share torah logo

Genesis 32:23 - Jacob's midnight spiritual struggle

Genesis 32:23 - בראשית 32:23

Hebrew Text

וַיָּקָם בַּלַּיְלָה הוּא וַיִּקַּח אֶת־שְׁתֵּי נָשָׁיו וְאֶת־שְׁתֵּי שִׁפְחֹתָיו וְאֶת־אַחַד עָשָׂר יְלָדָיו וַיַּעֲבֹר אֵת מַעֲבַר יַבֹּק׃

English Translation

And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford of Yabboq.

Transliteration

Vayakam balayla hu vayikach et-shtei nashav ve'et-shtei shifchotav ve'et-achad asar yeladav vaya'avor et ma'avar Yabok.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֣קׇם <b>׀</b> בַּלַּ֣יְלָה ה֗וּא וַיִּקַּ֞ח אֶת־שְׁתֵּ֤י נָשָׁיו֙ וְאֶת־שְׁתֵּ֣י שִׁפְחֹתָ֔יו וְאֶת־אַחַ֥ד עָשָׂ֖ר יְלָדָ֑יו וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֔ר אֵ֖ת מַעֲבַ֥ר יַבֹּֽק׃
וַיָּ֣קׇם ׀ בַּלַּ֣יְלָה ה֗וּא וַיִּקַּ֞ח אֶת־שְׁתֵּ֤י נָשָׁיו֙ וְאֶת־שְׁתֵּ֣י שִׁפְחֹתָ֔יו וְאֶת־אַחַ֥ד עָשָׂ֖ר יְלָדָ֑יו וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֔ר אֵ֖ת מַעֲבַ֥ר יַבֹּֽק׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 32:23) describes Yaakov Avinu's preparations before encountering his brother Eisav. The Torah recounts how Yaakov took his family and possessions across the Yabboq River at night. This moment is pivotal in Yaakov's life, as it precedes his struggle with the angel and his subsequent name change to Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 32:23) explains that Yaakov took his family across the river at night to protect them from potential danger. He emphasizes that Yaakov acted with great care, ensuring the safety of his wives, maidservants (Bilhah and Zilpah), and eleven sons (Binyamin had not yet been born). Rashi notes that the term "וַיָּקָם" ("and he rose up") implies urgency and determination.

Ramban's Insight

The Ramban (Bereshit 32:23) adds that Yaakov's actions demonstrate his leadership and responsibility. By personally overseeing the crossing, he ensured that no one was left behind. The Ramban also connects this event to Yaakov's later struggle with the angel, suggesting that his physical and spiritual preparations were intertwined.

Midrashic Interpretations

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (76:3): The crossing of the Yabboq symbolizes Yaakov's transition from a life of material concerns to a higher spiritual struggle. The river represents a boundary between his past and future.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayishlach 8): Yaakov's decision to cross at night reflects his humility and desire to avoid confrontation with Eisav until absolutely necessary.

Significance of the Eleven Sons

The mention of "eleven sons" (excluding Binyamin) is noted by commentators like the Sforno, who explains that this detail highlights Yaakov's awareness of his family's completeness—even before Binyamin's birth—as part of the future twelve tribes of Yisrael.

Theological Implications

The Ohr HaChaim (Bereshit 32:23) teaches that Yaakov's actions embody the principle of "hishtadlut" (human effort), demonstrating that one must take practical steps while relying on Hashem's protection. His crossing of the Yabboq foreshadows the Jewish people's future challenges and triumphs.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Jacob's actions and his encounter with the angel, illustrating his preparation and the significance of the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Genesis 32:23?
A: In Genesis 32:23, Yaakov (Jacob) prepares to cross the Yabboq River with his family at night. This occurs before his famous encounter with the angel (later in the same chapter). According to Rashi, Yaakov took his family across first to ensure their safety before facing his brother Esav (Esau).
Q: Why did Yaakov take his family across the river at night?
A: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 77:1) explains that Yaakov acted at night because it was a time of divine favor and protection. Additionally, Ramban suggests that crossing at night allowed him to move discreetly, avoiding potential conflict with Esav's camp.
Q: Why does the verse mention Yaakov's two wives and two maidservants?
A: The Torah lists all members of Yaakov's household to emphasize that he was responsible for their spiritual and physical well-being. Rashi notes that this shows Yaakov's care for his entire family, ensuring none were left behind in danger before his meeting with Esav.
Q: What is the significance of the Yabboq River in this story?
A: The Yabboq River represents a physical and spiritual transition point. The Talmud (Chullin 91a) teaches that crossing the Yabboq symbolized Yaakov preparing himself for the challenges ahead—both the physical meeting with Esav and the spiritual struggle with the angel that follows.
Q: How does this verse teach us about leadership?
A: This verse demonstrates Yaakov's leadership by showing his concern for his family's safety before his own. The Sforno explains that a true leader ensures the welfare of those under their care first, as Yaakov did by sending his family across the river before remaining alone to face his challenges.