Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that angels met Yaakov on his way?
A: According to Rashi, these angels were sent to accompany Yaakov as he returned to the Land of Israel, showing that Hashem was protecting him. The angels who met him in Israel were different from those outside the land, indicating the special holiness of Eretz Yisrael.
Q: Why did angels appear to Yaakov at this time?
A: The Midrash explains that these angels came to protect Yaakov as he prepared to face his brother Esav. This teaches that when a person is about to encounter danger, Hashem sends heavenly assistance, especially when one is doing a mitzvah like Yaakov was in returning home.
Q: How many angels met Yaakov according to Jewish tradition?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 91b) states that two groups of angels met Yaakov - the angels of Eretz Yisrael who accompanied him until the border, and the angels of outside the land who then took over. This shows the transition between spiritual realms.
Q: What can we learn from Yaakov encountering angels?
A: The Rambam teaches that this episode shows that when a person reaches Yaakov's level of righteousness, they may merit divine revelations. It also teaches that Hashem protects those who follow His ways, even sending unseen heavenly forces to guard them.
Q: Do angels accompany people today like they did Yaakov?
A: While we don't visibly see angels like the righteous forefathers did, Jewish tradition maintains that malachei hasharet (ministering angels) accompany and protect those who study Torah and do mitzvot. The Shulchan Aruch mentions that two angels accompany a person home from shul on Shabbat.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereshit 32:2) explains that these angels were the same ones who had accompanied Yaakov when he left Eretz Yisrael (as mentioned in Bereshit 28:12). The angels who protect a person outside Eretz Yisrael do not enter Eretz Yisrael, and vice versa. Therefore, when Yaakov was returning to Eretz Yisrael, the angels of Eretz Yisrael came to greet him while the angels of Chutz La'aretz departed.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 75:6) teaches that these angels were sent to protect Yaakov in preparation for his encounter with Esav. The Midrash further states that there were two groups of angels: one group met him as he entered Eretz Yisrael, and another group would later accompany him when he left Shechem.
Ramban's Insight
Ramban (Bereshit 32:2) suggests that this encounter was a prophetic vision granted to Yaakov to strengthen him before facing Esav. The angels symbolized divine protection and assurance that Hashem would be with him during this dangerous meeting.
Malbim's Perspective
The Malbim explains that the phrase "ויפגעו בו" ("met him") implies that the angels appeared suddenly and unexpectedly. This teaches that divine assistance often comes at precisely the right moment, even when not anticipated.
Practical Lessons