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Genesis 35:7 - Divine encounter at Bethel

Genesis 35:7 - בראשית 35:7

Hebrew Text

וַיִּבֶן שָׁם מִזְבֵּחַ וַיִּקְרָא לַמָּקוֹם אֵל בֵּית־אֵל כִּי שָׁם נִגְלוּ אֵלָיו הָאֱלֹהִים בְּבָרְחוֹ מִפְּנֵי אָחִיו׃

English Translation

And he built there an altar, and called the place El-bet-el: because there God appeared to him, when he fled from the face of his brother.

Transliteration

Va'yiven sham mizbe'ach va'yikra la'makom El Beit-El ki sham niglu eilav ha'Elohim b'varcho mi'pnei achiv.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּ֤בֶן שָׁם֙ מִזְבֵּ֔חַ וַיִּקְרָא֙ לַמָּק֔וֹם אֵ֖ל בֵּֽית־אֵ֑ל כִּ֣י שָׁ֗ם נִגְל֤וּ אֵלָיו֙ הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים בְּבׇרְח֖וֹ מִפְּנֵ֥י אָחִֽיו׃
וַיִּ֤בֶן שָׁם֙ מִזְבֵּ֔חַ וַיִּקְרָא֙ לַמָּק֔וֹם אֵ֖ל בֵּֽית־אֵ֑ל כִּ֣י שָׁ֗ם נִגְל֤וּ אֵלָיו֙ הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים בְּבׇרְח֖וֹ מִפְּנֵ֥י אָחִֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Verse Context

This verse (Genesis 35:7) describes Yaakov Avinu (Jacob our forefather) building an altar in Beit-El after returning from Charan, commemorating the place where Hashem appeared to him when he fled from his brother Esav (Esau). This event connects back to Yaakov's earlier vision of the ladder at this location (Genesis 28:10-22).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Yaakov called the place "El-bet-el" (אל בית-אל) because the God of Beit-El appeared to him there. The name signifies that the Divine Presence (Shechinah) which dwells in Beit-El revealed itself to Yaakov. Rashi further notes that this was the same location where he had originally vowed to build a House of God (Genesis 28:22), and now he fulfills that commitment.

Ramban's Insight

Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that the name "El-bet-el" serves as a testimony that this was the place where the Almighty (El) revealed Himself at Beit-El. He connects this to the concept of divine providence (Hashgacha Pratit), emphasizing that Hashem appeared to Yaakov specifically during his time of distress when fleeing from Esav, demonstrating that God protects the righteous even in exile.

Midrashic Interpretation

  • The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 81:3) states that Yaakov built the altar to offer thanksgiving for being saved from Esav and Lavan, fulfilling his earlier vow.
  • Another Midrashic teaching suggests that the altar commemorates the future Temple service, as Beit-El was a precursor to the Beit HaMikdash.

Halachic Significance

The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:2) references this verse when discussing the sanctity of places where divine revelations occurred. Beit-El's sanctity stems from Yaakov's encounter with the Divine, establishing it as a place of prayer and connection to Hashem for future generations.

Symbolic Meaning

Chassidic commentators (such as the Sfat Emet) explain that "El-bet-el" represents the concept that God is found in the "house of God" - meaning that divine revelation occurs specifically in places dedicated to spiritual elevation. Yaakov's actions teach that physical locations can become conduits for divine connection when sanctified through service of Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the significance of the places where altars were built and the divine revelations associated with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov (Jacob) build an altar at Beit-El?
A: Yaakov built an altar at Beit-El to express gratitude to Hashem for protecting him during his journey and when fleeing from his brother Esav (Esau). The altar served as a place of prayer and connection to Hashem (Rashi on Genesis 35:7).
Q: What is the significance of the name 'El-Bet-El'?
A: The name 'El-Bet-El' means 'God of the House of God.' Yaakov named it this because Hashem revealed Himself there when Yaakov was in need. It emphasizes that Hashem is present in places where people seek Him (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 69:7).
Q: Why is Beit-El important in the Torah?
A: Beit-El is significant because it was a place of divine revelation. Earlier, Yaakov dreamed of the ladder there (Genesis 28), and now Hashem appeared to him again. It became a holy site for prayer and connection to Hashem (Ramban on Genesis 35:7).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov building an altar?
A: We learn the importance of recognizing and thanking Hashem for His kindness. Just as Yaakov built an altar to acknowledge divine protection, we should also express gratitude through prayer and mitzvot (Talmud, Berachot 7a).
Q: How does this verse connect to Yaakov's earlier experience at Beit-El?
A: This verse shows a fulfillment of Hashem's promise to protect Yaakov (Genesis 28:15). By returning to Beit-El and building an altar, Yaakov acknowledges that Hashem was with him throughout his journey (Sforno on Genesis 35:7).