Genesis 32:12 - Fear of Esau's vengeance

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 32:12) is part of Yaakov Avinu's prayer to Hashem as he prepares to encounter his brother Esav after many years of separation. Yaakov expresses deep fear of Esav's potential violence and pleads for divine protection. The phrase "the mother with the children" is particularly striking and has been extensively discussed by commentators.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Yaakov feared Esav would attack not only him but also his family, including mothers and children. Rashi notes that the double language "from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esav" reflects Yaakov's concern that Esav might act both as a brother (with some familial restraint) and as the wicked Esav (with full hostility). This duality captures the complexity of their relationship.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra focuses on the phrase "the mother with the children," suggesting it is an idiom meaning total destruction - that Esav would show no mercy, not even sparing mothers and their children. This reflects the brutal nature Yaakov anticipated from Esav.

Ramban's Deeper Interpretation

The Ramban provides a more profound reading, suggesting that Yaakov's fear extended beyond physical harm. He was concerned about spiritual consequences - that Esav might influence or corrupt Yaakov's family. The mention of "mother and children" symbolizes the continuity of the Jewish people, which Yaakov sought to protect from Esav's negative influence.

Midrashic Perspectives

• Bereishit Rabbah (76:9) interprets "the mother with the children" as referring to Rachel, who would die in childbirth (later in the narrative), connecting Yaakov's present fear with future tragedies.
• Another Midrash suggests this phrase alludes to future persecutions of the Jewish people throughout history, where enemies would show no mercy to mothers and children.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 1:2) cites this verse as an example of proper prayer - combining personal request with acknowledgment of God's past kindness (as Yaakov does in the surrounding verses). This demonstrates the Jewish approach to prayer during times of danger.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal Shem Tov taught that Yaakov's fear of "the mother with the children" represents concern that Esav might attack the "mother" (the root and source) of Jewish faith together with its "children" (the practical mitzvot). This spiritual interpretation sees Yaakov protecting both the essence and expression of Judaism.