Jacob Asks God's Permission to Return to the Land of Israel

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayetzei 23:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation: "I cried out to You, O Lord" (Psalms 142:6). The verse speaks about Jacob. When he went out from his father's house, what does it say? "If God will be with me, etc." (Genesis 28:20). He lifted his eyes to the Holy One, blessed be He, and said, "You are my refuge." He said to him, "Behold, I am with you, etc." (Genesis 28:15). "My portion in the land of the living" (Psalms 142:6) — for Jacob was hoping to return to the Land of Israel. Jacob said, "With permission I went out; if I do not take permission, I am not returning." The Holy One, blessed be He, said, "Permission you are seeking? The permission is in your hand: 'Return to the land of your fathers' (Genesis 31:3). Did you come for anything except for the sake of the tribes? Behold, they are in your hand."

Themes

JacobDivine Presence

Biblical References

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