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Genesis 31:23 - Pursuing family with zeal?

Genesis 31:23 - בראשית 31:23

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח אֶת־אֶחָיו עִמּוֹ וַיִּרְדֹּף אַחֲרָיו דֶּרֶךְ שִׁבְעַת יָמִים וַיַּדְבֵּק אֹתוֹ בְּהַר הַגִּלְעָד׃

English Translation

And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him a seven days’ journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gil῾ad.

Transliteration

Vayikach et-echav imo vayirdof acharav derech shivat yamim vayadbek oto behar hagilad.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקַּ֤ח אֶת־אֶחָיו֙ עִמּ֔וֹ וַיִּרְדֹּ֣ף אַחֲרָ֔יו דֶּ֖רֶךְ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים וַיַּדְבֵּ֥ק אֹת֖וֹ בְּהַ֥ר הַגִּלְעָֽד׃
וַיִּקַּ֤ח אֶת־אֶחָיו֙ עִמּ֔וֹ וַיִּרְדֹּ֣ף אַחֲרָ֔יו דֶּ֖רֶךְ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים וַיַּדְבֵּ֥ק אֹת֖וֹ בְּהַ֥ר הַגִּלְעָֽד׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 31:23) describes Lavan's pursuit of Yaakov after Yaakov fled with his family and possessions. The verse appears in the broader narrative of Yaakov's departure from Lavan's household, marking a pivotal moment in the relationship between Yaakov and his father-in-law.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Lavan took "his brethren" (אֶחָיו) not literally as his biological brothers, but rather as his allies or kinsmen from his extended family. This aligns with the common biblical usage of "brothers" to refer to close associates or members of the same tribe (Rashi on Genesis 31:23).

Symbolism of the Seven-Day Pursuit

  • Midrashic Insight: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:15) notes that the seven-day chase corresponds to the seven days of mourning for Sarah, drawing a parallel between Lavan's pursuit and Avraham's journey to bury Sarah. This suggests a thematic connection between trials faced by the patriarchs.
  • Halachic Implication: Rambam (Hilchot Gerushin 11:18) references this verse when discussing the laws of pursuit in cases of marital conflict, highlighting the Torah's emphasis on reconciliation efforts.

The Significance of Mount Gilad

The location where Lavan overtakes Yaakov, Mount Gilad, holds symbolic meaning. The Talmud (Chullin 60b) associates Gilad with the concept of testimony (from the root "gal," to reveal), as this is where the covenant between Lavan and Yaakov would later be established (Genesis 31:44-54). This mountain thus becomes a place of divine oversight and resolution.

Lavan's Intentions

Ibn Ezra comments that Lavan's pursuit was motivated by both the theft of his household idols (teraphim) and his desire to maintain control over Yaakov's family. The seven-day journey demonstrates Lavan's determination, yet also shows divine providence in limiting his ability to harm Yaakov (Genesis 31:24).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 31:23 mean in the story of Jacob and Laban?
A: This verse describes Laban chasing after Jacob, who had left Laban's household without saying goodbye. Laban took his relatives ('his brethren') and pursued Jacob for seven days until catching up to him in Mount Gilad. According to Rashi, this shows Laban's anger and determination to confront Jacob, setting the stage for their eventual confrontation.
Q: Why did it take Laban seven days to catch Jacob?
A: The seven-day journey emphasizes the distance Jacob had already traveled. The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 74:9) explains that Jacob had a three-day head start (Genesis 30:36), and the additional days show how quickly Jacob moved with his family and flocks. The number seven also appears frequently in the Torah as a significant timeframe.
Q: What is the significance of Mount Gilad in this verse?
A: Mount Gilad (or Gilead) is where Laban finally overtakes Jacob. Rashi notes that this location later became part of the territory of the tribes of Gad and Menashe. The mountain's name means 'heap of testimony,' which is fitting because Jacob and Laban later make a covenant there (Genesis 31:44-54), using a heap of stones as a witness.