share torah logo

Genesis 33:18 - Jacob's peaceful Shechem arrival?

Genesis 33:18 - בראשית 33:18

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא יַעֲקֹב שָׁלֵם עִיר שְׁכֶם אֲשֶׁר בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן בְּבֹאוֹ מִפַּדַּן אֲרָם וַיִּחַן אֶת־פְּנֵי הָעִיר׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov came to Shalem, a city of Shekhem, which is in the land of Kena῾an, when he came from Paddan-aram; and pitched his tent before the city.

Transliteration

Va'yavo Ya'akov shalem ir Shechem asher be'eretz Kena'an be'vo'o mi'Padan Aram va'yichan et pnei ha'ir.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹא֩ יַעֲקֹ֨ב שָׁלֵ֜ם עִ֣יר שְׁכֶ֗ם אֲשֶׁר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן בְּבֹא֖וֹ מִפַּדַּ֣ן אֲרָ֑ם וַיִּ֖חַן אֶת־פְּנֵ֥י הָעִֽיר׃
וַיָּבֹא֩ יַעֲקֹ֨ב שָׁלֵ֜ם עִ֣יר שְׁכֶ֗ם אֲשֶׁר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן בְּבֹא֖וֹ מִפַּדַּ֣ן אֲרָ֑ם וַיִּ֖חַן אֶת־פְּנֵ֥י הָעִֽיר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Arrival in Shalem

The verse states: "וַיָּבֹא יַעֲקֹב שָׁלֵם עִיר שְׁכֶם" ("And Yaakov came to Shalem, a city of Shekhem"). Rashi explains that the word "שָׁלֵם" (Shalem) can be understood in three ways:

  • Complete in body: Yaakov was healed from his injury sustained during his struggle with the angel (Bereishit 32:26).
  • Complete in wealth: Despite giving gifts to Esav, Yaakov retained his material blessings (Rashi, citing Bereishit Rabbah 79:5).
  • Complete in Torah: Yaakov had preserved the Torah knowledge he acquired in the yeshiva of Shem and Ever (Rashi, citing Talmud, Megillah 17a).

Pitching His Tent Before the City

The phrase "וַיִּחַן אֶת־פְּנֵי הָעִיר" ("and pitched his tent before the city") is interpreted by Ramban (Nachmanides) as Yaakov establishing a place of Torah and prayer outside Shekhem. This reflects his commitment to maintaining spiritual integrity even when dwelling near a Canaanite city. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 79:6) adds that Yaakov sought to bring the inhabitants of Shekhem closer to monotheism, following the example of Avraham, who also "called in the name of Hashem" (Bereishit 12:8).

Historical and Geographical Context

The Ohr HaChaim notes that Shekhem was a significant location in Jewish history—it was where Avraham first stopped in Eretz Yisrael (Bereishit 12:6) and where Yosef would later be sold (Bereishit 37:12-14). Yaakov's choice to dwell there hints at the unfolding divine plan for the Jewish people in the land of Canaan.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Shleimut (Wholeness): Yaakov's arrival "שָׁלֵם" teaches the ideal of balancing physical, material, and spiritual completeness in serving Hashem.
  • Engagement with Society: By encamping near Shekhem, Yaakov models how to engage with the world while maintaining Torah values—a lesson for Jewish life in exile.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Jacob's actions upon arriving in Shechem, particularly regarding his pitching his tent before the city and his interactions with the local inhabitants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Yaakov came to Shalem' mean in Genesis 33:18?
A: Rashi explains that 'Shalem' can mean 'complete' or 'whole,' indicating that Yaakov arrived safely and whole in body, possessions, and spiritual integrity after his journey and encounter with Esav. Alternatively, 'Shalem' may refer to the name of the city (Shalem) near Shechem.
Q: Why did Yaakov pitch his tent 'before the city' of Shechem?
A: According to Ramban, Yaakov did not immediately enter the city but camped outside to avoid mingling with the inhabitants, who were morally corrupt. This teaches the importance of maintaining spiritual boundaries even when settling in a new place.
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov coming from 'Paddan Aram' in this verse?
A: Paddan Aram was where Yaakov lived with Lavan for 20 years, endured hardships, and built his family. The Torah mentions this to highlight that Yaakov was now returning to Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) to fulfill his destiny, as promised by Hashem.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish values today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of arriving 'shalem'—whole in our spiritual and physical lives—after challenges, just as Yaakov did. It also reminds us to be cautious in new environments, ensuring we uphold Torah values even when surrounded by foreign influences.
Q: Why is Shechem significant in Yaakov's journey?
A: Shechem was a central location in Eretz Yisrael, later becoming an important city for the tribes. The Midrash notes that Yaakov’s arrival there marked the beginning of his family’s permanent settlement in the land, fulfilling Hashem’s promise to Avraham and Yitzchak.