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Genesis 32:19 - Jacob's gift to Esau

Genesis 32:19 - בראשית 32:19

Hebrew Text

וְאָמַרְתָּ לְעַבְדְּךָ לְיַעֲקֹב מִנְחָה הִוא שְׁלוּחָה לַאדֹנִי לְעֵשָׂו וְהִנֵּה גַם־הוּא אַחֲרֵינוּ׃

English Translation

Then thou shalt say, They are thy servant Ya῾aqov’s, it is a present sent to my lord ῾Esav: and, behold, also he is behind us.

Transliteration

Ve'amarta le'avdecha le'Yaakov mincha hi shlucha la'adoni le'Esav ve'hine gam-hu achareinu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֙ לְעַבְדְּךָ֣ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב מִנְחָ֥ה הִוא֙ שְׁלוּחָ֔ה לַֽאדֹנִ֖י לְעֵשָׂ֑ו וְהִנֵּ֥ה גַם־ה֖וּא אַחֲרֵֽינוּ׃
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֙ לְעַבְדְּךָ֣ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב מִנְחָ֥ה הִוא֙ שְׁלוּחָ֔ה לַֽאדֹנִ֖י לְעֵשָׂ֑ו וְהִנֵּ֥ה גַם־ה֖וּא אַחֲרֵֽינוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 32:19) is part of Yaakov Avinu's preparations to meet his brother Esav after many years of separation. Yaakov sends messengers ahead with gifts to appease Esav, fearing his potential anger. The verse reflects Yaakov's careful strategy to mitigate conflict while demonstrating humility and respect.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yaakov instructs his servants to emphasize that the gifts are from "your servant Yaakov," highlighting his humility. The phrase "it is a present sent to my lord Esav" shows deference, referring to Esav as "my lord" to soften his heart. Rashi notes that Yaakov's wording is deliberate—he does not say the gifts are from Esav's servant (which might imply subjugation) but rather for Esav, maintaining dignity while showing respect.

Rambam's Perspective on Conflict Resolution

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:7) teaches that one should go to great lengths to pursue peace, even if it requires humility or material sacrifice. Yaakov's actions align with this principle—he sends lavish gifts and speaks deferentially to avoid strife, embodying the ideal of "deracheha darchei noam" (the ways of Torah are pleasant).

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (75:11): The Midrash highlights Yaakov's wisdom in stating "also he is behind us"—this implies Yaakov himself is approaching, showing he does not fear Esav but seeks reconciliation. The phrasing suggests readiness for either peace or confrontation if necessary.
  • Sforno: Notes that Yaakov's gifts were not merely material but symbolic—they represented the blessings he had acquired, subtly acknowledging Esav's claim while demonstrating Hashem's providence in Yaakov's success.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 110b) derives from this episode that one may flatter a wicked person for the sake of peace, as Yaakov did with Esav. However, Tosafot clarify that this is permitted only in exceptional circumstances where danger or great conflict is imminent, emphasizing Yaakov's unique situation.

Symbolism of "Behind Us"

Kli Yakar suggests that "behind us" alludes to Yaakov's spiritual superiority—while Esav represents the physical world (olam hazeh), Yaakov's true essence is "behind" (i.e., beyond) material concerns, focused on the eternal (olam haba). The gifts thus serve as a bridge between their divergent paths.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Yaakov sending a gift to Esav in Genesis 32:19?
A: Yaakov sent gifts to Esav as a gesture of peace and appeasement before their meeting. According to Rashi, this was part of Yaakov's threefold strategy: prayer, sending gifts, and preparing for war if necessary. The gifts were meant to soften Esav's heart and show that Yaakov came in peace.
Q: Why did Yaakov refer to himself as 'your servant' when speaking about Esav?
A: Yaakov humbled himself by calling himself 'your servant' to show respect and deference to Esav, despite being the rightful heir of Yitzchak's blessings. The Ramban explains that this was a diplomatic approach to avoid conflict, demonstrating that humility can help resolve disputes.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov preparing gifts for Esav?
A: The Midrash teaches that Yaakov's actions show the importance of making efforts in the physical world (hishtadlus) while also relying on Hashem. Even though Yaakov prayed for protection, he took practical steps to try to make peace with Esav. This teaches us to combine faith with responsible action.
Q: Why does the verse say 'also he is behind us'?
A: Rashi explains that Yaakov instructed his servants to tell Esav that Yaakov himself was coming behind the gifts. This was to show that Yaakov was approaching respectfully and not hiding. The Talmud (Berachos 4a) notes that this demonstrates proper derech eretz (respectful conduct) when seeking reconciliation.
Q: How does Yaakov's approach to Esav apply to resolving conflicts today?
A: The Gemara (Avodah Zarah 25b) derives from this episode that one should try to appease an adversary with words and gifts. Jewish tradition emphasizes seeking peace through humility and goodwill, as Yaakov did. This remains a model for conflict resolution—approaching disputes with sincerity and a willingness to make concessions.