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Genesis 27:39 - Esau's bitter blessing fate?

Genesis 27:39 - בראשית 27:39

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַן יִצְחָק אָבִיו וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו הִנֵּה מִשְׁמַנֵּי הָאָרֶץ יִהְיֶה מוֹשָׁבֶךָ וּמִטַּל הַשָּׁמַיִם מֵעָל׃

English Translation

And ῾Esav raised his voice, and wept. And Yiżĥaq his father answered and said to him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above;

Transliteration

Va'ya'an Yitzhak aviv va'yomer elav hinei mishmanei ha'aretz yihyeh moshav'cha u'mital hashamayim me'al.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֛עַן יִצְחָ֥ק אָבִ֖יו וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֑יו הִנֵּ֞ה מִשְׁמַנֵּ֤י הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה מֽוֹשָׁבֶ֔ךָ וּמִטַּ֥ל הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם מֵעָֽל׃
וַיַּ֛עַן יִצְחָ֥ק אָבִ֖יו וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֑יו הִנֵּ֞ה מִשְׁמַנֵּ֤י הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה מֽוֹשָׁבֶ֔ךָ וּמִטַּ֥ל הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם מֵעָֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 27:39) occurs after Yaakov receives Yitzchak's blessing intended for Esav. When Esav realizes what has happened, he cries out, and Yitzchak responds with this blessing. The phrasing contrasts with the blessing given to Yaakov (Bereshit 27:28), which emphasizes "the dew of the heavens and the fatness of the earth." Here, Yitzchak's words to Esav reverse the order and use slightly different terminology.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 27:39) notes that Yitzchak's blessing to Esav reflects a different destiny than Yaakov's. The phrase "מִשְׁמַנֵּי הָאָרֶץ יִהְיֶה מוֹשָׁבֶךָ" ("thy dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth") suggests that Esav's sustenance will come from fertile lands, but not necessarily through divine blessing. Rashi explains that Esav's blessing is material and earthly, whereas Yaakov's is spiritual and divinely sustained.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra highlights the contrast between the two blessings: Yaakov's blessing begins with heavenly dew ("טל השמים"), symbolizing divine providence, while Esav's begins with earthly abundance ("משמני הארץ"), indicating material prosperity without the same spiritual dimension. This reflects the differing roles of Yaakov (spiritual leadership) and Esav (temporal power).

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 67:7) elaborates that Esav's blessing is conditional—dependent on the land's natural fertility rather than guaranteed divine intervention. The phrasing "מִטַּל הַשָּׁמַיִם מֵעָל" ("and of the dew of heaven from above") is interpreted as meaning that Esav's prosperity is secondary and derived from Yaakov's merit. If Yaakov thrives, Esav benefits; if not, Esav suffers.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 10:7) alludes to this verse when discussing the relationship between Yisrael and other nations. He explains that Esav's descendants (Edom/Rome) historically dominated materially but lacked spiritual leadership, aligning with the earthly focus of this blessing.

Key Themes

  • Material vs. Spiritual Blessing: Esav's blessing is tied to physical wealth, while Yaakov's encompasses both material and spiritual abundance.
  • Dependency on Yaakov: Esav's prosperity is contingent on Yaakov's righteousness, as per the Midrash.
  • Historical Fulfillment: The verse foreshadows the dynamic between Yisrael and Edom, where Edom's power is temporal and ultimately subordinate.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 6a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the blessings given to Esau and their implications for the land of Israel.
📖 Bava Batra 122b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the division of the land and the blessings bestowed upon the patriarchs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 27:39 mean when it says 'thy dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth'?
A: According to Rashi, this blessing means that Esav's descendants (Edom) will live in fertile, prosperous lands ('fatness of the earth'). However, unlike Jacob's blessing which mentions both earthly and heavenly blessings, Esav's blessing is limited to material prosperity from the earth alone.
Q: Why did Isaac bless Esav differently than Jacob in Genesis 27?
A: The Midrash explains that Isaac recognized Jacob was more spiritually inclined (represented by 'dew of heaven' in Jacob's blessing), while Esav's nature was more physical and worldly. Thus, Isaac gave Esav a blessing suited to his character - material abundance without the higher spiritual dimension.
Q: What is the significance of 'dew of heaven' being omitted from Esav's blessing?
A: The Talmud (Bava Batra 16b) notes that 'dew of heaven' represents divine blessing and spiritual sustenance. Its absence in Esav's blessing indicates his lineage would thrive materially but lack the spiritual connection that Jacob's descendants (the Jewish people) would maintain through Torah and mitzvot.
Q: How does Esav's blessing in Genesis 27:39 apply to Jewish history?
A: Traditional commentators like the Ramban explain that this prophecy foresaw Rome (descended from Esav) becoming a dominant world power with great material wealth and military might, while the Jewish people (Jacob's descendants) would maintain their spiritual legacy despite physical hardships.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Isaac's blessing to Esav?
A: The Sages teach that this shows G-d gives each person blessings according to their nature and potential. While Esav received material blessings fitting his worldly nature, Jacob's spiritual path - though more challenging - leads to eternal rewards. This teaches us to value spiritual growth over mere physical prosperity.