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Genesis 31:9 - Divine justice rewards righteousness.

Genesis 31:9 - בראשית 31:9

Hebrew Text

וַיַּצֵּל אֱלֹהִים אֶת־מִקְנֵה אֲבִיכֶם וַיִּתֶּן־לִי׃

English Translation

Thus God has taken away the cattle of your father, and given it to me.

Transliteration

Vayatzel Elohim et-mikneh avikhem vayiten-li.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּצֵּ֧ל אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶת־מִקְנֵ֥ה אֲבִיכֶ֖ם וַיִּתֶּן־לִֽי׃
וַיַּצֵּ֧ל אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶת־מִקְנֵ֥ה אֲבִיכֶ֖ם וַיִּתֶּן־לִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Genesis 31:9) appears in the narrative where Yaakov (Jacob) recounts to Rachel and Leah how Hashem intervened on his behalf against their father, Lavan (Laban). Yaakov explains that despite Lavan's attempts to deceive him, Hashem ensured that Yaakov rightfully received the flocks as compensation for his years of labor.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on this verse by emphasizing that Hashem actively "took away" (וַיַּצֵּל) the cattle from Lavan and transferred them to Yaakov. This was a divine act of justice, ensuring Yaakov received his due reward for his years of honest labor despite Lavan's deceitful behavior (Rashi on Genesis 31:9).

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Providence

Rambam (Maimonides) discusses divine providence in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed), teaching that Hashem oversees the affairs of the righteous. This verse exemplifies how divine justice operates—rewarding Yaakov for his righteousness and punishing Lavan for his dishonesty (Rambam, Moreh Nevuchim 3:17).

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 73:10) elaborates that Hashem performed a miracle by ensuring the flocks bore speckled and spotted offspring—the very ones Yaakov had rightfully claimed as his wages. This supernatural intervention demonstrated that Yaakov's success was not due to his own efforts (such as the rods he placed in the troughs) but was a direct result of divine will.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Justice: Hashem ensures that the righteous are rewarded, even when human efforts seem insufficient.
  • Trust in Hashem: Yaakov’s acknowledgment of divine intervention teaches that one must recognize Hashem’s role in their success.
  • Opposition to Deceit: The verse highlights the futility of human deception when faced with divine justice.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 31:9 mean when it says God took the cattle from Laban and gave it to Jacob?
A: This verse refers to how Jacob rightfully earned the flocks through his hard work and honesty, while Laban repeatedly tried to cheat him. Rashi explains that God intervened to ensure justice, allowing Jacob to receive the flocks that were rightfully his according to their agreement (Genesis 30:31-34).
Q: Why is Genesis 31:9 important in Jacob's story?
A: This verse highlights God's divine providence in protecting Jacob from Laban's deception. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 73:7) teaches that God saw Jacob's righteousness and ensured he was compensated fairly, showing that God watches over those who act with integrity.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 31:9 about honesty and fairness?
A: The verse teaches that God rewards honesty and punishes deceit. Rambam (Hilchot Sechirut 13:7) derives from this episode that employers must treat workers justly, as Laban's attempts to cheat Jacob were ultimately overturned by divine justice.
Q: How does Genesis 31:9 show God's involvement in our lives?
A: The verse demonstrates that God actively ensures justice in human affairs. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 4a) cites this as an example of how God may allow wrongdoing temporarily but ultimately intervenes to uphold righteousness, as He did for Jacob.
Q: What does 'cattle' represent in Genesis 31:9?
A: In this context, 'cattle' (מִקְנֵה) refers to the flocks of sheep and goats that were Jacob's wages. Rashi notes that these animals were the means by which Jacob built his wealth, showing how God blesses honest labor (based on Genesis 30:43).