Why Isaac Was Told to Sojourn in the Land During Famine

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Toldot 6:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

(Gen. 26:3:) SOJOURN IN THIS LAND. Rabbi Hanan said in the name of Rabbi Samuel bar Rabbi Isaac: Why <was this said>? Because he did not wish to become defiled outside the Land. Since a decree had been decreed, as it is stated (in Gen. 26:1): AND THERE WAS A FAMINE, therefore it says (in Gen. 26:3): SOJOURN IN THIS LAND. Rabbi Joshua ben Levi said: In this world the righteous were torn apart (Heb. metorafin, from the root TRP), as it is stated (in Ps. 111:5): HE HAS GIVEN PREY (teref, from the root TRP) TO THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. But in the world to come (ibid., continuing): HE WILL REMEMBER HIS COVENANT FOREVER.

Themes

FamineWorld To ComeCovenant

Biblical References

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