Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Esav see that the daughters of Canaan displeased his father Yitzchak?
A: Rashi explains that Esav realized his father Yitzchak was unhappy with his Canaanite wives (like Yehudit and Basmat), because they worshipped idols and had improper behavior. This is why Yitzchak instructed Yaakov to marry from their family in Padan Aram instead (Genesis 28:1-2).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Esav's reaction in this verse?
A: The Midrash teaches that Esav only recognized his mistake after seeing his father's disapproval. This teaches us the importance of seeking proper guidance from parents and Torah leaders before making major decisions, especially in choosing a spouse.
Q: Why was Yitzchak opposed to Canaanite women?
A: Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 12:10-11) explains that Canaanites were morally corrupt and steeped in idolatry. Yitzchak wanted to preserve the spiritual purity of Avraham's lineage, which is why he insisted his sons marry women from their own family who shared their values.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish marriage values today?
A: This verse establishes an important Jewish principle - the need to marry someone who shares our Torah values. Just as Yitzchak was concerned about Canaanite influences, today Orthodox Jews prioritize marrying within the faith to maintain spiritual continuity, as codified in halacha (Jewish law).
Q: Did Esav do anything to fix this situation?
A: The Torah later tells us (Genesis 28:9) that Esav tried to 'correct' his mistake by marrying Machalat, a daughter of Yishmael. However, Rashi points out this was still not ideal, since Yishmael's family also had negative traits. True repentance would have required a complete change in behavior.
Understanding the Verse in Context
The verse (Bereshit 28:8) describes Esav's realization that his Canaanite wives displeased his father, Yitzchak. This follows Yitzchak's instruction to Yaakov not to marry a Canaanite woman (Bereshit 28:1), highlighting the tension between Esav's choices and his father's values.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi comments that Esav recognized that his father disapproved of his Canaanite wives because of their immoral behavior. The term "רָעוֹת" (ra'ot) implies they were wicked or of poor character, not merely unattractive. Rashi cites the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 65:2) to explain that these women worshipped idols and engaged in improper conduct, which distressed Yitzchak.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Issurei Biah 12:17, Rambam (Maimonides) discusses the prohibition of intermarrying with Canaanite nations due to their corrupt moral influence. This aligns with Yitzchak's aversion to Esav's marriages, as Canaanite culture was antithetical to the values of Avraham's household.
Midrashic Insights
Moral Lessons
The verse underscores the importance of marrying within a spiritually compatible family, a theme reiterated throughout Tanach. Yitzchak and Rivkah sought to preserve the moral and religious integrity of their lineage, which Esav disregarded until he saw his father's disapproval.