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Genesis 27:9 - Deception's savory preparation?

Genesis 27:9 - בראשית 27:9

Hebrew Text

לֶךְ־נָא אֶל־הַצֹּאן וְקַח־לִי מִשָּׁם שְׁנֵי גְּדָיֵי עִזִּים טֹבִים וְאֶעֱשֶׂה אֹתָם מַטְעַמִּים לְאָבִיךָ כַּאֲשֶׁר אָהֵב׃

English Translation

Go now to the flock, and fetch me from there two good kids of the goats; and I will make them into savoury food for thy father, such as he loves:

Transliteration

Lekh-na el-hatzon vekakh-li misham shnei g'diyei izim tovim ve'e'ese otam mat'amim le'avikha ka'asher ahev.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֶךְ־נָא֙ אֶל־הַצֹּ֔אן וְקַֽח־לִ֣י מִשָּׁ֗ם שְׁנֵ֛י גְּדָיֵ֥י עִזִּ֖ים טֹבִ֑ים וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂ֨ה אֹתָ֧ם מַטְעַמִּ֛ים לְאָבִ֖יךָ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר אָהֵֽב׃
לֶךְ־נָא֙ אֶל־הַצֹּ֔אן וְקַֽח־לִ֣י מִשָּׁ֗ם שְׁנֵ֛י גְּדָיֵ֥י עִזִּ֖ים טֹבִ֑ים וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂ֨ה אֹתָ֧ם מַטְעַמִּ֛ים לְאָבִ֖יךָ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר אָהֵֽב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 27:9) is part of the narrative where Rivka (Rebecca) instructs her son Yaakov (Jacob) to prepare a meal for his father Yitzchak (Isaac) in order to receive the blessings intended for Eisav (Esau). The verse reflects Rivka's strategic planning to ensure that Yaakov, the more spiritually worthy son, receives the blessings.

Analysis of the Hebrew Text

The phrase "לֶךְ־נָא אֶל־הַצֹּאן" ("Go now to the flock") is understood by Rashi as Rivka urging Yaakov to act swiftly. The term "נָא" (often translated as "please" or "now") here conveys urgency, as Rivka recognized the critical timing of securing the blessings before Eisav could return.

Significance of "Two Good Kids of the Goats"

Rashi explains that Rivka asked for "שְׁנֵי גְּדָיֵי עִזִּים טֹבִים" ("two good kids of the goats") because Yitzchak's palate had become refined due to the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac). The meat of young goats was considered tender and flavorful, fitting for a meal meant to delight Yitzchak. Additionally, the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 65:16) suggests that the two goats allude to future events: one representing the Passover offering and the other the Yom Kippur scapegoat, symbolizing Yaakov's descendants' future service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).

The Preparation of the Meal

The phrase "וְאֶעֱשֶׂה אֹתָם מַטְעַמִּים" ("and I will make them into savory food") highlights Rivka's role in ensuring the success of Yaakov's mission. The Sforno notes that Rivka's culinary skills were essential to replicate the taste Eisav typically prepared, ensuring Yitzchak would not suspect the substitution. This underscores the principle of hishtadlut (human effort) in fulfilling divine will, as Rivka acted to actualize Hashem's prophecy that "the elder shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23).

Yitzchak's Preferences

The concluding phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר אָהֵב" ("such as he loves") is interpreted by Ramban as emphasizing Rivka's intimate knowledge of Yitzchak's tastes. This detail reinforces the idea that every aspect of the plan was meticulously designed to avoid suspicion. The Kli Yakar adds that Yitzchak's love for this dish may have been tied to its association with Eisav's hunting, making it even more crucial for Yaakov to present the meal convincingly.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the permissibility of certain types of animals for consumption and the preparation of food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Genesis 27:9?
A: Genesis 27:9 is part of the story where Rivka (Rebecca) instructs her son Yaakov (Jacob) to bring two goat kids to prepare a meal for his father Yitzchak (Isaac). This was part of the plan for Yaakov to receive the blessings meant for his brother Eisav (Esau). Rashi explains that Rivka acted this way because she knew through prophecy that Yaakov was more deserving of the blessings.
Q: Why did Rivka ask for two goat kids specifically?
A: Rashi explains that Rivka asked for two goat kids because one was for the meal to resemble Eisav's hunting food, and the other was to bring the Passover offering (since some opinions hold that Yitzchak was prepared to bring the Passover sacrifice at that time). Additionally, the Midrash notes that 'two' hints at the dual nature of the blessings—material and spiritual.
Q: What can we learn from Rivka's actions in this verse?
A: From Rivka's actions, we learn the importance of ensuring that blessings go to the right person, even if it requires difficult decisions. The Talmud (Megillah 13b) compares Rivka's wisdom to that of Esther, showing how righteous women act with foresight for the sake of Hashem's plan. Rivka understood that Yaakov was the proper heir to Avraham's legacy.
Q: Why did Yitzchak love the taste of goat meat?
A: Rashi explains that Yitzchak loved goat meat because it resembled the taste of the ram offered in the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac). This was a reminder of his devotion to Hashem. The Midrash also suggests that goat meat was associated with Eisav's hunting, which Yitzchak mistakenly thought reflected Eisav's spiritual qualities.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish traditions about food and blessings?
A: This verse highlights the Jewish concept that food can be elevated through proper intentions. Rivka prepared the meal to facilitate a holy blessing. Similarly, Jewish tradition teaches that eating with the right intention (like for strength to serve Hashem) sanctifies a meal. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot) emphasizes mindful eating as part of serving G-d.