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Genesis 25:22 - Fateful twins' divine struggle

Genesis 25:22 - בראשית 25:22

Hebrew Text

וַיִּתְרֹצֲצוּ הַבָּנִים בְּקִרְבָּהּ וַתֹּאמֶר אִם־כֵּן לָמָּה זֶּה אָנֹכִי וַתֵּלֶךְ לִדְרֹשׁ אֶת־יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the Lord.

Transliteration

Vayitrotzatzu habanim b'kirbah vatomer im-ken lamah zeh anochi vatelech lidrosh et-Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּתְרֹֽצְצ֤וּ הַבָּנִים֙ בְּקִרְבָּ֔הּ וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אִם־כֵּ֔ן לָ֥מָּה זֶּ֖ה אָנֹ֑כִי וַתֵּ֖לֶךְ לִדְרֹ֥שׁ אֶת־יְהֹוָֽה׃
וַיִּתְרֹֽצְצ֤וּ הַבָּנִים֙ בְּקִרְבָּ֔הּ וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אִם־כֵּ֔ן לָ֥מָּה זֶּ֖ה אָנֹ֑כִי וַתֵּ֖לֶךְ לִדְרֹ֥שׁ אֶת־יְהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Struggle Between Yaakov and Esav in the Womb

The verse (Bereishit 25:22) describes Rivka Imeinu experiencing a tumultuous pregnancy, with the twins "struggling within her." Rashi explains that this was not merely physical movement but a spiritual conflict: when Rivka passed a Beit Midrash (study hall), Yaakov would stir to leave, and when she passed a place of idolatry, Esav would stir. This foreshadows their divergent paths—Yaakov as a seeker of Torah and Esav drawn to avodah zarah (foreign worship).

Rivka's Distress and Inquiry

Rivka exclaims, "If so, why am I thus?"—expressing anguish over her suffering. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 63:6) states that she questioned why she had prayed for children if pregnancy brought such pain. Ramban suggests her distress stemmed from sensing the profound spiritual dichotomy between her sons, realizing they represented opposing forces in the divine plan.

Seeking Divine Guidance

The phrase "she went to inquire of Hashem" is interpreted by Chazal (Megillah 14a) to mean she sought prophecy at the yeshiva of Shem and Ever. According to the Sforno, Hashem revealed to her that two nations were forming within her—Yaakov's descendants destined for Torah and Avodah (service of Hashem), and Esav's inclined toward worldly power. This explains her later actions in securing the brachot for Yaakov.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Providence: Even prenatal struggles reflect Hashem's plan for Jewish history (Malbim).
  • Spiritual Sensitivity: Rivka's awareness of her sons' natures highlights a mother's insight into her children's souls (Kli Yakar).
  • Seeking Torah Guidance: Her approach to Shem and Ever models turning to Torah sages during existential questions (Rambam, Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 60a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the struggles of Rebecca during her pregnancy, illustrating the concept of divine providence and the significance of prayer in times of distress.
📖 Niddah 31a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the nature of fetal development and the struggles between Jacob and Esau in Rebecca's womb, symbolizing their future conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that the children 'struggled together' inside Rebecca?
A: Rashi explains that whenever Rebecca passed a place of Torah study (like the study hall of Shem and Ever), Jacob would 'run' to come out, and when she passed a place of idol worship, Esau would struggle to come out. This showed their different natures even before birth.
Q: Why did Rebecca say 'Why am I thus?'
A: Rebecca was distressed by the unusual pregnancy and the intense movements inside her. The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 63:6) says she was the first woman in history to experience such a difficult pregnancy, which made her seek divine guidance.
Q: Where did Rebecca go to 'inquire of the Lord'?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Rebecca went to the yeshiva (study hall) of Shem (son of Noah) and Ever to seek prophecy and understanding about her unusual pregnancy.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rebecca seeking divine guidance?
A: The Rambam teaches that Rebecca sets an example of turning to Torah scholars and seeking Hashem's wisdom when facing difficult situations, rather than relying only on human understanding.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse shows the fundamental difference between Jacob and Esau even before birth, foreshadowing their future roles - Jacob as the father of the Jewish people who values Torah, and Esau who represents opposing values. The Talmud (Yoma 28b) notes this shows our patriarchs were involved in Torah even before birth.