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Genesis 27:44 - Flee until anger cools

Genesis 27:44 - בראשית 27:44

Hebrew Text

וְיָשַׁבְתָּ עִמּוֹ יָמִים אֲחָדִים עַד אֲשֶׁר־תָּשׁוּב חֲמַת אָחִיךָ׃

English Translation

and dwell with him a few days, until thy brother’s fury turn away;

Transliteration

Veyashavta imo yamim achadim ad asher-tashuv khamat achikha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיָשַׁבְתָּ֥ עִמּ֖וֹ יָמִ֣ים אֲחָדִ֑ים עַ֥ד אֲשֶׁר־תָּשׁ֖וּב חֲמַ֥ת אָחִֽיךָ׃
וְיָשַׁבְתָּ֥ עִמּ֖וֹ יָמִ֣ים אֲחָדִ֑ים עַ֥ד אֲשֶׁר־תָּשׁ֖וּב חֲמַ֥ת אָחִֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Genesis 27:44) appears in the narrative where Rivka (Rebecca) advises Yaakov (Jacob) to flee from his brother Esav (Esau), who seeks to kill him after Yaakov receives Yitzchak’s (Isaac’s) blessing. Rivka instructs Yaakov to stay with her brother Lavan in Charan until Esav’s anger subsides.

Rashi’s Commentary

Rashi explains the phrase "וְיָשַׁבְתָּ עִמּוֹ יָמִים אֲחָדִים" ("and dwell with him a few days") as meaning that Yaakov should remain with Lavan only temporarily. Rashi notes that Rivka assumed Yaakov would return shortly, but in reality, he stayed for many years—first to marry Leah and Rachel, and later due to Lavan’s deceit. This reflects the principle that human plans are subject to divine providence (based on Proverbs 19:21).

Ibn Ezra’s Insight

Ibn Ezra emphasizes the phrase "עַד אֲשֶׁר־תָּשׁוּב חֲמַת אָחִיךָ" ("until thy brother’s fury turn away"), interpreting it as a practical measure: Rivka understood that Esav’s anger, though intense, would not last forever. This aligns with the Talmudic concept (Nedarim 22b) that intense emotions, even righteous anger, eventually dissipate with time.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 67:9) elaborates that Rivka’s instruction was divinely inspired. The "few days" hint at the 20 years Yaakov would spend in Lavan’s house, after which Esav’s anger would indeed cool. The Midrash connects this to Yaakov’s later statement (Genesis 31:38) that he served Lavan for "twenty years," showing how divine wisdom guided Rivka’s words.

Halachic Perspective (Rambam)

Rambam (Hilchot De’ot 2:3) cites this verse indirectly when discussing the importance of avoiding conflict and allowing time for reconciliation. Yaakov’s temporary exile exemplifies the wisdom of distancing oneself from danger until hostilities abate, a principle applicable in interpersonal disputes (based on Talmud, Sanhedrin 32a).

Key Lessons

  • Divine Providence: Human plans are ultimately guided by Hashem’s will, as seen in Yaakov’s extended stay.
  • Emotional Wisdom: Time tempers anger, and strategic distance can prevent escalation (as with Esav’s fury).
  • Trust in Redemption: Rivka’s assurance reflects the Jewish belief that hardships are temporary, and reconciliation is possible.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 27:44 mean?
A: Genesis 27:44 is part of Rivka's (Rebecca's) advice to her son Yaakov (Jacob) to flee from his brother Esav's (Esau's) anger after receiving the blessings from their father Yitzchak (Isaac). She tells Yaakov to stay with her brother Lavan in Charan for a short time until Esav's anger subsides. Rashi explains that Rivka thought Esav's anger would fade quickly, but in reality, Yaakov ended up staying much longer—highlighting how human plans don't always unfold as expected.
Q: Why is Genesis 27:44 important?
A: This verse is important because it marks the beginning of Yaakov's journey away from his family, leading to pivotal events in Jewish history—his marriage to Rachel and Leah, the birth of the 12 tribes, and his eventual return to Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) notes that Rivka’s advice was divinely guided, ensuring Yaakov’s survival and the fulfillment of Hashem’s plan for the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 27:44?
A: We learn the importance of heeding wise counsel (like Yaakov listening to his mother) and trusting in Hashem’s plan, even when circumstances don’t unfold as we expect. The Talmud (Megillah 6a) teaches that a person should always be flexible in their plans, as Rivka’s prediction of 'a few days' turned into 20 years—yet this was part of a greater divine purpose.
Q: How does Genesis 27:44 apply today?
A: This verse reminds us that conflicts (like family disputes) sometimes require temporary separation for emotions to cool. The Rambam (Hilchot Dei’ot 6:6) advises avoiding confrontation when someone is angry. Additionally, it teaches patience—Yaakov’s 'short stay' became decades, showing that we must trust in Hashem’s timing even when our plans change.