share torah logo

Genesis 27:17 - Mother's deception aids destiny.

Genesis 27:17 - בראשית 27:17

Hebrew Text

וַתִּתֵּן אֶת־הַמַּטְעַמִּים וְאֶת־הַלֶּחֶם אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂתָה בְּיַד יַעֲקֹב בְּנָהּ׃

English Translation

and she gave the savoury food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Ya῾aqov.

Transliteration

Vatiten et-hamta'amim ve'et-halechem asher asata b'yad Ya'akov benah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתִּתֵּ֧ן אֶת־הַמַּטְעַמִּ֛ים וְאֶת־הַלֶּ֖חֶם אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֑תָה בְּיַ֖ד יַעֲקֹ֥ב בְּנָֽהּ׃
וַתִּתֵּ֧ן אֶת־הַמַּטְעַמִּ֛ים וְאֶת־הַלֶּ֖חֶם אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֑תָה בְּיַ֖ד יַעֲקֹ֥ב בְּנָֽהּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 27:17) describes Rivka (Rebecca) giving Yaakov (Jacob) the savory food and bread she had prepared, which he would later present to his father Yitzchak (Isaac) to receive the blessings intended for Esav (Esau). This moment is pivotal in the narrative of the patriarchal blessings.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the term "הַמַּטְעַמִּים" (the savory food) refers to dishes that stimulate the appetite, as Yitzchak had requested Esav to prepare food "as I love" (Bereshit 27:4). Rivka ensured that the food Yaakov brought would be pleasing to Yitzchak’s taste, increasing the likelihood of the ruse succeeding.

Rashi also notes that the phrase "בְּיַד יַעֲקֹב בְּנָהּ" (into the hand of her son Yaakov) emphasizes Rivka’s active role in orchestrating the plan. She did not merely instruct Yaakov but personally handed him the food, demonstrating her determination that Yaakov receive the blessings.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 65:16) elaborates that Rivka’s actions were guided by divine inspiration (רוח הקודש), as she knew through prophecy that Yaakov was the rightful heir to the blessings. The Midrash also highlights that the food was prepared with great care, symbolizing the importance of the moment.

  • Spiritual Significance: The "savory food" represents the sweetness of Torah and mitzvot, which Yaakov embodied, in contrast to Esav’s worldly pursuits.
  • Maternal Wisdom: Rivka’s involvement underscores the role of righteous women in ensuring the continuity of the covenant.

Rambam's Perspective

While Rambam does not comment directly on this verse, his principles in Hilchot De'ot (Laws of Ethical Conduct) emphasize the importance of acting with wisdom and foresight. Rivka’s actions align with this ideal, as she carefully planned to fulfill the divine will despite the apparent deception involved.

Halachic and Ethical Considerations

The Talmud (Makot 24a) discusses the concept of "עקבה" (deception for a greater purpose), which some commentators apply to Rivka’s actions. While deception is generally prohibited, in this case, it was justified to ensure the blessings went to the spiritually worthy son.

Additionally, the act of preparing food with such care teaches the importance of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying a commandment), as Rivka sought to make the food as appealing as possible to honor Yitzchak.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Rivka giving the food to Yaakov in Genesis 27:17?
A: According to Rashi, this verse shows Rivka's active role in ensuring that Yaakov would receive the blessings meant for the firstborn. The food she prepared was meant to mimic the taste of game that Yitzchak loved, so Yaakov could successfully present himself as Eisav (Genesis 27:9). This demonstrates Rivka's understanding of the prophecy that Yaakov was meant to receive the blessings (Genesis 25:23).
Q: Why does the Torah specify that Rivka gave the food 'into the hand of her son Yaakov'?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 65:16) notes the emphasis on 'her son Yaakov' to show Rivka's special love and care for Yaakov. Unlike Eisav who hunted and prepared food himself, Rivka personally prepared and handed the food to Yaakov, showing her maternal devotion and her role in fulfilling G-d's plan for Yaakov to receive the blessings.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rivka preparing food for Yaakov in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 13b) derives from this that righteous women play a crucial role in Jewish destiny. Rivka's actions teach us that sometimes we must take active steps (within halachic boundaries) to ensure spiritual truths are fulfilled. Her preparation of the food shows foresight and dedication to G-d's will, even when the situation seems difficult.