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Genesis 27:6 - Mother's secret plan unfolds

Genesis 27:6 - בראשית 27:6

Hebrew Text

וְרִבְקָה אָמְרָה אֶל־יַעֲקֹב בְּנָהּ לֵאמֹר הִנֵּה שָׁמַעְתִּי אֶת־אָבִיךָ מְדַבֵּר אֶל־עֵשָׂו אָחִיךָ לֵאמֹר׃

English Translation

And Rivqa spoke to Ya῾aqov her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak to ῾Esav thy brother, saying,

Transliteration

V'Rivkah amrah el-Yaakov benah lemor hineh shamati et-avicha medaber el-Esav achicha lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְרִבְקָה֙ אָֽמְרָ֔ה אֶל־יַעֲקֹ֥ב בְּנָ֖הּ לֵאמֹ֑ר הִנֵּ֤ה שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙ אֶת־אָבִ֔יךָ מְדַבֵּ֛ר אֶל־עֵשָׂ֥ו אָחִ֖יךָ לֵאמֹֽר׃
וְרִבְקָה֙ אָֽמְרָ֔ה אֶל־יַעֲקֹ֥ב בְּנָ֖הּ לֵאמֹ֑ר הִנֵּ֤ה שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙ אֶת־אָבִ֔יךָ מְדַבֵּ֛ר אֶל־עֵשָׂ֥ו אָחִ֖יךָ לֵאמֹֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rivka's Concern and Divine Insight

Rashi (Genesis 27:6) explains that Rivka overheard Yitzchak speaking to Esav, despite Yitzchak intending for the conversation to remain private. This demonstrates Rivka's heightened spiritual sensitivity, as she was attuned to Hashem's will—knowing that Yaakov, not Esav, was destined to receive the blessings. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 67:9) further elaborates that Rivka acted based on ruach hakodesh (divine inspiration), ensuring the fulfillment of Hashem's plan.

The Nature of Yitzchak's Words

The phrase "מדבר אל עשו" ("speak to Esav") is noteworthy. Ramban (Genesis 27:4) suggests that Yitzchak spoke gently to Esav, perhaps to encourage him in his service, while Rivka recognized the deeper implications of the blessings being misdirected. The Kli Yakar adds that Yitzchak's wording indicated a private discussion, yet Rivka, as a matriarch, was granted divine insight to intervene.

Rivka's Role in Preserving the Covenant

  • Maternal Wisdom: The Sforno emphasizes that Rivka acted as a righteous mother, ensuring the continuity of Avraham's legacy by guiding Yaakov to receive the blessings.
  • Preventing Esav's Misuse: The Malbim explains that Rivka understood Esav's character (as hinted in earlier verses) and acted to prevent the blessings from being used for unworthy purposes.
  • Fulfilling Prophecy: The Midrash Tanchuma (Toldot 8) connects Rivka's actions to Hashem's earlier revelation to her (Genesis 25:23) that "the elder shall serve the younger."

The Term "בנה" ("Her Son")

Rashi highlights that the Torah specifies "בנה" ("her son") to show Rivka's particular love and concern for Yaakov, as she recognized his spiritual superiority. The Ohr HaChaim adds that this phrasing underscores her maternal role in guiding Yaakov toward his destiny.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Rivka (Rebecca) tell Yaakov (Jacob) what she heard from Yitzchak (Isaac)?
A: Rivka acted because she knew through prophecy that Yaakov was meant to receive the blessings, not Esav (Rashi on Genesis 25:23). When she overheard Yitzchak planning to bless Esav, she intervened to ensure the divine will would be fulfilled by helping Yaakov receive the blessings instead.
Q: What can we learn from Rivka's actions in this verse?
A: We learn that Rivka demonstrated great wisdom and courage to ensure the blessings went to the rightful heir. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 67:9) praises her righteousness in this difficult situation. However, some commentaries note that her methods led to family strife, teaching us to carefully consider the consequences of our actions.
Q: Why did Yitzchak want to bless Esav if Yaakov was meant to get it?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 25:28), Yitzchak saw Esav's outward piety and hunting skills, while being unaware of Esav's true wicked character. The Ramban adds that Yitzchak may have wanted to bless Esav with material success while reserving spiritual blessings for Yaakov, but Rivka understood through prophecy that both were meant for Yaakov.