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Genesis 25:23 - Elder serves younger: Divine destiny?

Genesis 25:23 - בראשית 25:23

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה לָהּ שְׁנֵי גיים [גוֹיִם] בְּבִטְנֵךְ וּשְׁנֵי לְאֻמִּים מִמֵּעַיִךְ יִפָּרֵדוּ וּלְאֹם מִלְאֹם יֶאֱמָץ וְרַב יַעֲבֹד צָעִיר׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two peoples shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.

Transliteration

Vayomer Adonai lah shnei goyim bvitnech ushnei leumim mimeayich yiparedu uleom mileom yeematz verav yaavod tza'ir.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה לָ֗הּ שְׁנֵ֤י <span class="mam-kq"><span class="mam-kq-k">(גיים)</span> <span class="mam-kq-q">[גוֹיִם֙]</span></span> בְּבִטְנֵ֔ךְ וּשְׁנֵ֣י לְאֻמִּ֔ים מִמֵּעַ֖יִךְ יִפָּרֵ֑דוּ וּלְאֹם֙ מִלְאֹ֣ם יֶֽאֱמָ֔ץ וְרַ֖ב יַעֲבֹ֥ד צָעִֽיר׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה לָ֗הּ שְׁנֵ֤י (גיים) [גוֹיִם֙] בְּבִטְנֵ֔ךְ וּשְׁנֵ֣י לְאֻמִּ֔ים מִמֵּעַ֖יִךְ יִפָּרֵ֑דוּ וּלְאֹם֙ מִלְאֹ֣ם יֶֽאֱמָ֔ץ וְרַ֖ב יַעֲבֹ֥ד צָעִֽיר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 25:23) is part of the narrative where Rivka (Rebecca) inquires of Hashem regarding the struggle in her womb between her unborn twins, Yaakov (Jacob) and Esav (Esau). The prophecy reveals the future destinies of their descendants—the Jewish people (from Yaakov) and Edom (from Esav).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the term "גויים" (nations) refers to Yaakov and Esav, who would father two distinct nations. The phrase "ולאם מלאם יאמץ" (one people shall be stronger than the other) indicates that their power would not be equal—when one rises, the other falls. Rashi further clarifies that "ורב יעבד צעיר" (the elder shall serve the younger) refers to Esav (the elder) serving Yaakov (the younger), though this would not be a permanent state but rather dependent on merit (Rashi on Bereshit 25:23).

Ramban's Insight

The Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that the struggle between Yaakov and Esav symbolizes the eternal conflict between the spiritual path of Torah (Yaakov) and the materialistic, worldly pursuits (Esav). The prophecy foretells that despite Esav's initial physical dominance, Yaakov's descendants would ultimately prevail through their spiritual strength (Ramban on Bereshit 25:23).

Midrashic Interpretations

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 63:6) notes that Rivka felt turmoil when passing places of idolatry (Esav's inclination) and places of Torah study (Yaakov's inclination), symbolizing their divergent paths.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma, Toledot 1) teaches that the phrase "ורב יעבד צעיר" hints at the future subjugation of Edom (Rome) by Israel in the Messianic era.

Halachic and Historical Implications

The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 11a) discusses how the rivalry between Yaakov and Esav manifests in historical conflicts between Israel and Rome (Edom's descendant). The Sages interpret this verse as a reminder that Jewish survival depends on spiritual devotion, as physical dominance shifts between nations based on divine decree.

Ibn Ezra's Perspective

Ibn Ezra emphasizes the linguistic nuance of "גויים" vs. "לאמים", suggesting that "גויים" refers to their national identities, while "לאמים" refers to their cultural and ideological differences. This duality underscores the fundamental divide between Yaakov's and Esav's worldviews (Ibn Ezra on Bereshit 25:23).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 119b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the future redemption and the relationship between Esau and Jacob.
📖 Niddah 31a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the formation of twins and the nature of their relationship.
📖 Berakhot 7b
The verse is cited in a discussion about divine prophecy and the destinies of Jacob and Esau.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 25:23 mean when it says 'two nations are in your womb'?
A: This verse refers to Rivka (Rebecca) being told that she was carrying twins who would become the founders of two distinct nations—Yaakov (Jacob) and Esav (Esau). Rashi explains that these two brothers would have fundamentally different paths: Yaakov would be righteous, while Esav would be wicked. Their descendants, the Jewish people and the nation of Edom (often associated with Rome in Jewish tradition), would have an ongoing historical struggle.
Q: Why does the verse say 'the elder shall serve the younger'?
A: Normally, the firstborn (Esav) would have the birthright and leadership role, but Hashem revealed that the younger (Yaakov) would ultimately prevail. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 63:7) explains that this reversal was due to their inherent natures—Yaakov was worthy of spiritual leadership, while Esav's descendants would dominate temporarily in physical power but ultimately submit to Yaakov's descendants in the Messianic era.
Q: How does Genesis 25:23 apply to Jewish history?
A: This prophecy foreshadowed the long conflict between the Jewish people (descendants of Yaakov) and the nations descended from Esav (historically linked to oppressive empires like Rome). The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this tension continues throughout history, but the verse ultimately assures that the righteous lineage of Yaakov will prevail in the end.
Q: What lesson can we learn from 'two peoples shall be separated from your bowels'?
A: The separation between Yaakov and Esav teaches that even within the same family, there can be completely divergent spiritual paths. The Talmud (Sotah 12b) uses this idea to explain how destiny is shaped by individual choices—Yaakov chose a life of Torah, while Esav pursued worldly power. This reminds us that our actions define our legacy.
Q: Why did Hashem reveal this prophecy specifically to Rivka and not Yitzchak (Isaac)?
A: Rashi (on Genesis 25:22) explains that Rivka sought prophecy because she felt unusual turmoil during her pregnancy—the twins struggled when she passed places of Torah (like the study hall of Shem and Ever) or idolatry. Hashem answered her directly to reassure her that this conflict was part of a divine plan, highlighting her unique role as a matriarch in shaping Jewish destiny.