Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yaakov flee from Lavan?
A: Yaakov fled from Lavan because Lavan had been treating him unfairly, changing his wages multiple times (Genesis 31:7). Additionally, Hashem commanded Yaakov to return to the land of his fathers (Genesis 31:3). Rashi explains that Yaakov left secretly because he feared Lavan would try to stop him by force.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'the third day'?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:16) explains that Yaakov intentionally waited until the third day to leave because he knew Lavan would be busy shearing his sheep, which was a three-day process. This gave Yaakov a head start before Lavan could pursue him.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's departure from Lavan?
A: The Ramban teaches that Yaakov's departure demonstrates the importance of trusting in Hashem's protection. Even though Yaakov feared Lavan, he followed Hashem's command to return home. This teaches us that when doing what's right, we can rely on Divine assistance even in difficult situations.
Q: How did Lavan find out Yaakov had left?
A: Rashi explains that Lavan was informed by others who saw Yaakov traveling. The Torah doesn't specify who told Lavan, but the emphasis is on the timing - it took three days for the news to reach him, showing how carefully Yaakov planned his departure.
Q: Why is this event important in Jewish tradition?
A: This event marks a turning point where Yaakov begins his journey back to Eretz Yisrael to fulfill his destiny. The Talmud (Megillah 17a) sees this as part of the pattern of Jewish redemption, where our ancestors had to leave exile to return to their homeland, just as we pray for our final redemption today.
Commentary on Bereishit 31:22
The verse states: "וַיֻּגַּד לְלָבָן בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי כִּי בָרַח יַעֲקֹב" ("And it was told Lavan on the third day that Yaakov was fled"). This passage describes Lavan's delayed realization of Yaakov's departure from Charan, which carries deeper meaning in the context of the narrative and Jewish tradition.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereishit 31:22) notes that the "third day" refers to the third day after Yaakov's departure. He explains that Yaakov had a three-day head start because Lavan had gone to shear his sheep, which was a time-consuming task. This detail highlights Hashem's divine providence (hashgacha pratit), ensuring Yaakov's escape before Lavan could interfere.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:15) elaborates that the "third day" alludes to the three days' journey that Yaakov took to distance himself from Lavan's influence. This mirrors Avraham's three-day journey to the Akeidah, symbolizing complete separation from negative spiritual forces. Additionally, the Midrash connects this to future redemption, as the Jewish people were also commanded to prepare on the third day before receiving the Torah (Shemot 19:11).
Lavan's Character and Yaakov's Strategy
Symbolism of the Third Day
In Jewish thought, the third day often signifies completion or transformation (e.g., Yonah in the fish, Esther's fast before approaching Achashverosh). Here, it marks Yaakov's final break from Lavan's household, transitioning to his destiny as the father of the twelve tribes. The Kli Yakar adds that the three days parallel the three pillars of the world—Torah, Avodah, and Gemilut Chasadim—reinforcing Yaakov's spiritual mission.