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Genesis 31:24 - Divine warning in Lavan's dream

Genesis 31:24 - בראשית 31:24

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא אֱלֹהִים אֶל־לָבָן הָאֲרַמִּי בַּחֲלֹם הַלָּיְלָה וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ פֶּן־תְּדַבֵּר עִם־יַעֲקֹב מִטּוֹב עַד־רָע׃

English Translation

And God came to Lavan the Arammian in a dream by night, and said to him, Take heed that thou speak not to Ya῾aqov either good or bad. Then Lavan overtook Ya῾aqov.

Transliteration

Vayavo Elohim el-Lavan ha-Arami bachalom halayla vayomer lo hishamer lecha pen-tedaber im-Yaakov mitov ad-ra.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֧א אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶל־לָבָ֥ן הָאֲרַמִּ֖י בַּחֲלֹ֣ם הַלָּ֑יְלָה וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֗וֹ הִשָּׁ֧מֶר לְךָ֛ פֶּן־תְּדַבֵּ֥ר עִֽם־יַעֲקֹ֖ב מִטּ֥וֹב עַד־רָֽע׃
וַיָּבֹ֧א אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶל־לָבָ֥ן הָאֲרַמִּ֖י בַּחֲלֹ֣ם הַלָּ֑יְלָה וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֗וֹ הִשָּׁ֧מֶר לְךָ֛ פֶּן־תְּדַבֵּ֥ר עִֽם־יַעֲקֹ֖ב מִטּ֥וֹב עַד־רָֽע׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Divine Intervention in Lavan's Dream

The verse describes Hashem appearing to Lavan in a dream to warn him against harming Yaakov. Rashi explains that this demonstrates how Hashem protects the righteous even when they are in the midst of fleeing from danger. The phrase "מִטּוֹב עַד־רָע" (from good to bad) is interpreted by Rashi to mean that Lavan was prohibited from speaking anything to Yaakov—whether words that appear favorable on the surface but contain hidden malice, or outright harmful statements.

Lavan's Character and Intentions

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:15) highlights Lavan's deceitful nature, noting that he was known as "Lavan the Arammian" (אֲרַמִּי), which can also be read as "the deceiver" (רמאי). Despite his outward pretense of kindness, his true intentions were hostile. The Sforno adds that Hashem's warning was necessary because Lavan was planning to manipulate Yaakov with seemingly kind words to lure him back, only to harm him later.

The Significance of the Warning

Ramban explains that this divine intervention was a fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Yaakov in Bereishit 28:15, where He assured him, "I will not forsake you." The dream served as a protective measure, ensuring that Lavan would not succeed in his schemes. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the phrase "בַּחֲלֹם הַלָּיְלָה" (in a dream by night) indicates that Hashem communicated in a way that would instill fear in Lavan, as dreams at night carry greater psychological weight.

Practical Implications

  • Divine Protection: The verse teaches that Hashem safeguards the righteous even when they are unaware of impending danger.
  • Deceptive Speech: Lavan's prohibition from speaking "either good or bad" underscores the Torah's warning against manipulative language, as seen in Mishlei (Proverbs) regarding smooth-tongued deceit.
  • Hashgacha Pratit (Divine Providence): This event illustrates how Hashem orchestrates events to fulfill His promises to the Avot (Patriarchs).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in a discussion about dreams and divine communication, illustrating how God intervenes in human affairs through dreams.
📖 Megillah 28a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the righteousness of the patriarchs and how divine protection was extended to Jacob through Laban's dream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did God appear to Lavan in a dream?
A: According to Rashi, God appeared to Lavan to warn him not to harm Yaakov or speak against him, whether with words of kindness ('good') or threats ('bad'). This divine intervention protected Yaakov as he left Lavan's household to return to Canaan.
Q: What does 'from good to bad' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'from good to bad' (מִטּוֹב עַד־רָע) means that Lavan was forbidden from speaking to Yaakov in any manner—whether with flattery ('good') or harsh words ('bad'). The Ramban explains that this ensured Lavan could not manipulate or pressure Yaakov into staying.
Q: Why is this verse important in Yaakov's story?
A: This verse is important because it shows divine protection over Yaakov as he leaves Lavan's home. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) teaches that God intervened to prevent Lavan from delaying or harming Yaakov, ensuring the fulfillment of the covenant with Avraham's descendants.
Q: How does this apply to us today?
A: This teaches us that God watches over His people and intervenes when necessary to protect them from harm. The Talmud (Berachot 10a) derives from such verses that one should trust in divine providence, especially in times of danger or conflict.
Q: Why did Lavan listen to the dream warning?
A: Rashi explains that Lavan, though wicked, recognized the divine authority of the dream and feared divine retribution if he harmed Yaakov. The Sforno adds that this demonstrates how even hostile individuals are sometimes restrained by God's will.