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Genesis 48:15 - Patriarchs' God shepherds eternally

Genesis 48:15 - בראשית 48:15

Hebrew Text

וַיְבָרֶךְ אֶת־יוֹסֵף וַיֹּאמַר הָאֱלֹהִים אֲשֶׁר הִתְהַלְּכוּ אֲבֹתַי לְפָנָיו אַבְרָהָם וְיִצְחָק הָאֱלֹהִים הָרֹעֶה אֹתִי מֵעוֹדִי עַד־הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

And he blessed Yosef, and said, God, before Whom my fathers Avraham and Yiżĥaq did walk, the God Who has been my shepherd all my life long until this day,

Transliteration

Vayevarekh et-Yosef vayomar ha'Elohim asher hithalekhu avotai lefanav Avraham v'Yitzhak ha'Elohim haroeh oti me'odi ad-hayom hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ אֶת־יוֹסֵ֖ף וַיֹּאמַ֑ר הָֽאֱלֹהִ֡ים אֲשֶׁר֩ הִתְהַלְּכ֨וּ אֲבֹתַ֤י לְפָנָיו֙ אַבְרָהָ֣ם וְיִצְחָ֔ק הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ הָרֹעֶ֣ה אֹתִ֔י מֵעוֹדִ֖י עַד־הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃
וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ אֶת־יוֹסֵ֖ף וַיֹּאמַ֑ר הָֽאֱלֹהִ֡ים אֲשֶׁר֩ הִתְהַלְּכ֨וּ אֲבֹתַ֤י לְפָנָיו֙ אַבְרָהָ֣ם וְיִצְחָ֔ק הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ הָרֹעֶ֣ה אֹתִ֔י מֵעוֹדִ֖י עַד־הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Blessing to Yosef

The verse (Bereishit 48:15) records Yaakov Avinu's blessing to Yosef, invoking the Divine Names associated with his forefathers. Rashi explains that Yaakov was emphasizing that the same God who guided Avraham and Yitzchak is the One who has shepherded him throughout his life. The term "הָרֹעֶה אֹתִי" ("Who has been my shepherd") reflects God's constant providence and protection over Yaakov's life, from his youth until that moment.

The Significance of "Before Whom My Fathers Walked"

Ramban notes that Yaakov specifically mentions Avraham and Yitzchak to connect Yosef to the spiritual legacy of his ancestors. The phrase "הִתְהַלְּכוּ" ("did walk") alludes to their consistent devotion to God in all aspects of life, as walking implies continuous, purposeful movement in divine service (see Malbim). This reinforces the idea that Yosef's blessings are rooted in the merit of his forefathers.

God as Shepherd

The metaphor of God as a shepherd ("הָרֹעֶה אֹתִי") is elaborated upon in Midrash Tanchuma (Vayechi 6), which explains that just as a shepherd tends to his flock with individual care, so too has God guided Yaakov through every challenge—from Lavan's house to his struggles with Esav and the loss of Yosef. The Sforno adds that this phrasing acknowledges God's personal providence in Yaakov's life, ensuring his survival and ultimate success.

The Phrase "מֵעוֹדִי עַד־הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה"

Ibn Ezra interprets "מֵעוֹדִי" ("from my beginning") as referring to Yaakov's earliest days, even from the womb (as hinted in Bereishit 25:22, where Rivka felt struggling within her). The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Yaakov recognizes God's hand in every stage of his life, from birth to old age, teaching that divine providence is constant and all-encompassing.

  • Rashi: Highlights the continuity of divine guidance from the Avot to Yaakov and now to Yosef.
  • Ramban: Stresses the covenantal connection between the generations.
  • Midrash Tanchuma: Expounds on the shepherd metaphor as a sign of God's intimate care.
  • Sforno: Focuses on divine providence in Yaakov's personal struggles.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that God was Yaakov's 'shepherd' in Genesis 48:15?
A: When Yaakov refers to God as his shepherd (הָרֹעֶה), it means God guided and protected him throughout his life, just as a shepherd cares for his flock. Rashi explains that this refers to God's constant providence from Yaakov's birth until that moment.
Q: Why does Yaakov mention Avraham and Yitzchak in his blessing to Yosef?
A: Yaakov connects his blessing to the covenant God made with his fathers (Avraham and Yitzchak) to emphasize that the blessing comes from the same God who guided his ancestors. The Ramban explains this shows the continuity of God's promises through the generations.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov saying God guided him 'from my beginning until this day'?
A: This teaches us to recognize God's hand in our entire life journey. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 96:5) notes that Yaakov was acknowledging even the difficult periods of his life were under God's care. This inspires us to see Divine providence in all circumstances.