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Genesis 31:25 - Jacob's mountain standoff

Genesis 31:25 - בראשית 31:25

Hebrew Text

וַיַּשֵּׂג לָבָן אֶת־יַעֲקֹב וְיַעֲקֹב תָּקַע אֶת־אָהֳלוֹ בָּהָר וְלָבָן תָּקַע אֶת־אֶחָיו בְּהַר הַגִּלְעָד׃

English Translation

Now Ya῾aqov had pitched his tent in the mount: and Lavan with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gil῾ad.

Transliteration

Vayasag Lavan et-Yaakov v'Yaakov taka et-ohalo bahar v'Lavan taka et-echav b'Har Hagilad.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּשֵּׂ֥ג לָבָ֖ן אֶֽת־יַעֲקֹ֑ב וְיַעֲקֹ֗ב תָּקַ֤ע אֶֽת־אׇהֳלוֹ֙ בָּהָ֔ר וְלָבָ֛ן תָּקַ֥ע אֶת־אֶחָ֖יו בְּהַ֥ר הַגִּלְעָֽד׃
וַיַּשֵּׂ֥ג לָבָ֖ן אֶֽת־יַעֲקֹ֑ב וְיַעֲקֹ֗ב תָּקַ֤ע אֶֽת־אׇהֳלוֹ֙ בָּהָ֔ר וְלָבָ֛ן תָּקַ֥ע אֶת־אֶחָ֖יו בְּהַ֥ר הַגִּלְעָֽד׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Commentary on the Verse

Rashi (Genesis 31:25) explains that the phrase "וַיַּשֵּׂג לָבָן אֶת־יַעֲקֹב" ("Now Lavan overtook Yaakov") indicates that Lavan pursued Yaakov with the intent to harm him, but Hashem intervened to protect Yaakov. The fact that Lavan only "overtook" Yaakov after he had already pitched his tent shows that Divine Providence delayed Lavan's arrival until Yaakov was settled and prepared.

Symbolism of the Mountain

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:13) notes that Yaakov pitched his tent "בָּהָר" ("in the mount"), symbolizing his spiritual elevation and connection to Hashem. In contrast, Lavan and his brothers camped in "הַר הַגִּלְעָד" ("the mount of Gilad"), which represents materialism and worldly pursuits, as Lavan was primarily concerned with his stolen idols (terafim) and wealth.

Yaakov's Preparedness

Ramban (Nachmanides) comments that Yaakov's act of pitching his tent before Lavan's arrival demonstrates his wisdom and strategic thinking. By establishing his camp first, Yaakov positioned himself in a place of strength, both physically and spiritually, before confronting Lavan. This aligns with the principle of "הזהרו ברשות" ("be cautious with authority")—ensuring one is prepared before engaging in conflict.

Lavan's Hostile Intentions

  • The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105a) interprets Lavan's pursuit as an example of the wicked seeking to undermine the righteous. His gathering of "his brethren" suggests he mobilized allies to intimidate Yaakov.
  • Ibn Ezra emphasizes that the phrasing "תָּקַע אֶת־אֶחָיו" ("pitched with his brethren") implies Lavan relied on human strength rather than Divine protection, unlike Yaakov, who trusted in Hashem.

Spiritual vs. Physical Encampment

The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim of Luntschitz) contrasts the two encampments: Yaakov's tent was a place of Torah and prayer, while Lavan's was a base for hostility. The separation between their locations reflects the eternal divide between the values of Yaakov's descendants and those who oppose them.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Yaakov and Lavan pitched their tents in the mountains?
A: Rashi explains that Yaakov pitched his tent on Mount Gilead to prepare for a possible confrontation with Lavan, who was pursuing him. The separation of their camps shows their division—Yaakov was distancing himself from Lavan's deceitful ways (Genesis 31:25 with Rashi's commentary).
Q: Why did Lavan pursue Yaakov?
A: Lavan pursued Yaakov because Yaakov left without telling him (Genesis 31:20). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:15) teaches that Lavan was angry, thinking Yaakov had taken his idols (teraphim), though it was actually Rachel who took them without Yaakov's knowledge.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov separating from Lavan?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 113a) teaches that it is important to distance oneself from dishonest people, as Yaakov did with Lavan. This teaches us the value of integrity and avoiding negative influences in our lives.
Q: Why is Mount Gilead significant in this verse?
A: Mount Gilead was a strategic location where Yaakov and Lavan camped separately. The Ramban notes that mountains often symbolize places of divine encounter in the Torah. Here, it sets the stage for their eventual covenant (Genesis 31:44-54).
Q: How does this verse relate to family conflicts?
A: This verse shows the tension between Yaakov and his father-in-law, Lavan. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:9) highlights that family disputes should be resolved with wisdom, as Yaakov later does by making a peaceful covenant with Lavan (Genesis 31:44).