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Genesis 46:1 - Jacob seeks divine reassurance before Egypt

Genesis 46:1 - בראשית 46:1

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסַּע יִשְׂרָאֵל וְכָל־אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ וַיָּבֹא בְּאֵרָה שָּׁבַע וַיִּזְבַּח זְבָחִים לֵאלֹהֵי אָבִיו יִצְחָק׃

English Translation

And Yisra᾽el took his journey with all that he had, and came to Be᾽er-sheva, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Yiżĥaq.

Transliteration

Va'yisa Yisrael ve'khol asher lo va'yavo Be'era Sheva va'yizbach zevachim leilokei aviv Yitzchak.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסַּ֤ע יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ וְכׇל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֔וֹ וַיָּבֹ֖א בְּאֵ֣רָה שָּׁ֑בַע וַיִּזְבַּ֣ח זְבָחִ֔ים לֵאלֹהֵ֖י אָבִ֥יו יִצְחָֽק׃
וַיִּסַּ֤ע יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ וְכׇל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֔וֹ וַיָּבֹ֖א בְּאֵ֣רָה שָּׁ֑בַע וַיִּזְבַּ֣ח זְבָחִ֔ים לֵאלֹהֵ֖י אָבִ֥יו יִצְחָֽק׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Journey to Be'er Sheva

The verse describes Yaakov Avinu (referred to here as "Yisrael") traveling with his entire household to Be'er Sheva before descending to Egypt. Rashi (on Bereishit 46:1) explains that Yaakov stopped in Be'er Sheva to offer sacrifices to Hashem and to take leave from the land of his fathers, as this was the place where his father Yitzchak had also served Hashem (see Bereishit 26:23-25).

Significance of the Sacrifices

The Ramban (on Bereishit 46:1) notes that Yaakov offered sacrifices specifically to "the God of his father Yitzchak" to emphasize the continuity of divine service from one generation to the next. This act demonstrated Yaakov's recognition that his upcoming journey to Egypt was part of the divine plan foretold to Avraham (Bereishit 15:13).

Be'er Sheva as a Spiritual Junction

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 94:4) highlights that Be'er Sheva was a place of significant spiritual encounters:

  • Avraham planted an eshel (tamarisk tree) there (Bereishit 21:33)
  • Yitzchak built an altar and called upon Hashem there (Bereishit 26:25)
  • Now Yaakov returns to this sacred location before leaving the land

Yaakov's Apprehension

The Kli Yakar (on Bereishit 46:1) suggests that Yaakov was hesitant about leaving Eretz Yisrael, as this appeared to contradict the divine promise that his descendants would inherit the land. His sacrifices in Be'er Sheva were both an expression of devotion and a request for divine reassurance, which he subsequently received through Hashem's night vision (Bereishit 46:2-4).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov (Israel) stop in Be'er Sheva before going to Egypt?
A: According to Rashi, Yaakov stopped in Be'er Sheva because it was a place of spiritual significance where his father Yitzchak (Isaac) had built an altar (Genesis 26:25). Yaakov wanted to reconnect with his roots and seek divine approval before leaving the Land of Israel for Egypt.
Q: Why does the verse say Yaakov offered sacrifices 'to the God of his father Yitzchak' instead of just 'to God'?
A: The Midrash explains that Yaakov specifically connected to 'the God of his father Yitzchak' to emphasize the continuity of the covenant between generations. This reminds us that our relationship with Hashem is part of an unbroken chain going back to our ancestors.
Q: What can we learn from Yaakov bringing sacrifices before a major life change?
A: The Rambam teaches that Yaakov's actions show the importance of turning to Hashem with prayer and offerings when facing significant transitions. Even though we no longer bring animal sacrifices today, we can learn to approach major life decisions with prayer and spiritual preparation.
Q: Why is Be'er Sheva mentioned specifically in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 10b) notes that Be'er Sheva represents the southern boundary of the Land of Israel at that time. By stopping there, Yaakov was showing reverence for the holy land he was about to leave, and the verse highlights this moment of transition between the promised land and exile.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish practice today?
A: Just as Yaakov sought spiritual connection before a journey, Jewish tradition encourages saying the Tefilat HaDerech (traveler's prayer) when embarking on a trip. This verse teaches us the timeless value of connecting with Hashem at transitional moments in our lives.