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Genesis 27:41 - Brotherly hate's deadly consequence?

Genesis 27:41 - בראשית 27:41

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׂטֹם עֵשָׂו אֶת־יַעֲקֹב עַל־הַבְּרָכָה אֲשֶׁר בֵּרֲכוֹ אָבִיו וַיֹּאמֶר עֵשָׂו בְּלִבּוֹ יִקְרְבוּ יְמֵי אֵבֶל אָבִי וְאַהַרְגָה אֶת־יַעֲקֹב אָחִי׃

English Translation

And ῾Esav hated Ya῾aqov because of the blessing with which his father blessed him: and ῾Esav said in his heart, When the days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Ya῾aqov.

Transliteration

Va-yistom Esav et-Yaakov al-ha-bracha asher beirakho aviv va-yomer Esav be-libo yikr'vu yemei evel avi ve-ahargah et-Yaakov achi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׂטֹ֤ם עֵשָׂו֙ אֶֽת־יַעֲקֹ֔ב עַ֨ל־הַבְּרָכָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר בֵּרְכ֖וֹ אָבִ֑יו וַיֹּ֨אמֶר עֵשָׂ֜ו בְּלִבּ֗וֹ יִקְרְבוּ֙ יְמֵי֙ אֵ֣בֶל אָבִ֔י וְאַֽהַרְגָ֖ה אֶת־יַעֲקֹ֥ב אָחִֽי׃
וַיִּשְׂטֹ֤ם עֵשָׂו֙ אֶֽת־יַעֲקֹ֔ב עַ֨ל־הַבְּרָכָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר בֵּרְכ֖וֹ אָבִ֑יו וַיֹּ֨אמֶר עֵשָׂ֜ו בְּלִבּ֗וֹ יִקְרְבוּ֙ יְמֵי֙ אֵ֣בֶל אָבִ֔י וְאַֽהַרְגָ֖ה אֶת־יַעֲקֹ֥ב אָחִֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Esav's Hatred for Yaakov

The verse states: "And Esav hated Yaakov because of the blessing with which his father blessed him" (Bereishit 27:41). Rashi explains that Esav's hatred stemmed from the blessings Yitzchak bestowed upon Yaakov, particularly the blessing of material prosperity and dominion (Bereishit 27:28-29). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 67:4) elaborates that Esav's resentment was not merely about the loss of blessings but also the perceived deception, as he believed Yaakov had usurped what was rightfully his.

Esav's Sinister Plan

Esav declares in his heart: "When the days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Yaakov". The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) notes that Esav's intention to delay his vengeance until after Yitzchak's death reveals his twisted sense of honor—he did not wish to cause his father grief during his lifetime. Ramban (Bereishit 27:41) adds that Esav's hatred was so deep that he concealed his murderous intent, speaking only "in his heart," demonstrating his cunning nature.

Spiritual vs. Physical Conflict

The Sforno explains that the conflict between Yaakov and Esav represents a broader struggle between spiritual and worldly values. Yaakov, who valued the birthright and divine blessings, stood in opposition to Esav, who prioritized physical power and material gain. The Midrash Tanchuma (Toldot 8) emphasizes that Esav's hatred was not merely personal but symbolic of the eternal tension between the descendants of Yaakov (the Jewish people) and the nations who oppose them.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Concealed Hatred: Esav's hidden malice teaches the danger of harboring resentment in one's heart, as Pirkei Avot (2:11) warns against hidden hatred.
  • Honor for Parents: Even in his wickedness, Esav displayed a perverse respect for his father by delaying his revenge, highlighting the importance of kibud av v'em (honoring parents).
  • Divine Providence: The verse foreshadows the eventual exile and persecution of Yaakov's descendants, yet also hints at their ultimate survival, as Hashem protects Yaakov from Esav's plot.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the hatred of Esau towards Jacob, illustrating the consequences of jealousy and the importance of brotherly love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Esav hate Yaakov?
A: Esav hated Yaakov because their father Yitzchak gave Yaakov the blessings that Esav felt should have been his. This is explained in Rashi (Genesis 27:41), who notes that Esav's hatred stemmed from jealousy over the blessings of material prosperity and leadership that Yaakov received.
Q: What did Esav plan to do to Yaakov?
A: Esav planned to kill Yaakov after their father Yitzchak passed away, as the verse states: 'When the days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Yaakov.' The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 67:8) explains that Esav did not want to cause his father grief during his lifetime, so he waited until after Yitzchak's death.
Q: How does this verse relate to sibling rivalry?
A: This verse highlights the dangers of jealousy and unresolved conflict between siblings. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:6) teaches that hatred and grudges can lead to destructive behavior, as seen in Esav's reaction. The Torah emphasizes the importance of resolving disputes peacefully to avoid such outcomes.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Esav's hatred toward Yaakov?
A: The Sages teach that harboring hatred, as Esav did, leads to negative consequences. The Talmud (Pesachim 113b) warns against holding onto anger and grudges. Instead, we should strive for forgiveness and reconciliation, as Yaakov later attempts when he reconciles with Esav (Genesis 33:4).
Q: How did Yaakov respond to Esav's threat?
A: Upon learning of Esav's plan, Yaakov fled to his uncle Lavan's house in Charan (Genesis 27:42-43). Rashi explains that Rivka, their mother, advised Yaakov to leave both to escape danger and to find a wife from their family, ensuring the continuity of the Abrahamic legacy.