Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Yaakov mean when he says 'I see your father’s face, that it is not towards me as before'?
A: Yaakov is telling his wives, Rachel and Leah, that their father Lavan's attitude toward him has changed. Rashi explains that Lavan was no longer as friendly as he once was, showing hostility because Yaakov had become wealthy. This change in behavior indicated that it was time for Yaakov to leave.
Q: Why does Yaakov mention 'the God of my father has been with me' in this verse?
A: Yaakov is acknowledging that despite Lavan's negative attitude, Hashem (God) had protected and blessed him. The Ramban explains that this shows Yaakov's faith—he recognizes that his success came from divine help, not Lavan's goodwill. This teaches us to always attribute our blessings to Hashem.
Q: How does this verse relate to trusting in Hashem during difficult times?
A: Even when facing hostility (like Lavan’s change in attitude), Yaakov reassures himself and his family that Hashem is with him. The Midrash teaches that this reflects the Jewish belief in divine providence—when people turn against us, we must remember that Hashem guides and protects us.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov’s words in this verse?
A: The verse teaches that we should not rely solely on human favor, as people’s attitudes can change (like Lavan’s). Instead, we should trust in Hashem, who remains constant. The Talmud (Berachos 64a) emphasizes that those who fear Hashem will ultimately find success, just as Yaakov did.
Q: Why is this verse important in the story of Yaakov and Lavan?
A: This verse marks a turning point—Yaakov realizes he can no longer stay with Lavan and must follow Hashem’s will to return to Canaan. According to Sforno, it shows Yaakov’s growth in recognizing when to act on divine guidance, setting the stage for his journey back to Eretz Yisrael.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 31:5) appears in the narrative where Yaakov Avinu speaks to his wives, Rachel and Leah, about their father Lavan's changed attitude toward him. Yaakov perceives that Lavan's favor has diminished, yet he acknowledges that Hashem's protection remains steadfast.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi comments on the phrase "כי איננו אלי כתמול שלשם" ("that it is not towards me as before") by explaining that Lavan's countenance had visibly changed—his earlier friendliness had turned to hostility. Rashi further notes that Yaakov attributes this shift to divine intervention, as Hashem had warned Lavan in a dream not to harm Yaakov (Bereshit 31:24).
Rambam's Perspective on Divine Providence
Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) teaches that a person should recognize Hashem's hand in all circumstances. Yaakov's statement "ואלהי אבי היה עמדי" ("but the God of my father has been with me") reflects this principle—acknowledging that even when human relationships falter, divine providence remains constant.
Midrashic Insights
Ibn Ezra's Linguistic Analysis
Ibn Ezra highlights the term "רואה" ("I see") as indicative of Yaakov's clarity of perception. Unlike physical sight, Yaakov "sees" the spiritual reality—Lavan's hostility and Hashem's guardianship—demonstrating his heightened awareness of divine involvement in human affairs.
Practical Lesson: Trust in Hashem
The verse teaches that even when human relationships deteriorate—as in Yaakov's strained dynamic with Lavan—one must remain steadfast in bitachon (trust) in Hashem. Yaakov's declaration serves as a model for recognizing divine accompaniment amid adversity.