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Genesis 33:15 - Jacob rejects Esau's escort?

Genesis 33:15 - בראשית 33:15

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר עֵשָׂו אַצִּיגָה־נָּא עִמְּךָ מִן־הָעָם אֲשֶׁר אִתִּי וַיֹּאמֶר לָמָּה זֶּה אֶמְצָא־חֵן בְּעֵינֵי אֲדֹנִי׃

English Translation

And ῾Esav said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What need is there? let me find favour in the sight of my lord.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Esav atziga-na imcha min-ha'am asher iti va'yomer lamah zeh emtza-chen b'einei adoni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר עֵשָׂ֔ו אַצִּֽיגָה־נָּ֣א עִמְּךָ֔ מִן־הָעָ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתִּ֑י וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ לָ֣מָּה זֶּ֔ה אֶמְצָא־חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֵ֥י אֲדֹנִֽי׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר עֵשָׂ֔ו אַצִּֽיגָה־נָּ֣א עִמְּךָ֔ מִן־הָעָ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתִּ֑י וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ לָ֣מָּה זֶּ֔ה אֶמְצָא־חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֵ֥י אֲדֹנִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Dialogue Between Yaakov and Esav

The verse (Bereishit 33:15) records Esav's offer to leave some of his men with Yaakov for protection, to which Yaakov responds by declining, saying, "Why should I find favor in your eyes?" Rashi explains that Yaakov was subtly conveying that he did not need Esav's protection, as he trusted in Hashem's promise to guard him (Bereishit 28:15). Yaakov's phrasing, "Let me find favor in the sight of my lord," was a diplomatic refusal, avoiding direct confrontation while asserting his independence.

Yaakov’s Reliance on Divine Protection

The Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that Yaakov's response reflects his complete faith in Hashem’s providence. Unlike Esav, who relied on human strength and military escort, Yaakov demonstrated that his security came from divine protection. This aligns with the principle of bitachon (trust in Hashem), as emphasized in Tehillim (20:8): "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we call upon the name of Hashem our God."

Midrashic Insights on Esav’s Intentions

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 78:14) suggests that Esav’s offer was not purely benevolent. By proposing to leave some of his men, Esav may have sought to maintain influence or surveillance over Yaakov. Yaakov, aware of this, tactfully declined to prevent any future conflict or interference. The Midrash highlights Yaakov’s wisdom in navigating this delicate interaction without provoking Esav.

Lessons in Diplomacy and Faith

  • Diplomatic Refusal: Yaakov’s response teaches the importance of declining unwanted offers with wisdom and respect, avoiding unnecessary conflict.
  • Trust in Hashem: His refusal underscores the Jewish ideal of relying on divine protection rather than human alliances when they compromise spiritual integrity.
  • Esav’s Nature: The exchange reveals Esav’s persistent desire for control, contrasting with Yaakov’s commitment to divine providence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Esav mean when he says 'Let me leave with thee some of the folk that are with me'?
A: According to Rashi, Esav was offering to leave some of his men with Yaakov as an escort or protection. However, Yaakov politely declines, showing his trust in Hashem rather than relying on Esav's assistance.
Q: Why does Yaakov respond 'What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord'?
A: The Ramban explains that Yaakov was demonstrating humility and independence. He did not want to be indebted to Esav or appear to need his help, preferring to rely solely on Hashem's protection. His words also maintained peaceful relations by showing respect ('my lord').
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's response to Esav in this verse?
A: The Midrash teaches that Yaakov's response models wisdom in interpersonal relationships. He declined Esav's offer gracefully without offending him, balancing self-reliance with diplomacy. This teaches us the importance of both trusting in Hashem and speaking with tact.
Q: How does this interaction between Yaakov and Esav apply to our lives today?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 16b) derives from here that one should avoid unnecessary dependence on others, especially those with questionable motives. Like Yaakov, we should strive for self-sufficiency where possible while maintaining peaceful relations through respectful communication.