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Genesis 27:14 - Deception's savory preparation unfolds.

Genesis 27:14 - בראשית 27:14

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּלֶךְ וַיִּקַּח וַיָּבֵא לְאִמּוֹ וַתַּעַשׂ אִמּוֹ מַטְעַמִּים כַּאֲשֶׁר אָהֵב אָבִיו׃

English Translation

And he went, and fetched, and brought them to his mother: and his mother made savoury food, such as his father loved.

Transliteration

Vayelekh vayikach vayave le'imo vata'as imo mat'amim ka'asher ahev aviv.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙ וַיִּקַּ֔ח וַיָּבֵ֖א לְאִמּ֑וֹ וַתַּ֤עַשׂ אִמּוֹ֙ מַטְעַמִּ֔ים כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר אָהֵ֥ב אָבִֽיו׃
וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙ וַיִּקַּ֔ח וַיָּבֵ֖א לְאִמּ֑וֹ וַתַּ֤עַשׂ אִמּוֹ֙ מַטְעַמִּ֔ים כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר אָהֵ֥ב אָבִֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 27:14) describes Yaakov (Jacob) fulfilling his mother Rivka's (Rebecca's) instruction to prepare savory food for his father Yitzchak (Isaac), who intended to bless Eisav (Esau). The verse highlights the active roles of both Yaakov and Rivka in securing the blessings meant for the firstborn.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Genesis 27:14) explains that the phrase "וַיֵּלֶךְ וַיִּקַּח וַיָּבֵא" ("And he went, and fetched, and brought") emphasizes Yaakov's swift and unquestioning obedience to his mother's directive. Rashi notes that this threefold action demonstrates Yaakov's diligence in fulfilling the mitzvah of honoring his parents (kibbud av va'em), despite the moral complexity of the situation.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra observes that the phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר אָהֵב אָבִיו" ("such as his father loved") indicates Rivka's intimate knowledge of Yitzchak's preferences. This suggests that Rivka acted not out of deception alone but from a deep understanding of the spiritual necessity to ensure the blessings went to the more righteous son, Yaakov.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 65:14) elaborates that the "מַטְעַמִּים" ("savory food") prepared by Rivka was not merely physical nourishment but symbolized the spiritual nourishment Yaakov would provide as the bearer of the covenant. The Midrash contrasts this with Eisav's offerings, which were rooted in materialism.

Rambam's Ethical Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 6:3) discusses the principle of תּוֹרַת אֵם ("a mother's teaching") in the context of this narrative. He explains that Rivka's instruction to Yaakov was aligned with divine will, as it ensured the continuity of Avraham's legacy through the appropriate lineage, despite the apparent deception involved.

Key Lessons

  • Honoring Parents: Yaakov's immediate compliance underscores the importance of kibbud av va'em, even in challenging circumstances.
  • Divine Providence: Rivka's actions were guided by prophetic insight (Rashi, Genesis 25:22), ensuring the fulfillment of Hashem's plan.
  • Spiritual vs. Physical: The "savory food" represents the spiritual legacy Yaakov would carry, as opposed to Eisav's focus on temporal pleasures.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the savory food that Rivka (Rebecca) prepared for Yitzchak (Isaac)?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, the savory food that Rivka prepared was meant to resemble the taste of the meat that Yitzchak loved, which was from the game that Eisav (Esau) typically hunted. This was part of Rivka's plan to ensure that Yaakov (Jacob) would receive Yitzchak's blessings, as Hashem had told her that Yaakov was destined to be the spiritual heir.
Q: Why did Yaakov listen to his mother Rivka and bring the food to Yitzchak?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 13a) teaches that honoring one's parents is a fundamental mitzvah (commandment). Yaakov obeyed his mother because he trusted her wisdom and knew she was acting according to Hashem's will. Additionally, the Midrash explains that Rivka was a prophetess and understood the divine plan for Yaakov to receive the blessings.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rivka preparing food 'such as his father loved'?
A: This teaches the importance of understanding and catering to another person's preferences, especially when performing acts of kindness. The Sages highlight that Rivka went out of her way to prepare the food exactly as Yitzchak liked it, showing sensitivity and thoughtfulness—a lesson in how we should treat others, particularly our parents.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yaakov and Eisav?
A: This moment is pivotal in the Torah's narrative, as it sets the stage for Yaakov receiving the blessings meant for the firstborn. The Midrash explains that Rivka acted based on divine insight, knowing that Yaakov was spiritually suited to carry forward Avraham's legacy. The food preparation was a means to fulfill Hashem's plan, despite Eisav being the biological firstborn.