In Bechukosai (26:42),
וְזָכַרְתִּי אֶת בְּרִיתִי יַעֲקוֹב וְאַף אֶת בְּרִיתִי יִצְחָק וְאַף אֶת בְּרִיתִי אַבְרָהָם אֶזְכֹּר וְהָאָרֶץ אֶזְכֹּר
and I will remember My covenant [with] Jacob, and also My covenant [with] Isaac, and also My covenant [with] Abraham I will remember. And I will remember the Land
Why are the forefathers written out of order?
The rebbe says that chazal taught us that the world stands on three things; Torah study, the service of Hashem, and kind deeds. Each father was known for one of these traits. Yaakov embodied Torah study, Yitzchak represented service of Hashem, and Avraham was the paradigm of the trait of kindness. The order of the fathers in the pasuk corresponds to the order utilized by chazal to enumerate the three things which the world depends on-- Torah, service of Hashem, then kindness.
What are other reasons that their names are written in this order? What is the significance of stating the names of Avraham, Yitchak, and Yaakov?
Rashi says it to inform you that the youngest of the fathers, Yaakov, is worthy of this alone- that Israel be redeemed through his merit alone- but if this is not enough, then Yitzchak is together with him, and if even this is not enough, then Avraham is with him, and Avraham is certainly worthy.
ReplyDeleteRav Hirsch suggests that the order of the Avot in this Pasuk is most appropriate because the purpose of this pasuk is to offer hope for the Jewish people who have just heard that their future will be filled with suffering. It does so by reminding us of how God's presence works. Yaakov experienced Mitzrayim, the house of Lavan and often lived a life of bitterness, persecution and misfortune. Although Yaakov had plenty to complain about, he remained steadfast in his faith, and God protected him and his family. At the end of the lengthy rebuke that may befall Bnei Yisrael, Hashem promises that he will remember Yaakov. Yaakov experienced a life of hardships, yet he was guarded and cared for by Hashem. Similarly, we should find comfort and hope in God's commitment to remember His covenant with us, just as Yaakov did.
ReplyDeleteHey everyone(/ms Laufer), so im pretty sure i learnt this in elementary school and im not sure if its a valid source but Morah kraut?
ReplyDeleteso the reason the avot are written in this order is to like start small and get bigger. Hashem starts by saying Yaakov -connecting Bnei Yisroel to the Brit using the most recent relative. and then goes more universal by saying Yitzchak. And then just blows it out of proportion by saying this is such a big promise that i even told Avraham. Hashem starts with Yaakov because they can connect most with him.
Based on the passuk and what Emma said about Rashi, we can suggest that through the reversal of the order, Hashem is instructing us in the importance of each middah. Hashem first recognizes our fulfillment of Yaakov's trait of truth, emet – our honesty with Him, in business, with our family, and with ourselves. Yet, it is possible that no matter how loyal and true we are, we will not deserve deliverance; his middah is hakaton, the one with the least power. Hashem then assures He will add our fulfillment of Yitzchak‟s trait, shleimut, personal perfection. Yet, it is possible that no matter how we follow this trait, we will not deserve deliverance; his middah is one of introspection, and though is important, our inner perfection will not lead us to redemption. Rather, it is the emulation of Avraham‟s qualities alone that will bring redemption. Through linking ourselves to this ancestor, one of pure and pious loving-kindness, we will be redeemed.
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