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Genesis 49:18 - Awaiting divine redemption patiently

Genesis 49:18 - בראשית 49:18

Hebrew Text

לִישׁוּעָתְךָ קִוִּיתִי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

I wait for thy salvation, O Lord.

Transliteration

Lishuatcha kiviti Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

לִישׁוּעָֽתְךָ֖ קִוִּ֥יתִי יְהֹוָֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
לִישׁוּעָֽתְךָ֖ קִוִּ֥יתִי יְהֹוָֽה׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Meaning of the Verse

The verse "לִישׁוּעָתְךָ קִוִּיתִי יְהוָה" ("I wait for thy salvation, O Lord") expresses a deep yearning for divine redemption and trust in Hashem's deliverance. The word "קִוִּיתִי" ("I wait") conveys not passive waiting, but an active, hopeful anticipation, as explained by Rashi and other commentators.

Commentary from Rashi

Rashi (on Bereshit 49:18, where this verse appears in Yaakov's blessing) explains that this declaration reflects unwavering faith in Hashem's salvation, even in moments of distress. Yaakov Avinu, while blessing his sons, paused to affirm his trust in divine redemption, teaching that one must always maintain hope in Hashem's deliverance.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 7:5) emphasizes that true trust in Hashem (ביטחון) means relying on Him for salvation while still making human efforts. The verse reflects this balance—waiting for divine intervention while engaging in proper conduct to merit redemption.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayechi 10) connects this verse to the future redemption, suggesting that Yaakov foresaw the challenges his descendants would face and affirmed that ultimate salvation comes only from Hashem.
  • Midrash Rabbah (Bereshit 98:14) teaches that this verse is a model prayer—acknowledging that salvation is in Hashem's hands while maintaining hope and patience.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

The Sforno notes that this verse teaches the importance of תיקון המידות (refining one's character) while awaiting salvation. True redemption requires both divine intervention and human spiritual preparation.

The Vilna Gaon adds that "קִוִּיתִי" implies constant readiness, as one who waits for a king must always be prepared for his arrival—a lesson in anticipating Mashiach.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 4b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the proper times for prayer and the importance of trusting in God's salvation.
📖 Sanhedrin 98a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the coming of the Messiah and the hope for divine salvation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'I wait for thy salvation, O Lord' (Genesis 49:18) mean?
A: This verse is part of Jacob's blessings to his sons before his passing. According to Rashi, Jacob paused here to pray for divine salvation, expressing his faith that ultimate redemption comes from Hashem. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 98:3) connects this to future redemption, showing Jacob's trust in God's plan.
Q: Why did Jacob say this in the middle of blessing his sons?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 56a) explains that Jacob had a prophetic moment where he saw future troubles for his descendants. He inserted this prayer to emphasize that despite challenges, salvation ultimately comes from Hashem. Ramban adds that this teaches us to always maintain hope in divine redemption, even during difficult times.
Q: How can we apply 'I wait for thy salvation' in our lives today?
A: This verse teaches the Jewish value of 'bitachon' (trust in God). As the Rambam explains in Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah, we must believe in divine providence while doing our part. The Chofetz Chaim taught that this verse reminds us to patiently await redemption while actively working to bring it closer through Torah and mitzvot.