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Genesis 28:7 - Yaakov honors parents, departs destiny

Genesis 28:7 - בראשית 28:7

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁמַע יַעֲקֹב אֶל־אָבִיו וְאֶל־אִמּוֹ וַיֵּלֶךְ פַּדֶּנָה אֲרָם׃

English Translation

and that Ya῾aqov obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Paddan-aram,

Transliteration

Va'yishma Ya'akov el-aviv ve'el-imo va'yelech Padana Aram.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע יַעֲקֹ֔ב אֶל־אָבִ֖יו וְאֶל־אִמּ֑וֹ וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ פַּדֶּ֥נָֽה אֲרָֽם׃
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע יַעֲקֹ֔ב אֶל־אָבִ֖יו וְאֶל־אִמּ֑וֹ וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ פַּדֶּ֥נָֽה אֲרָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Obedience to Parents in the Torah

The verse states that Yaakov "obeyed his father and his mother" by going to Paddan-aram. Rashi (on Genesis 28:7) explains that this demonstrates Yaakov's fulfillment of the mitzvah of honoring one's parents (כיבוד אב ואם), as he followed their instruction to leave Be'er Sheva and journey to Charan to find a wife from the family of Lavan. This act of obedience is particularly noteworthy because it involved significant personal sacrifice—leaving the safety of his home to avoid Eisav's wrath (as mentioned in Genesis 27:42-45).

The Significance of Paddan-aram

Paddan-aram (פדן ארם) is identified by Ramban (Nachmanides on Genesis 28:2) as the ancestral homeland of Rivka's family, where Lavan resided. The Torah emphasizes Yaakov's journey there to highlight that he was fulfilling his parents' directive to marry within the family lineage, avoiding the idolatrous influences of Canaan. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 68:5) further connects this journey to the divine plan, as it was in Paddan-aram that Yaakov would establish the foundations of the Twelve Tribes.

Yaakov as a Model of Kibbud Av Va'em

  • Immediate Compliance: Unlike Eisav, who disregarded his parents' values (Malbim on Genesis 28:6-9), Yaakov acted swiftly upon their instruction, embodying the ideal of honoring parents as mandated by the Torah (Exodus 20:12).
  • Trust in Divine Providence: The Talmud (Kiddushin 31b) teaches that honoring parents is akin to honoring Hashem. Yaakov's willingness to undertake this perilous journey reflects his trust that fulfilling his parents' wishes was aligned with divine will.
  • Long-Term Consequences: The Sforno notes that Yaakov's obedience set the stage for the future redemption, as his marriages in Paddan-aram produced the progenitors of Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Jacob listen to his parents and go to Paddan-aram?
A: Jacob obeyed his parents' instruction to go to Paddan-aram to find a wife from his mother Rivka's family (Genesis 28:1-2). This demonstrates the mitzvah of honoring one's parents (kibud av v'em), which is a fundamental Torah value (Exodus 20:12). Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes Jacob's righteousness in fulfilling his parents' wishes.
Q: What is the significance of Paddan-aram in the Torah?
A: Paddan-aram was the ancestral home of Abraham's family in Aram-Naharaim (Genesis 24:10). It was important for Jacob to marry within his family lineage to maintain purity of the covenant. The Talmud (Yevamot 61a) discusses how the patriarchs were careful to marry women from worthy families to establish the Jewish nation.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Jacob obeying his parents?
A: This teaches the importance of honoring parents even when it requires personal sacrifice. The Rambam (Hilchos Mamrim 6:1) rules that one must obey parents unless they ask you to violate Torah law. Jacob's journey shows how honoring parents leads to blessing, as his obedience set in motion events that would make him father of the 12 tribes.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish view of family?
A: This verse highlights the Torah's emphasis on strong family bonds. Jewish tradition values parents guiding children in important life decisions like marriage. The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 68:4) notes that Jacob's obedience in marital matters contrasts with Esau who married improperly, showing how family guidance preserves Jewish continuity.