Genesis 31:1 - Lavan's sons accuse Yaakov

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 31:1) describes Yaakov overhearing the complaints of Lavan's sons, who accuse him of taking their father's wealth and using it to build his own prosperity. This occurs after Yaakov had worked for Lavan for many years, during which Hashem blessed him with great material success.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Lavan's sons were jealous of Yaakov's success, attributing it to their father's wealth rather than recognizing that it came from Hashem's blessing. Rashi notes that their accusation—"he has taken all that was our father's"—reflects their misunderstanding of the situation, as Yaakov had rightfully earned his wealth through his labor and divine favor.

Ramban's Insight

The Ramban adds that Lavan's sons failed to acknowledge the miraculous nature of Yaakov's success. Despite Lavan's repeated attempts to deceive Yaakov (e.g., switching his wages), Hashem ensured Yaakov's flocks thrived. The phrase "all this glory" (כל הכבוד הזה) refers not only to material wealth but also to the divine providence evident in Yaakov's life.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 74:7) highlights the irony in Lavan's sons' words. They accused Yaakov of taking "all that was our father's," yet earlier (Bereshit 30:35), Lavan had removed all the spotted and speckled animals—precisely those that would later become Yaakov's. Thus, Yaakov's wealth came from Hashem's intervention, not from Lavan's flocks.

Moral Lesson

• Jealousy blinds: Lavan's sons could not recognize divine blessing, attributing Yaakov's success to theft rather than righteousness.
• Divine justice: Yaakov's prosperity was a reward for his integrity despite Lavan's deception, as emphasized in the Talmud (Megillah 13b).
• Bitachon (trust in Hashem): The verse underscores that true success comes from Hashem, not human efforts alone.