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Genesis 32:18 - Preparing for Esav's encounter wisely

Genesis 32:18 - בראשית 32:18

Hebrew Text

וַיְצַו אֶת־הָרִאשׁוֹן לֵאמֹר כִּי יִפְגָּשְׁךָ עֵשָׂו אָחִי וִשְׁאֵלְךָ לֵאמֹר לְמִי־אַתָּה וְאָנָה תֵלֵךְ וּלְמִי אֵלֶּה לְפָנֶיךָ׃

English Translation

And he commanded the foremost, saying, When ῾Esav my brother meets thee, and asks thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither dost thou go? and whose are these before thee?

Transliteration

Vayetzav et harishon lemor ki yifgashekha Esav achiv vish'elcha lemor lemi atah ve'ana telekh ulemi eleh lefanekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְצַ֥ו אֶת־הָרִאשׁ֖וֹן לֵאמֹ֑ר כִּ֣י יִֽפְגׇשְׁךָ֞ עֵשָׂ֣ו אָחִ֗י וּשְׁאֵֽלְךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר לְמִי־אַ֙תָּה֙ וְאָ֣נָה תֵלֵ֔ךְ וּלְמִ֖י אֵ֥לֶּה לְפָנֶֽיךָ׃
וַיְצַ֥ו אֶת־הָרִאשׁ֖וֹן לֵאמֹ֑ר כִּ֣י יִֽפְגׇשְׁךָ֞ עֵשָׂ֣ו אָחִ֗י וּשְׁאֵֽלְךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר לְמִי־אַ֙תָּה֙ וְאָ֣נָה תֵלֵ֔ךְ וּלְמִ֖י אֵ֥לֶּה לְפָנֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 32:18) describes Yaakov Avinu's preparations before meeting his brother Esav. After years of separation, Yaakov anticipates a potentially hostile encounter and strategically instructs his servants on how to respond to Esav's questions. The verse reflects Yaakov's wisdom in diplomacy and his efforts to avoid conflict.

Yaakov's Instructions to the Servants

Rashi explains that Yaakov divided his camp into two groups (as mentioned in the previous verse) and gave specific instructions to the first group. The three questions Yaakov anticipates from Esav are:

  • "Whose art thou?" - Rashi interprets this as Esav inquiring about their allegiance: "To whom do you belong?"
  • "Whither dost thou go?" - Esav would ask about their destination.
  • "Whose are these before thee?" - Esav would question the ownership of the flocks and gifts Yaakov sent ahead.

Yaakov's Diplomatic Approach

The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that Yaakov's response plan was designed to appease Esav by emphasizing humility and submission. By instructing his servants to say the animals were a gift "to my lord Esav" (as seen in the following verses), Yaakov sought to diminish any perception of threat or rivalry.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 75:8) highlights that Yaakov's preparations reflect his understanding of Esav's nature. The three questions parallel Esav's worldview:

  • "Whose art thou?" - Esav values dominance and seeks to know if Yaakov still submits to him.
  • "Whither dost thou go?" - Esav is concerned with Yaakov's intentions and future movements.
  • "Whose are these before thee?" - Esav is materialistic and focuses on possessions.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim of Luntschitz) teaches that Yaakov's actions model the principle of hishtadlut (human effort within divine providence). Despite Hashem's promise of protection (Bereshit 32:9-13), Yaakov took practical steps to ensure safety, demonstrating that trust in Hashem does not negate responsible action.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Genesis 32:18?
A: Genesis 32:18 occurs when Yaakov (Jacob) is preparing to meet his brother Esav (Esau) after many years of separation. Yaakov sends gifts ahead to appease Esav, fearing his brother's anger. This verse shows Yaakov instructing his servants on how to respond if Esav questions them about their identity and purpose.
Q: Why did Yaakov prepare so carefully before meeting Esav?
A: Yaakov prepared carefully because he wanted to avoid conflict with Esav, who had previously threatened to kill him (Genesis 27:41). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 75:11) explains that Yaakov used three strategies: prayer (tefillah), gifts (doron), and preparing for war (milchamah), showing the importance of both spiritual and practical efforts in resolving conflicts.
Q: What can we learn from Yaakov's instructions to his servants in this verse?
A: Yaakov's instructions teach the importance of humility and diplomacy when dealing with potential conflict. Rashi explains that Yaakov told his servants to refer to Esav as 'my lord' and to themselves as 'your servant,' demonstrating respect and deference. This reflects the Jewish value of pursuing peace (darchei shalom) even in difficult situations.
Q: How does this verse relate to dealing with difficult relationships today?
A: This verse teaches that reconciliation requires preparation, wisdom, and sometimes concessions. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:9) writes that one should always seek peace and act with humility, even towards those who may oppose them. Yaakov's approach serves as a model for handling strained relationships with thoughtfulness and care.
Q: Why does Yaakov refer to Esav as 'my brother' in this verse?
A: Yaakov calls Esav 'my brother' to emphasize their familial bond despite past conflicts. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 45b) teaches that maintaining family ties is important even in challenging circumstances. By acknowledging their brotherhood, Yaakov shows his desire for reconciliation rather than continuing hostility.