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Genesis 32:27 - Struggle for divine blessing?

Genesis 32:27 - בראשית 32:27

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר שַׁלְּחֵנִי כִּי עָלָה הַשָּׁחַר וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא אֲשַׁלֵּחֲךָ כִּי אִם־בֵּרַכְתָּנִי׃

English Translation

And he said, Let me go, for the day breaks. And he said, I will not let thee go, unless thou bless me.

Transliteration

Vayomer shalcheini ki alah hashachar vayomer lo ashale'achacha ki im-berachtani.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר שַׁלְּחֵ֔נִי כִּ֥י עָלָ֖ה הַשָּׁ֑חַר וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ לֹ֣א אֲשַֽׁלֵּחֲךָ֔ כִּ֖י אִם־בֵּרַכְתָּֽנִי׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר שַׁלְּחֵ֔נִי כִּ֥י עָלָ֖ה הַשָּׁ֑חַר וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ לֹ֣א אֲשַֽׁלֵּחֲךָ֔ כִּ֖י אִם־בֵּרַכְתָּֽנִי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 32:27) appears in the narrative of Yaakov (Jacob) wrestling with a mysterious figure, often identified in Jewish tradition as the guardian angel of Esav (Esau). The encounter occurs on the night before Yaakov reunites with his brother Esav after many years of separation. The angel demands to be released at dawn, but Yaakov refuses unless he receives a blessing.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the angel sought to leave because angels are only permitted to perform their missions at night, as they are celestial beings whose time of activity is during the darkness (Bereshit Rabbah 78:1). When the angel says, "Let me go, for the day breaks," it signifies that his time of influence had ended. However, Yaakov, recognizing the spiritual opportunity, insists on receiving a blessing before releasing him.

Yaakov's Demand for a Blessing

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 77:3) elaborates that Yaakov understood this was no ordinary struggle but a divine encounter. By refusing to let the angel go without a blessing, Yaakov demonstrated his unwavering commitment to securing spiritual elevation, even in the face of exhaustion and danger. The blessing he sought was not merely material but represented divine favor and assurance for his future.

The Nature of the Blessing

Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that the blessing Yaakov received—a change of name to "Yisrael" (ישראל)—signified his triumph in both physical and spiritual struggles. The name Yisrael ("one who prevails with G-d") reflects his ability to overcome challenges through divine assistance. This moment marked a transformation in Yaakov’s identity, affirming his role as the progenitor of the Jewish people.

Symbolism of Dawn

  • End of Spiritual Struggle: Dawn represents the conclusion of the night’s trials, symbolizing the resolution of Yaakov’s fears about meeting Esav.
  • New Beginning: The breaking of day signifies hope and renewal, aligning with Yaakov’s transition into a new phase of leadership and divine promise.

Halachic Insight from the Talmud

The Talmud (Chullin 91a) derives from this episode that the time for the morning prayer (Shacharit) begins at dawn ("alot hashachar"), as this was the moment when Yaakov secured his blessing. Thus, the verse also carries a practical halachic implication regarding the proper time for tefillah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the angel wrestling with Jacob, emphasizing Jacob's persistence in seeking a blessing.
📖 Berakhot 27a
The verse is mentioned in the context of prayers and blessings, drawing a parallel between Jacob's insistence on receiving a blessing and the importance of persistence in prayer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is speaking in Genesis 32:27 and what is happening in this verse?
A: In Genesis 32:27, Yaakov (Jacob) is wrestling with a mysterious figure (understood by Rashi and the Midrash as the angel of Esav). As dawn approaches, the angel asks to be released, but Yaakov refuses unless he receives a blessing. This shows Yaakov's determination to secure divine favor.
Q: Why did Yaakov refuse to let the angel go without a blessing?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Yaakov understood that this encounter was a spiritual struggle representing his future challenges. By demanding a blessing, he demonstrated his faith in Hashem and his commitment to securing a spiritual legacy for his descendants, the Jewish people.
Q: What is the significance of the angel saying 'for the day breaks' in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 91a) explains that angels can only function at night (as they are spiritual beings of the heavenly realm). The approaching dawn meant the angel had to leave, but Yaakov seized this moment to secure a blessing, teaching us to recognize and utilize fleeting opportunities for spiritual growth.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Yaakov's actions in this verse?
A: The Rambam teaches that Yaakov's persistence - even when injured and exhausted - models how we should pursue divine connection. Just as Yaakov wouldn't release the angel without a blessing, we should never let go of opportunities for spiritual growth, even in difficult circumstances.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish people's identity?
A: The Midrash explains that this struggle represents the eternal challenges the Jewish people would face. Yaakov's new name 'Yisrael' (given later in the narrative) means 'one who struggles with G-d,' showing that our nation's identity is rooted in persevering through difficulties while maintaining faith.