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Genesis 33:10 - Seeing divine favor in Esau

Genesis 33:10 - בראשית 33:10

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יַעֲקֹב אַל־נָא אִם־נָא מָצָאתִי חֵן בְּעֵינֶיךָ וְלָקַחְתָּ מִנְחָתִי מִיָּדִי כִּי עַל־כֵּן רָאִיתִי פָנֶיךָ כִּרְאֹת פְּנֵי אֱלֹהִים וַתִּרְצֵנִי׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov said, By no means, if now I have found favour in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for truly I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of an angel, and thou wast pleased with me.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Yaakov al-na im-na matzati chen be'einecha velakachta minchati miyadi ki al-ken ra'iti panecha kir'ot pnei Elohim vatirtzeni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֗ב אַל־נָא֙ אִם־נָ֨א מָצָ֤אתִי חֵן֙ בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ וְלָקַחְתָּ֥ מִנְחָתִ֖י מִיָּדִ֑י כִּ֣י עַל־כֵּ֞ן רָאִ֣יתִי פָנֶ֗יךָ כִּרְאֹ֛ת פְּנֵ֥י אֱלֹהִ֖ים וַתִּרְצֵֽנִי׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֗ב אַל־נָא֙ אִם־נָ֨א מָצָ֤אתִי חֵן֙ בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ וְלָקַחְתָּ֥ מִנְחָתִ֖י מִיָּדִ֑י כִּ֣י עַל־כֵּ֞ן רָאִ֣יתִי פָנֶ֗יךָ כִּרְאֹ֛ת פְּנֵ֥י אֱלֹהִ֖ים וַתִּרְצֵֽנִי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 33:10) occurs during Yaakov's reunion with his brother Eisav after many years of separation. Yaakov, fearing Eisav's anger, had prepared gifts (מִנְחָה) to appease him. When Eisav initially refuses the gifts, Yaakov insists, using this heartfelt plea.

Yaakov's Humility and Diplomacy

Rashi explains that Yaakov's phrasing "אַל־נָא" ("By no means") demonstrates his humility and insistence that Eisav accept the gift as a gesture of goodwill. The term "אִם־נָא" ("if now") reflects Yaakov's careful diplomacy, acknowledging Eisav's potential reluctance while emphasizing his own sincerity.

Seeing the Face of an Angel

The phrase "כִּרְאֹת פְּנֵי אֱלֹהִים" ("as though I had seen the face of an angel") is interpreted in several ways:

  • Rashi: Suggests that Yaakov compares seeing Eisav's face to his earlier encounter with the angel (during the struggle at Penu'el), implying that just as he survived that divine encounter, he now survives this meeting with Eisav.
  • Ramban: Proposes that Yaakov is expressing gratitude that Eisav received him with kindness, as if he were a divine being, showing that Eisav's anger had subsided.
  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (78:12): Teaches that Yaakov is acknowledging that Eisav's face resembled that of an angel in this moment, indicating a temporary elevation in Eisav's spiritual stature due to his willingness to reconcile.

The Significance of the Gift

Yaakov emphasizes that the gift is not merely material but symbolic of their restored relationship. The Sforno notes that the gift represents Yaakov's desire for peace, reinforcing that Eisav's acceptance signifies divine favor ("וַתִּרְצֵנִי"—"and thou wast pleased with me").

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

  • Seeking Reconciliation: Yaakov's approach exemplifies the importance of pursuing peace (דְּרִישַׁת שָׁלוֹם), even with those who may have harbored hostility (Pirkei Avot 1:12).
  • Gifts as a Means of Peace: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 92a) derives from this episode that gifts can soften tensions, a principle applied in halachic discussions of dispute resolution.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yaakov mean when he says 'I have seen your face like seeing the face of an angel'?
A: Yaakov is expressing his deep gratitude and awe after reuniting with his brother Eisav. Rashi explains that Yaakov is saying that seeing Eisav's favorable reaction was as comforting as seeing a divine presence (malach), since he had feared Eisav would harm him. This shows how Hashem protected Yaakov and softened Eisav's heart.
Q: Why did Yaakov insist on giving Eisav a gift?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 78:11) teaches that Yaakov wanted to fulfill the mitzvah of giving gifts to appease Eisav, based on the principle 'a present makes room for a person' (Proverbs 18:16). Ramban adds that this was also repayment for the blessings Yaakov had taken, showing his desire to make amends according to halachic principles.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's approach to confronting Eisav?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 95a) derives from this episode the importance of preparing through prayer, diplomacy (sending gifts), and self-defense when facing danger. Yaakov's threefold approach (prayer, gifts, readiness for war) becomes a model for dealing with conflicts according to Jewish tradition.
Q: How does this verse show Yaakov's growth in character?
A: The Sforno notes that earlier Yaakov feared Eisav, but here he speaks with confidence, showing his spiritual growth through his struggles with Lavan and wrestling with the angel. This demonstrates how challenges refine a person's character, a key Jewish concept called 'hishtadlut' (proper effort with trust in Hashem).
Q: Why does Yaakov say 'if I have found favor in your eyes'? Isn't this unnecessary after Eisav embraced him?
A: Kli Yakar explains that Yaakov was teaching proper derech eretz (respectful conduct) - even when reconciliation seems certain, one should still speak humbly and not assume another's goodwill. This aligns with Pirkei Avot's teaching (2:1) to be careful with interpersonal relationships.