Parashas

Uncovering hidden potentials

Posted by Netzari Emunah Worldwide on
Synopsis of Toldot
Third Reading
The king of Philistia, fearful of Isaac’s growing economic influence, asked him to leave. Isaac settled nearby, and then began his life project: digging wells to provide sources of water for new towns and villages.

 

Uncovering Hidden Potentials

 

Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a ell of fresh spring water there.

 Genesis: 26:19

ALTHOUGH digging wells certainly serves to further the advance of civilization wherever they were dug, they more importantly exemplified Isaac’s message to the world.

As opposed to filling a pit with water brough from elsewhere, digging a well reveals an already-existing source of water concealed beneath layers of earth.

Thus, whereas Abraham’s message to the world was: “Let me revive you with the refreshing water of Divine consciousness,” Isaac’s message was: “Now that you have been revived, look for your inner source of water. Dig away all the dirt encumbering your life, and you will reveal within yourself a wellspring of Divine awareness. This awareness will quench your spiritual thirst throughout your whole life.”

Isaac’s well-digging teaches us that our flashes of insight or inspiration must be followed up with self-improvement and self-refinement in order for them to make lasting changes.