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Genesis 28:5 - Father's blessing, mother's roots

Genesis 28:5 - בראשית 28:5

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁלַח יִצְחָק אֶת־יַעֲקֹב וַיֵּלֶךְ פַּדֶּנָה אֲרָם אֶל־לָבָן בֶּן־בְּתוּאֵל הָאֲרַמִּי אֲחִי רִבְקָה אֵם יַעֲקֹב וְעֵשָׂו׃

English Translation

And Yiżĥaq sent away Ya῾aqov: and he went to Paddan-aram to Lavan, son of Betu᾽el the Arammian, the brother of Rivqa, mother of Ya῾aqov and ῾Esav.

Transliteration

Vayishlach Yitzchak et-Yaakov vayelech Padana Aram el-Lavan ben-Betu'el ha-Arami achi Rivka em Yaakov v'Esav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח יִצְחָק֙ אֶֽת־יַעֲקֹ֔ב וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ פַּדֶּ֣נָֽה אֲרָ֑ם אֶל־לָבָ֤ן בֶּן־בְּתוּאֵל֙ הָֽאֲרַמִּ֔י אֲחִ֣י רִבְקָ֔ה אֵ֥ם יַעֲקֹ֖ב וְעֵשָֽׂו׃
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח יִצְחָק֙ אֶֽת־יַעֲקֹ֔ב וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ פַּדֶּ֣נָֽה אֲרָ֑ם אֶל־לָבָ֤ן בֶּן־בְּתוּאֵל֙ הָֽאֲרַמִּ֔י אֲחִ֣י רִבְקָ֔ה אֵ֥ם יַעֲקֹ֖ב וְעֵשָֽׂו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Isaac's Sending of Jacob

Rashi (Genesis 28:5) explains that Isaac actively sent Jacob to Padan-aram, rather than Jacob leaving on his own initiative. This underscores Isaac's full participation in the divine plan, ensuring Jacob's journey aligned with the blessings he had received. The Torah emphasizes Isaac's role to show that Jacob's departure was not an act of deception or rebellion, but a fulfillment of divine will.

Destination: Padan-aram

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 68:5) notes that Padan-aram was the ancestral home of Rebecca's family, where Abraham's servant had previously gone to find a wife for Isaac. By sending Jacob there, Isaac ensured continuity in the patriarchal lineage, as Jacob would find a wife from the same righteous family. Ramban (Genesis 28:5) adds that this location was chosen to distance Jacob from Esau's influence and protect him from potential harm.

Laban's Description

  • Son of Betuel: Rashi highlights that Laban is called "son of Betuel" rather than "son of Rebecca" to indicate his deceitful nature, as Betuel (meaning "house of G-d") was unworthy, and Laban followed his father's corrupt ways.
  • The Aramean: The Talmud (Pesachim 113b) interprets this as a reference to Laban's treachery, as "Aramean" (ארמי) is linguistically linked to "ramai" (רמאי), meaning "deceiver."
  • Brother of Rebecca: The Torah specifies this relationship to remind us that despite Laban's flaws, he was still part of the family through which the covenant would continue.

Jacob and Esau's Shared Lineage

The verse concludes by mentioning Rebecca as the mother of both Jacob and Esau. The Kli Yakar (Genesis 28:5) explains that this serves as a contrast: though they shared the same mother, their paths diverged drastically—Jacob pursued righteousness, while Esau strayed. This reinforces the theme of divine selection in the patriarchal narrative.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 17a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the narrative of Jacob's journey to Paddan-aram and its implications for understanding divine providence and human actions.
📖 Bava Batra 123a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the lineage and relationships of the patriarchs, particularly focusing on the familial connections between Isaac, Jacob, and Laban.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yitzchak send Yaakov to Padan Aram?
A: Yitzchak sent Yaakov to Padan Aram primarily to find a wife from his mother Rivka's family, as it was important to marry within the righteous lineage (see Rashi on Genesis 28:2). Additionally, this was to protect Yaakov from Esav's anger after receiving the blessings (Genesis 27:41-45).
Q: Who was Lavan mentioned in this verse?
A: Lavan was the son of Betuel and the brother of Rivka, making him Yaakov's uncle. He is later known as Lavan the Aramean (Devarim 26:5) and plays a significant role in Yaakov's life as his father-in-law. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:5) describes him as a cunning and deceitful person.
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov going to Padan Aram?
A: Yaakov's journey to Padan Aram marks the beginning of his exile and personal growth. According to the Ramban (Genesis 28:10), this was part of Divine Providence to fulfill Avraham's prophecy (Genesis 15:13) about his descendants being strangers in a foreign land. It also led to the formation of the 12 tribes through his marriages and children.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Rivka was the mother of both Yaakov and Esav?
A: Rashi (Genesis 28:5) explains that this emphasizes Rivka's righteousness—despite having two very different sons (a tzaddik and a rasha), she remained faithful and loving to both. The Talmud (Pesachim 56a) also teaches that parents should never show favoritism between children, as seen in the earlier tensions between Yaakov and Esav.
Q: How does Yaakov's journey apply to us today?
A: Yaakov's journey teaches the importance of trusting in Hashem during difficult transitions. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 68:4) says that Yaakov's departure was the beginning of his spiritual growth, showing that challenges can lead to greatness. This reminds us to see life's journeys as opportunities for growth and Divine protection.