1)

What do we learn from "Dor Holech v'Dor Ba"?

1.

Rashi: All that the Rasha toils and steals, he does not outlive his deeds. Everything [that he stole] will be taken from his children - "Banav Yeratzu Dalim" (Iyov 20:10).

2.

Ibn Ezra #1: Everything under the sun is composed of the four 'elements' - fire, wind (air), water and land (earth), and returns to them. The verses here mention all four. It begins here with Eretz, for it is like one who gives birth. After it mentions the sun (5), the place of fire, due to its great heat, which 'fathers'. Everything formed from the land returns to it - "Ki Afar Atah v'El Afar Tashuv" (Bereishis 3:19), and the land endures.

3.

Ibn Ezra #2: "Dor" is not a generation, rather, dwelling. This is like "mi'Dur b'Ahalei Resha" (Tehilim 84:11. I.e. residents on the land depart, and new ones come

2)

Why does it say "veha'Aretz l'Olam Omades"?

1.

Rav Sadya Gaon: It endures for its Olam (allotted time 1 ).

2.

Rashi: Who remains? The humble and lowly who lower themselves to the ground - "va'Anavim Yirshu Aretz" (Tehilim 37:11).

3.

Rashi citing Midrash Tanchuma: All Tzadikim of Yisrael are called Eretz - "Ki Sihyu Atem Eretz Chefetz" (Mal'achi 3:12). R. Avigdor - we learn from "li'Kdoshim Asher ba'Aretz" (Tehilim 16:3).

4.

Rashbam: The land does not move from its place.

5.

Seforno: This refers to the cycle of renewal 2 . Even though generations die, there is no change in the quality and quantity of the land [and what is found on it]. This is a wondrous Chachmah!

6.

Metzudas David: Will the land remain forever?! Also it will wither like a garment and cease, with all its residents and all acquisitions!


1

Magihah (in Toras Chayim): Rav Sadya Gaon holds that everything created does not last forever.

2

Magihah (in Toras Chayim): Nowadays this is called conservation of matter.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:
Month: Day: Year:
Month: Day: Year:

KIH Logo
D.A.F. Home Page
Sponsorships & DonationsReaders' FeedbackMailing ListsTalmud ArchivesAsk the KollelDafyomi WeblinksDafyomi CalendarOther Yomi calendars