Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Jacob send these specific animals as a gift to Esau?
A: Jacob sent these animals as a gift to appease Esau (Genesis 32:21). According to Rashi, the choice of nursing animals with their young was strategic—it would slow down Esau's approach, giving Jacob more time to prepare. The large quantity (camels, cows, bulls, donkeys, and foals) showed generosity to soften Esau's heart.
Q: What is the significance of the numbers of animals Jacob sent?
A: The numbers (30 camels, 40 cows, etc.) represent abundance and respect. Midrashic sources suggest Jacob intentionally sent multiples of ten (e.g., 30, 40, 10, 20) to symbolize completeness, as the number ten often represents wholeness in Jewish tradition (e.g., Ten Commandments). This demonstrated Jacob's sincere effort to reconcile with Esau.
Q: Why did Jacob include nursing animals with their young?
A: Rashi explains that sending nursing animals with their young (like the 30 milch camels with colts) served two purposes: 1) It evoked mercy—seeing mothers with offspring might soften Esau's anger. 2) It delayed Esau’s advance since the young animals would slow down the journey, giving Jacob time to prepare spiritually (e.g., prayer) and physically for their meeting.
Q: How does Jacob's gift to Esau relate to Jewish values today?
A: Jacob’s actions teach the importance of seeking peace (דַּרְכֵי שָׁלוֹם) and reconciliation, even when facing conflict. The Rambam (Hilchot De’ot 6:3) emphasizes that one should go beyond the letter of the law to make peace, as Jacob did by generously giving gifts. This remains a core Jewish value in resolving disputes.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Jacob preparing for Esau with both gifts and prayer?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 4a) derives from Jacob’s actions that one should combine practical efforts (השתדלות) with trust in Hashem (תפילה). Jacob sent gifts (a practical step) but also prayed (Genesis 32:12), teaching us to act responsibly while relying on divine help—a balance central to Jewish life.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Genesis 32:16) describes the lavish gift that Yaakov (Jacob) prepared for his brother Esav (Esau) in an effort to appease him before their reunion. The verse enumerates the specific animals Yaakov selected, including nursing camels with their young, cows, bulls, donkeys, and foals.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that Yaakov chose these animals carefully to convey a message of peace and reconciliation. The nursing camels (gemallim meinikot) were included with their young to demonstrate that Yaakov was not merely offering animals for immediate slaughter, but a sustainable gift that could grow over time. This showed his sincerity in seeking Esav's favor.
Symbolism of the Numbers
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 76:8) notes that Yaakov's gift was structured in progressive groups, each larger than the last (30, 40, etc.), to gradually soften Esav's heart. The selection of female animals (cows, she-asses) with their young also emphasized fertility and continuity, reinforcing Yaakov's blessing-oriented worldview as opposed to Esav's hunter mentality.
Halachic Perspective (Rambam)
Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Mechirah discusses the laws of selling animals and notes that separating a nursing animal from its young is generally prohibited due to tza'ar ba'alei chayim (avoiding animal suffering). Yaakov's inclusion of nursing pairs not only served a diplomatic purpose but also adhered to ethical treatment of animals.