Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did God appear to Yaakov (Jacob) again in Genesis 35:9?
A: According to Rashi, God appeared to Yaakov again to confirm the blessing and covenant originally given to Avraham and Yitzchak, now reaffirming it with Yaakov as he returned to the land of Canaan. This was a moment of spiritual elevation after Yaakov had rid his household of foreign idols (Genesis 35:2-4).
Q: What is the significance of God blessing Yaakov when he came from Paddan-aram?
A: The Midrash explains that this blessing marked Yaakov's complete transition from being a 'sojourner' in a foreign land (Paddan-aram) to becoming the established patriarch in the Promised Land. The Ramban adds that this blessing reinforced Yaakov's new name Yisrael (given earlier in Genesis 32:29), signifying his role as the father of the Jewish nation.
Q: How many times did God appear to Yaakov in the Torah?
A: Traditional sources count five major appearances: 1) At Beth-El on his way to Charan (Genesis 28:13), 2) In Charan before returning (Genesis 31:3), 3) At the struggle with the angel (Genesis 32:25-30), 4) This appearance in Genesis 35:9, and 5) Later in Egypt (Genesis 46:2). Each appearance marked a critical stage in Yaakov's spiritual journey.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from God appearing to Yaakov 'again'?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 7a) teaches that this repeated divine encounter shows that righteous people never rest on their past spiritual achievements. Even after previous revelations, Yaakov needed continued connection with God. This teaches us the importance of constantly renewing and strengthening our relationship with the Divine, especially after major life transitions.
Q: Why does the verse specify that Yaakov came from Paddan-aram?
A: Rashi explains that mentioning Paddan-aram emphasizes that Yaakov was now leaving behind the negative influences of Lavan's household (where he had lived for 20 years) and returning to the holiness of Eretz Yisrael. The Sforno adds that this geographical note highlights how Yaakov maintained his righteousness even in a spiritually challenging environment.
Appearance of Hashem to Yaakov
The verse states, "And God appeared to Yaakov again, when he came out of Paddan-aram, and blessed him" (Bereishit 35:9). Rashi explains that this appearance was to reassure Yaakov after the traumatic incident involving Dinah and Shechem, as well as the death of his mother Rivkah (as cited in Rashi on Bereishit 35:9). The term "again" (עוֹד) indicates that this was not the first time Hashem appeared to Yaakov, but rather a reaffirmation of earlier promises.
The Significance of Paddan-Aram
Paddan-Aram was the place where Yaakov acquired his family and wealth, yet it was also a place of hardship and deception. The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that Hashem's appearance here signifies a transition—Yaakov was leaving behind the struggles of exile and returning to Eretz Yisrael, where he would fully embrace his role as a patriarch of the Jewish people (Ramban on Bereishit 35:9).
The Nature of the Blessing
The verse does not specify the content of the blessing, but the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 82:4) suggests that it included:
Connection to Earlier Divine Encounters
The Sforno emphasizes that this appearance parallels the earlier vision of the ladder (Bereishit 28:12-15), reinforcing that Hashem's promise of protection and destiny for Yaakov remained steadfast (Sforno on Bereishit 35:9). The fact that Hashem appeared "again" underscores the continuous relationship between the Almighty and the forefathers.