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Genesis 27:40 - Edom's future rebellion foretold

Genesis 27:40 - בראשית 27:40

Hebrew Text

וְעַל־חַרְבְּךָ תִחְיֶה וְאֶת־אָחִיךָ תַּעֲבֹד וְהָיָה כַּאֲשֶׁר תָּרִיד וּפָרַקְתָּ עֻלּוֹ מֵעַל צַוָּארֶךָ׃

English Translation

and by thy sword shalt thou live, and thou shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.

Transliteration

Ve'al-charb'cha tichye ve'et-achicha ta'avod ve'haya ka'asher tarid u'farakta ulo me'al tzavarecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַל־חַרְבְּךָ֣ תִֽחְיֶ֔ה וְאֶת־אָחִ֖יךָ תַּעֲבֹ֑ד וְהָיָה֙ כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר תָּרִ֔יד וּפָרַקְתָּ֥ עֻלּ֖וֹ מֵעַ֥ל צַוָּארֶֽךָ׃
וְעַל־חַרְבְּךָ֣ תִֽחְיֶ֔ה וְאֶת־אָחִ֖יךָ תַּעֲבֹ֑ד וְהָיָה֙ כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר תָּרִ֔יד וּפָרַקְתָּ֥ עֻלּ֖וֹ מֵעַ֥ל צַוָּארֶֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 27:40) is part of Yitzchak's blessing to his son Eisav after realizing that Yaakov had received the primary blessing intended for Eisav. The verse reflects the complex relationship between Yaakov and Eisav, symbolizing the future dynamics between their descendants—the Jewish people (Yaakov) and the nation of Edom (Eisav).

Explanation of the Verse

The verse contains three key components:

  • "By thy sword shalt thou live" - Rashi explains that Eisav's descendants will sustain themselves through violence and warfare, as Edom historically relied on military conquest (e.g., the Roman Empire). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 67:7) adds that Eisav's livelihood depends on the sword, contrasting with Yaakov's reliance on Torah and peaceful means.
  • "And thou shalt serve thy brother" - Ramban notes that this refers to the subjugation of Eisav's descendants to Yaakov's descendants at certain times in history. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 2b) discusses how Edom will eventually acknowledge the supremacy of Israel in the Messianic era.
  • "When thou shalt have the dominion, thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck" - The Sforno interprets this as a cyclical relationship: when Eisav gains power, he will rebel against Yaakov's rule, but ultimately, Yaakov's descendants will prevail (as prophesied in Ovadiah 1:21).

Symbolism and Future Redemption

The Malbim emphasizes that this verse outlines the historical struggle between Yaakov and Eisav. The "yoke" represents periods of Jewish exile under Edomite (Roman/Christian) domination, but the eventual "breaking" of the yoke signifies the ultimate redemption when the Jewish people will be freed from oppression. The Kli Yakar connects this to the idea that Eisav's power is temporary, while Yaakov's spiritual legacy is eternal.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:4) derives from this verse that Jews are permitted to defend themselves against hostile nations like Edom. However, the Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) cautions that reliance on the sword (like Eisav) is not the Jewish ideal; rather, our strength comes from Torah and divine providence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 7b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about divine justice and the fate of Esau and Jacob, illustrating the complex relationship between the brothers as foretold in Genesis.
📖 Avodah Zarah 11b
Cited in a broader discussion about the interactions between Israel and other nations, reflecting on the historical and eschatological dimensions of the verse's prophecy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 27:40 mean when it says 'by thy sword shalt thou live'?
A: This verse is part of Yitzchak's (Isaac's) blessing to his son Esav (Esau). Rashi explains that 'by thy sword shalt thou live' refers to Esav's descendants, who would live by violence and war (like the Roman Empire). It signifies that Esav's livelihood and power would come through military strength rather than peaceful means.
Q: Why did Yitzchak say 'thou shalt serve thy brother' in Genesis 27:40?
A: This refers to the subjugation of Esav's descendants to Yaakov's (Jacob's) descendants. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 2b) explains that historically, the Jewish people suffered under the rule of Esav's descendants (like Rome). However, the verse also contains a promise that this subjugation would not be permanent.
Q: What is the significance of 'when thou shalt have the dominion' in Genesis 27:40?
A: This hints at the eventual downfall of Esav's domination over Yaakov. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 67:7) explains that when Yaakov's descendants properly observe Torah, they will merit to 'break the yoke' of oppression from Esav's descendants. This has been partially fulfilled throughout Jewish history when oppressive regimes fell.
Q: How does Genesis 27:40 apply to Jewish life today?
A: The verse teaches that while Jews have historically suffered under foreign rule (symbolized by Esav), there is hope for redemption. The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 11:1) explains that ultimately, when Mashiach comes, all oppression will cease. Today, we strive through Torah observance to hasten that final redemption.
Q: What is the 'yoke' mentioned in Genesis 27:40?
A: The 'yoke' symbolizes the oppression and subjugation that Esav's descendants would impose upon Yaakov's descendants. Rashi explains that this refers to the various exiles and persecutions Jews would endure. The promise of breaking the yoke gives hope for eventual freedom, as seen in many periods of Jewish history when oppressive regimes fell.