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Genesis 32:21 - Can gifts soften Esau's anger?

Genesis 32:21 - בראשית 32:21

Hebrew Text

וַאֲמַרְתֶּם גַּם הִנֵּה עַבְדְּךָ יַעֲקֹב אַחֲרֵינוּ כִּי־אָמַר אֲכַפְּרָה פָנָיו בַּמִּנְחָה הַהֹלֶכֶת לְפָנָי וְאַחֲרֵי־כֵן אֶרְאֶה פָנָיו אוּלַי יִשָּׂא פָנָי׃

English Translation

And say moreover, Behold, thy servant Ya῾aqov is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterwards I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.

Transliteration

Va'amartem gam hine avdekha Ya'akov achareinu ki-amar achapera panav bamincha haholekhet lefanai ve'acharei-khen ere'eh panav ulai yisa panai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם גַּ֗ם הִנֵּ֛ה עַבְדְּךָ֥ יַעֲקֹ֖ב אַחֲרֵ֑ינוּ כִּֽי־אָמַ֞ר אֲכַפְּרָ֣ה פָנָ֗יו בַּמִּנְחָה֙ הַהֹלֶ֣כֶת לְפָנָ֔י וְאַחֲרֵי־כֵן֙ אֶרְאֶ֣ה פָנָ֔יו אוּלַ֖י יִשָּׂ֥א פָנָֽי׃
וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם גַּ֗ם הִנֵּ֛ה עַבְדְּךָ֥ יַעֲקֹ֖ב אַחֲרֵ֑ינוּ כִּֽי־אָמַ֞ר אֲכַפְּרָ֣ה פָנָ֗יו בַּמִּנְחָה֙ הַהֹלֶ֣כֶת לְפָנָ֔י וְאַחֲרֵי־כֵן֙ אֶרְאֶ֣ה פָנָ֔יו אוּלַ֖י יִשָּׂ֥א פָנָֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 32:21) appears in the narrative of Yaakov preparing to meet his brother Esav after many years of separation. Yaakov sends messengers ahead with gifts to appease Esav, fearing his brother's anger. The verse reflects Yaakov's cautious strategy of appeasement before a direct encounter.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yaakov instructed his servants to tell Esav that he was following behind the gifts ("אחרינו" – "behind us"). This phrasing was deliberate to imply humility and deference, suggesting Yaakov was not approaching as an equal but as a servant ("עבדך יעקב" – "your servant Yaakov"). Rashi notes that Yaakov's strategy was to soften Esav's heart with gifts before facing him directly.

Rambam's Perspective on Appeasement

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) discusses the importance of seeking peace and reconciliation, even through material gestures. Yaakov's approach aligns with this principle, as he uses the mincha (offering/gift) as a means to achieve kaparah (atonement or appeasement). This demonstrates the Torah's endorsement of proactive efforts to resolve conflicts.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (76:3): The Midrash highlights Yaakov's wisdom in sending gifts ahead, comparing it to one who throws bread to a dog before entering a house—a strategy to pacify potential hostility.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayishlach 4): Emphasizes Yaakov's humility in referring to himself as Esav's servant, showing that even the righteous must sometimes humble themselves before adversaries to ensure peace.

Theological Implications

The phrase "אולי ישא פני" ("perhaps he will accept me") reflects Yaakov's uncertainty and reliance on divine mercy. The Sforno explains that Yaakov recognized his own unworthiness and the need for divine intervention, despite his efforts. This teaches the balance between hishtadlut (human effort) and bitachon (trust in Hashem).

Practical Lessons

  • Conflict Resolution: Yaakov's approach models the importance of humility and tangible gestures in reconciling with others.
  • Trust in Hashem: Even after taking practical steps, Yaakov acknowledges that ultimate success depends on divine favor.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov (Jacob) send a gift ahead to Esav (Esau)?
A: Yaakov sent gifts ahead to appease Esav and seek reconciliation, as Rashi explains (on Genesis 32:21) that Yaakov was preparing in three ways: 1) With gifts (to soften Esav's anger), 2) With prayer (to ask Hashem for protection), and 3) With preparation for war (in case the other methods failed). This shows the importance of making effort (hishtadlus) even when relying on Hashem's help.
Q: What does 'perhaps he will accept me' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'perhaps he will accept me' (אוּלַי יִשָּׂא פָנָי) shows Yaakov's humility and uncertainty, despite Hashem's promise to protect him. As the Ramban explains, even with divine promises, we must act with humility and make human efforts. Yaakov recognized that his merits might not be sufficient, so he prepared carefully and prayed for success.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's preparation to meet Esav?
A: The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 76:2) teaches that Yaakov's approach gives us a model for dealing with conflicts: 1) Try to make peace through kind gestures (the gifts), 2) Pray to Hashem for help, and 3) Be prepared to defend yourself if necessary. This balanced approach applies to many life situations where we must combine faith with practical action.