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Genesis 27:42 - Rivkah saves Yaakov's life

Genesis 27:42 - בראשית 27:42

Hebrew Text

וַיֻּגַּד לְרִבְקָה אֶת־דִּבְרֵי עֵשָׂו בְּנָהּ הַגָּדֹל וַתִּשְׁלַח וַתִּקְרָא לְיַעֲקֹב בְּנָהּ הַקָּטָן וַתֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו הִנֵּה עֵשָׂו אָחִיךָ מִתְנַחֵם לְךָ לְהָרְגֶךָ׃

English Translation

And these words of ῾Esav, her elder son, were told to Rivqa: and she sent and called Ya῾aqov her younger son, and said to him, Behold, thy brother ῾Esav comforts himself, purposing to kill thee.

Transliteration

Vayugad l'Rivka et divrei Esav benah hagadol vatishlach vatikra l'Yaakov benah hakatan vatomer elav hineh Esav achicha mitnacheim l'cha l'hargecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֻּגַּ֣ד לְרִבְקָ֔ה אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י עֵשָׂ֖ו בְּנָ֣הּ הַגָּדֹ֑ל וַתִּשְׁלַ֞ח וַתִּקְרָ֤א לְיַעֲקֹב֙ בְּנָ֣הּ הַקָּטָ֔ן וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔יו הִנֵּה֙ עֵשָׂ֣ו אָחִ֔יךָ מִתְנַחֵ֥ם לְךָ֖ לְהׇרְגֶֽךָ׃
וַיֻּגַּ֣ד לְרִבְקָ֔ה אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י עֵשָׂ֖ו בְּנָ֣הּ הַגָּדֹ֑ל וַתִּשְׁלַ֞ח וַתִּקְרָ֤א לְיַעֲקֹב֙ בְּנָ֣הּ הַקָּטָ֔ן וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔יו הִנֵּה֙ עֵשָׂ֣ו אָחִ֔יךָ מִתְנַחֵ֥ם לְךָ֖ לְהׇרְגֶֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 27:42) describes Rivka's reaction upon hearing Esav's intentions to kill Yaakov after Yaakov received Yitzchak's blessings. This follows the earlier narrative where Yaakov, at Rivka's urging, disguised himself as Esav to receive the blessings meant for the firstborn.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains the phrase "מִתְנַחֵם לְךָ" ("comforts himself concerning you") to mean that Esav was consoling himself for the loss of the blessings by plotting to kill Yaakov. Rashi further notes that the term "וַיֻּגַּד" ("were told") implies that Rivka was informed through divine inspiration (Ruach HaKodesh), as she could not have otherwise known Esav's secret thoughts.

Ramban's Insight

The Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that Rivka acted swiftly to protect Yaakov, demonstrating her deep understanding of Esav's violent nature. He suggests that the term "הַגָּדֹל" ("the elder") and "הַקָּטָן" ("the younger") emphasize the contrast between Esav's outward seniority and Yaakov's spiritual superiority.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 67:9) elaborates that Esav's "comfort" was not mere anger but a calculated plan. It compares Esav to a snake that pretends to be harmless before striking. The Midrash also highlights Rivka's wisdom in recognizing the danger and acting decisively to save Yaakov.

Halachic Perspective (Rambam)

The Rambam (Hilchot Rotzeach 1:9) derives from this episode that one must take threats to life seriously and act preemptively to protect oneself. Rivka's warning to Yaakov serves as a precedent for the principle of "הבא להרגך השכם להרגו" ("If someone comes to kill you, rise early to kill him first").

Moral Lessons

  • Divine Providence: Rivka's awareness of Esav's plans underscores hashgacha pratit (divine supervision) in protecting the righteous.
  • Parental Responsibility: Rivka's actions model a parent's duty to safeguard a child's spiritual and physical well-being.
  • Consequences of Sin: Esav's murderous intent reveals the destructive outcome of unchecked jealousy and resentment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Esav want to kill Yaakov?
A: Esav wanted to kill Yaakov because Yaakov received the blessings from their father Yitzchak that Esav felt he deserved. This is explained in Rashi (Genesis 27:41), where Esav was angry that Yaakov took both the birthright and the blessings.
Q: Why did Rivka warn Yaakov about Esav's plan?
A: Rivka acted to protect Yaakov because she knew through prophecy (as explained in Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 67:9) that Yaakov was destined to continue the legacy of Avraham and Yitzchak. She took action to ensure his safety and the fulfillment of G-d's plan.
Q: What does 'Esav comforts himself' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'Esav comforts himself' (מִתְנַחֵם לְךָ) means that Esav was plotting revenge against Yaakov to ease his anger. Rashi explains that he was waiting for the right moment, possibly after their father Yitzchak's passing, to carry out his plan.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rivka's actions in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of acting wisely to protect what is sacred. Rivka understood the spiritual danger and took immediate action. The Talmud (Yevamot 65b) teaches that peace and preservation of life sometimes require decisive intervention, as seen here.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish teachings about sibling relationships?
A: This verse highlights the Torah's caution against jealousy and hatred between siblings. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:6) teaches that jealousy leads to destructive behavior, as seen with Esav. The Torah encourages resolving conflicts peacefully and avoiding grudges.