1)

What is the significance of the fact that 'Hashem ascended from upon Yaakov'?

1.

Rashi: Refer to 17:22:1:1 and 17:22:1:2.

2.

Seforno: Refer to 17:22:1:3.

3.

Ramban: This teaches us that this was not just a sort of dream, 1 but that the Shechinah actually rested upon Yaakov, 2 as it did on Avraham in Lech Lecha, where the Torah uses the same expression. 3

4.

Malbim: When a Navi prepares himself for prophecy, it does not depart until his clinging [to Hashem] ceases. Here, the prophecy came without preparation, to tell Yaakov about the future, so Hashem departed once the prophecy ended.


2

This also explains why the Pasuk adds, "in the place where he spoke with him" (See Rashi and Sifsei Chachamim). Refer to 35:13:2.

3

Refer to 17:22:1:3.

2)

Why does the Torah find it necessary to add, "ba'Makom Asher Diber Ito Elokim"?

1.

Rashi professes not to know what this is coming to teach us. 1

2.

Seforno: This is referring, not to Yaakov's current vision, but to when Hashem appeared to him on his way to Charan in the dream with the ladder - on exactly the same spot where he was now. And now, as soon as Hashem departed, Yaakov set up the Matzevah and poured a libation on it. 2

3.

Malbim: This teaches that the prophecy was due to the place; the place was prepared for the light; it returned above and was hidden there.


1

Gur Aryeh: Refer to 35:13:2.1:1.

2

Refer to 35:14:1:1. See also Oznayim la'Torah.

QUESTIONS ON RASHI

3)

Rashi writes: "'At the place where He had spoken with him' - I do not know what this teaches us." What might it teach us?

1.

Gur Aryeh: The verse teaches us that Yaakov was aware that it was the sanctity of the place brought about Hashem's revelation. It is a unique location; and Yaakov knew this when he named it "G-d is in Beis El" (Rashi to 35:7) - a name unlike any place where Hashem had appeared to Avraham and Yitzchak.

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