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Genesis 32:9 - Yaakov's strategic prayer for survival

Genesis 32:9 - בראשית 32:9

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אִם־יָבוֹא עֵשָׂו אֶל־הַמַּחֲנֶה הָאַחַת וְהִכָּהוּ וְהָיָה הַמַּחֲנֶה הַנִּשְׁאָר לִפְלֵיטָה׃

English Translation

and said, If ῾Esav come to the one camp, and smite it, then the camp which is left shall escape.

Transliteration

Va'yomer im-yavo Esav el-hamahaneh ha'achat ve'hikahu ve'hayah hamahaneh hanish'ar lifleita.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר אִם־יָב֥וֹא עֵשָׂ֛ו אֶל־הַמַּחֲנֶ֥ה הָאַחַ֖ת וְהִכָּ֑הוּ וְהָיָ֛ה הַמַּחֲנֶ֥ה הַנִּשְׁאָ֖ר לִפְלֵיטָֽה׃
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר אִם־יָב֥וֹא עֵשָׂ֛ו אֶל־הַמַּחֲנֶ֥ה הָאַחַ֖ת וְהִכָּ֑הוּ וְהָיָ֛ה הַמַּחֲנֶ֥ה הַנִּשְׁאָ֖ר לִפְלֵיטָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 32:9) appears in the Torah portion Vayishlach, where Yaakov prepares for his encounter with Esav. After receiving news that Esav is approaching with 400 men, Yaakov divides his camp into two groups as a strategic measure. The verse reflects Yaakov's concern and his prayer to Hashem for protection.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yaakov's strategy was based on practical wisdom. By dividing his camp, he ensured that if Esav attacked one group, the other would survive. Rashi emphasizes that Yaakov prepared in three ways: through prayer (tefillah), gifts to appease Esav (doron), and a plan for war (milchamah). This verse highlights the aspect of his military preparedness.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:1) discusses the principle of self-defense and the obligation to take reasonable precautions in dangerous situations. Yaakov's actions align with this halachic principle, demonstrating that one must not rely solely on miracles but must also take practical steps for protection.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (76:3) interprets the "remaining camp" as a reference to Yaakov's spiritual legacy. Even if physical harm comes to one group, the spiritual continuity of Bnei Yisrael will endure.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayishlach 3) suggests that the two camps symbolize the dual nature of Yaakov's descendants—those who prioritize material pursuits and those who focus on Torah study. Both are essential for the survival of Klal Yisrael.

Ibn Ezra's Explanation

Ibn Ezra notes that Yaakov's language ("If Esav comes...") reflects his humility and recognition of human vulnerability. Despite Hashem's promises, Yaakov understood that human effort (hishtadlut) is necessary, and outcomes are ultimately in Hashem's hands.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Sfat Emet (Vayishlach) teaches that the two camps represent the balance between physical and spiritual preparedness. Yaakov's division symbolizes the need to engage with the world (like the first camp) while maintaining a connection to holiness (the escaping camp), ensuring the Jewish people's survival in all circumstances.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 32:9 mean in simple terms?
A: In Genesis 32:9, Yaakov (Jacob) prepares to meet his brother Esav (Esau) and fears a possible attack. He divides his family and possessions into two camps, reasoning that if Esav attacks one group, the other may survive. This shows Yaakov's wisdom in taking practical steps while also turning to Hashem for protection, as seen in his prayer later in the chapter.
Q: Why did Yaakov divide his camp into two groups?
A: Yaakov divided his camp into two groups as a strategic precaution, based on the principle of 'hishtadlut' (human effort within Divine providence). Rashi (Genesis 32:9) explains that Yaakov prepared in three ways: sending gifts to appease Esav, praying to Hashem, and readying for battle by splitting his camp. This teaches that we must make practical efforts while trusting in Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's actions in Genesis 32:9?
A: From Yaakov's actions, we learn the importance of balancing faith in Hashem with practical efforts (hishtadlut). The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) teaches that one should not rely on miracles but take reasonable precautions. Yaakov's division of his camp demonstrates this principle—trusting in Hashem while also making sensible preparations for potential danger.