“And, behold, the Lord was standing over him, and said: I am the Lord, God of Abraham your father, and God of Isaac. The land upon which you lie, to you I will give it, and to your descendants” (Genesis 28:13). “And, behold, the Lord was standing over him, and said: I am the Lord…” – Rabbi Yosei bar Zimra began: “My flesh yearns for You, in a parched and thirsty land without water” (Psalms 63:2). Rabbi Elazar in the name of Rabbi Yosei bar Zimra: “My soul thirsts for You…yearns [kama] for You” (Psalms 63:2) – like these truffles1This is referring to a fungus which grows mainly underground. that long for water.
The Rabbis say: Just as my soul thirsts for You, so, too, my two hundred and forty-eight limbs thirst for You. Where? “In a parched and thirsty land without water.” “Indeed, in the Sanctuary I have seen You” (Psalms 63:3) – in sanctity I have seen You; “beholding Your power” (Psalms 63:3) – this is Your entourage; “and Your glory” (Psalms 63:3) – “and, behold, the Lord was standing over him.”