Genesis 11:12 - Generations link to redemption.

Genesis 11:12 - בראשית 11:12

Hebrew Text

וְאַרְפַּכְשַׁד חַי חָמֵשׁ וּשְׁלֹשִׁים שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד אֶת־שָׁלַח׃

English Translation

And Arpakhshad lived thirty five years, and begot Shelaĥ.

Transliteration

V'arpakhshad khay khamesh ushloshim shana vayoled et-shelakh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַרְפַּכְשַׁ֣ד חַ֔י חָמֵ֥שׁ וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־שָֽׁלַח׃

Parasha Commentary

Chronology and Significance of Arpakhshad's Age

According to the verse (Bereishit 11:12), Arpakhshad was 35 years old when he fathered Shelaḥ. Rashi notes that this is part of the genealogical record tracing the lineage from Noaḥ to Avraham Avinu, emphasizing the continuity of the righteous line leading to the Jewish people. The Torah meticulously records ages at the time of childbirth to establish an accurate timeline of history, as Rambam explains in Moreh Nevuchim (1:47), where he highlights the importance of these details for understanding the unfolding of divine providence.

Arpakhshad's Role in the Lineage

Arpakhshad was the son of Shem, Noaḥ's eldest righteous son, and his descendants were chosen to carry forward the spiritual legacy of monotheism. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 37:7) suggests that Arpakhshad was a righteous figure who upheld the teachings of his ancestors. His name is interpreted by some commentators as a combination of "Arpak" (boundary) and "Shad" (mighty), symbolizing his role in preserving the boundaries of faith in a world descending into idolatry.

Shelaḥ: The Next Link in the Chain

The birth of Shelaḥ marks another step toward the eventual emergence of Avraham. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 69b) discusses the precise chronology from Adam to Avraham, noting that each generation played a crucial role in maintaining the divine plan. Shelaḥ's name (from the root shalach, "to send") may allude to the future mission of his descendants, as the Jewish people were destined to be "sent" into the world to uphold Torah.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Continuity of Tradition: The verse reinforces the unbroken chain of transmission from Noaḥ to Avraham, underscoring the importance of passing down righteousness through generations.
  • Divine Timing: The specific age of 35 teaches that each generation has its appointed time to contribute to the divine plan, as noted by the Sforno.
  • Historical Accuracy: The Torah's precise recording of ages serves as a foundation for Jewish historiography, as emphasized by Ramban in his commentary on Bereishit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah list the ages when people had children?
A: The Torah lists ages when people had children to show the continuity of generations from Adam to Avraham, emphasizing the importance of family and lineage in Jewish tradition. Rashi explains that these details connect the early generations to the formation of the Jewish people.
Q: Who was Arpakhshad in the Torah?
A: Arpakhshad was the son of Shem, one of Noach's three sons, and the grandfather of Ever (from whom the term 'Hebrew' may derive). The Midrash teaches that he was a righteous figure who continued the legacy of Shem's teachings about Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of Shelaĥ being born when Arpakhshad was 35?
A: The age shows that Arpakhshad had Shelaĥ at a relatively young age compared to earlier generations (like his ancestors who had children at 100+). Ramban suggests this reflects the gradual shortening of lifespans after the Flood, leading toward a more typical human lifespan.
Q: Why are these genealogies important in Judaism?
A: These genealogies establish the direct lineage from Adam to Avraham, proving Avraham's noble ancestry. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 69b) discusses these generations to clarify timelines and show how divine wisdom was transmitted through the generations.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish identity?
A: This verse is part of the unbroken chain linking all Jews back to the earliest generations. The Sforno teaches that these details highlight how Jewish tradition and monotheistic belief were preserved carefully from parent to child throughout history.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

© 2025 Hebrew Bible Verse a Day. All rights reserved.