident in Shechem.
Q: Why did the surrounding cities not pursue Yaakov's family?
A: The Midrash teaches that this was a miracle - even though Yaakov's sons had just fought the people of Shechem, Hashem made the neighboring cities too afraid to retaliate. This shows how G-d protects His people even when they seem vulnerable.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 35:5 about divine protection?
A: The Rambam teaches that this verse demonstrates how G-d watches over the Jewish people, especially during times of transition or danger. Just as Yaakov was protected during his travels, we trust that Hashem protects us when we follow His ways.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish journeys today?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 29b) derives from this that we should pray for safe travels (Tefillas HaDerech). Just as Yaakov was protected on his journey, we ask Hashem for protection when we travel.
Q: Why is this miracle important in Yaakov's story?
A: The Sforno explains that this showed Yaakov's special status - after struggling with Esav's angel and receiving the name Yisrael, this divine protection confirmed his elevated spiritual level and G-d's commitment to his descendants.