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Genesis 32:7 - Esav approaches with army—fear?

Genesis 32:7 - בראשית 32:7

Hebrew Text

וַיָּשֻׁבוּ הַמַּלְאָכִים אֶל־יַעֲקֹב לֵאמֹר בָּאנוּ אֶל־אָחִיךָ אֶל־עֵשָׂו וְגַם הֹלֵךְ לִקְרָאתְךָ וְאַרְבַּע־מֵאוֹת אִישׁ עִמּוֹ׃

English Translation

And the messengers returned to Ya῾aqov, saying, We came to thy brother ῾Esav, and also he is coming to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.

Transliteration

Vayashuvu hamal'akhim el-Yaakov lemor banu el-achikha el-Esav vegam holekh likratekha ve'arba-meot ish imo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּשֻׁ֙בוּ֙ הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֖ב לֵאמֹ֑ר בָּ֤אנוּ אֶל־אָחִ֙יךָ֙ אֶל־עֵשָׂ֔ו וְגַם֙ הֹלֵ֣ךְ לִקְרָֽאתְךָ֔ וְאַרְבַּע־מֵא֥וֹת אִ֖ישׁ עִמּֽוֹ׃
וַיָּשֻׁ֙בוּ֙ הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֖ב לֵאמֹ֑ר בָּ֤אנוּ אֶל־אָחִ֙יךָ֙ אֶל־עֵשָׂ֔ו וְגַם֙ הֹלֵ֣ךְ לִקְרָֽאתְךָ֔ וְאַרְבַּע־מֵא֥וֹת אִ֖ישׁ עִמּֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Commentary on the Messengers' Report

Rashi (Genesis 32:7) explains that the messengers' wording reveals Esav's true intentions. The phrase "וְגַם הֹלֵךְ לִקְרָאתְךָ" ("and also he is coming to meet thee") implies that Esav was coming with hostile intent, as the word "גַם" often introduces something additional and unexpected. Rashi notes that the 400 armed men accompanying Esav were not coming in peace, but rather prepared for battle.

Ramban's Perspective on Yaakov's Strategy

The Ramban (Nachmanides on Genesis 32:8) analyzes Yaakov's reaction to this news. He suggests that Yaakov prepared for three strategies simultaneously:

  • Tefillah (Prayer): Appealing to Divine mercy (as seen in the subsequent prayer in verses 10-13)
  • Doron (Gifts): Sending lavish presents to appease Esav (verses 14-21)
  • Milchamah (War): Dividing his camp for potential battle (verses 8-9)

Talmudic Insight on the 400 Men

The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 25b) discusses the significance of the number 400, connecting it to Esav's descendant Amalek who later attacked Israel with 400 men (1 Samuel 15:4). This suggests a pattern of hostility in Esav's lineage. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 75:9) adds that these 400 men represented Esav's complete military force, showing he was coming with full strength.

Sforno's Psychological Analysis

Sforno (Genesis 32:7) observes that the messengers emphasize "אָחִיךָ אֶל־עֵשָׂו" ("thy brother Esav") to highlight the paradox - though biologically brothers, their relationship had become adversarial. This underscores the tragedy of sibling rivalry that began in their mother's womb (Genesis 25:22).

Malbim on the Linguistic Nuances

The Malbim analyzes the messengers' precise language. The phrase "בָּאנוּ אֶל־אָחִיךָ" ("we came to thy brother") rather than "to Esav" suggests they first approached him with familial warmth, but encountered "עֵשָׂו" - his hostile persona. The dual reference captures Esav's complex relationship with Yaakov.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 4b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing of prayer, illustrating the urgency and fear Yaakov felt upon hearing about Esav's approach.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the nature of Esav's intentions and the historical enmity between Yaakov and Esav.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Esav coming to meet Yaakov with 400 men?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, Esav was coming with 400 men because he intended to wage war against Yaakov. This was due to the longstanding tension between them, stemming from Yaakov receiving the blessings that Esav felt were rightfully his (Genesis 27). The Torah shows Yaakov's concern by preparing for both war (dividing his camp) and peace (sending gifts).
Q: What is the significance of the number 400 in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 75:9) explains that the 400 men correspond to the 400 silver shekels Yaakov later paid for the field in Shechem (Genesis 33:19). This shows Divine justice - what Esav intended for harm (400 armed men) would ultimately result in Yaakov's acquisition of part of the Land of Israel. The number also represents a complete military unit in ancient times.
Q: How did Yaakov prepare for this meeting with Esav?
A: The Torah describes three preparations Yaakov made (Genesis 32:8-21): 1) He divided his camp into two groups for safety (Rashi says this fulfilled the principle 'do not rely on miracles'), 2) He prayed to Hashem for protection, showing his faith, and 3) He sent generous gifts to appease Esav. The Ramban explains this threefold approach teaches us to combine practical efforts with spiritual preparation when facing challenges.
Q: Why does the verse emphasize that Esav is Yaakov's 'brother'?
A: Rashi notes the Torah intentionally mentions 'your brother Esav' to show that despite their conflicts, the bond of brotherhood remained. The Malbim explains this highlights Yaakov's dilemma - he had to be cautious of Esav's potential hostility while still recognizing their familial relationship. This teaches us about complex family dynamics and the importance of maintaining relationships even during difficult times.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's reaction to this news?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 4a) derives from this episode that one should prepare through prayer (tefillah), practical steps (hishtadlut), and diplomacy (sending gifts). The Sforno adds that Yaakov's balanced response - neither panicking nor being overconfident - teaches us to approach challenges with wisdom, faith, and proactive planning. This remains relevant today when facing any difficult situation.