Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does God call Yaakov by his name twice ('Yaakov, Yaakov') in Genesis 46:2?
A: Rashi explains that repeating a person's name is an expression of affection and endearment. Additionally, the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 94:4) teaches that this double calling signifies the importance of the moment—God was about to reassure Yaakov before his descent to Egypt, showing that He would be with him and his descendants.
Q: What does it mean that God spoke to Yaakov 'in the visions of the night'?
A: According to Ramban (Nachmanides), God often communicated with the Avot (Patriarchs) through nighttime visions because the quiet and solitude of night allowed for greater spiritual clarity. The Talmud (Berachot 7a) also teaches that prophecy is more likely to occur at night when the mind is free from daytime distractions.
Q: Why does Yaakov respond 'Hineni' ('Here I am') when God calls him?
A: The response 'Hineni' signifies Yaakov's complete readiness and humility before God. Rashi notes that this is the response of righteous people when called by God, showing their willingness to serve (as seen with Avraham in the Akeidah and Moshe at the burning bush). It reflects immediate attentiveness to divine communication.
Q: Why is this moment significant in Yaakov's life?
A: This verse marks a critical transition—Yaakov (now called Yisrael) is about to descend to Egypt with his family, beginning the exile foretold to Avraham. God's reassurance here, as explained by the Sforno, was to comfort Yaakov that despite leaving the Land, the divine promise would still be fulfilled through his descendants.
Q: How does this verse teach us about prayer or divine communication?
A: The Or HaChaim highlights that Yaakov's experience teaches us the importance of being receptive to divine messages, whether through prayer, Torah study, or introspection. Just as Yaakov responded with 'Hineni,' we too should cultivate attentiveness to spirituality in our lives.
The Double Calling of Yaakov's Name
The verse (Bereshit 46:2) states that Hashem called "Yaakov, Yaakov" - repeating his name twice. Rashi explains that this double calling is an expression of affection, similar to when Hashem called "Moshe, Moshe" at the burning bush (Shemot 3:4). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 94:4) adds that this repetition indicates urgency and importance, showing that the message to follow was critical.
The Transition from Yaakov to Yisrael
Notably, the verse begins by referring to him as "Yisrael" ("God spoke to Yisrael"), yet Hashem calls him "Yaakov." The Ramban explains that while he earned the name Yisrael after wrestling with the angel (Bereshit 32:29), here Hashem uses his original name Yaakov to emphasize his personal relationship with the patriarch during this intimate nighttime vision. The Kli Yakar suggests this shows that even after reaching the elevated status of Yisrael, one must remain humble like Yaakov (which comes from the word "ekev" - heel).
The Significance of Night Visions
The Talmud (Megillah 3a) teaches that divine communication at night carries special significance. The phrase "b'marot halayla" (in visions of the night) indicates this was a prophetic dream vision, which the Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 7:2) explains as a lower level of prophecy than direct communication. The Sforno notes that nighttime visions often relate to future events, appropriate here as Yaakov was about to descend to Egypt where his descendants would become a nation.
The Immediate Response: "Hineni"
Yaakov's response of "Hineni" (Here I am) mirrors the responses of Avraham (Bereshit 22:1) and Moshe (Shemot 3:4) when called by Hashem. The Malbim explains this response demonstrates three qualities:
The Ohr HaChaim adds that this immediate response without hesitation shows Yaakov's perfected level of divine service.