Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Esav marry Machalat, the daughter of Yishmael?
A: According to Rashi, Esav married Machalat to appease his parents, Yitzchak and Rivka, after they were displeased with his previous marriages to Canaanite women (Genesis 26:34-35). By marrying a descendant of Avraham (through Yishmael), he hoped to show that he still valued his family's traditions.
Q: What is the significance of Machalat being called the sister of Nevayot?
A: The Torah mentions that Machalat was the sister of Nevayot to emphasize her lineage. Nevayot was Yishmael's firstborn (Genesis 25:13), so highlighting this connection shows that Esav married into a prominent branch of Yishmael's family, further legitimizing the union in the eyes of his parents.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Esav took Machalat 'in addition to his other wives'?
A: The Torah emphasizes this to show that Esav did not abandon his previous wives, who were Canaanites (Genesis 26:34). This indicates that his marriage to Machalat was not a complete repentance but rather an attempt to improve his standing while maintaining his old ways—a lesson about the importance of sincere change.
Q: What can we learn from Esav's decision to marry Machalat?
A: The Midrash teaches that while Esav made some effort to correct his mistakes (by marrying a woman from Avraham's family), his actions were incomplete because he kept his previous wives. This teaches us that true improvement requires full commitment, not just superficial changes to please others.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yaakov and Esav?
A: This verse appears right after Yaakov leaves to find a wife from Rivka's family (Genesis 28:1-5). The contrast highlights the difference between Yaakov, who fully follows his parents' guidance, and Esav, who only partially corrects his ways. This sets the stage for their divergent paths in Jewish history.
Esav's Marriage to Machalat
The verse states that Esav took Machalat, the daughter of Yishmael, as a wife in addition to his existing wives. Rashi (on Genesis 28:9) explains that this marriage was an attempt by Esav to appease his father, Yitzchak, after losing the blessings. By marrying a descendant of Avraham (through Yishmael), Esav sought to demonstrate that he, too, was continuing the legacy of Avraham's household.
The Significance of Machalat's Name
The name Machalat is interpreted in Midrashic sources (Bereishit Rabbah 67:13) as deriving from the root מחל ("forgiveness"), suggesting that Esav's sins were forgiven at this time. Alternatively, the Talmud (Bava Batra 16b) notes that Esav's evil deeds were "suspended" (נמחלו) when he took this step, though his repentance was incomplete.
Connection to Nevayot
The verse emphasizes that Machalat was the sister of Nevayot, Yishmael's firstborn (Genesis 25:13). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 67:13) suggests that Esav deliberately sought a wife from Yishmael's family to align himself with another firstborn son (like himself) who had been displaced (as Yishmael was displaced by Yitzchak). This reflects Esav's lingering resentment over losing the birthright.
Esav's Motivations