Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Leah and her children bow before Joseph and Rachel?
A: According to Rashi, Leah and her children bowed first because she was the older wife of Jacob. This shows proper respect and order within the family, as the Torah often emphasizes honoring age and precedence (see Genesis 29:16-30 for context on Leah and Rachel's relationship).
Q: What is the significance of the order in which the family members bowed in Genesis 33:7?
A: The order reflects the family hierarchy. Leah (the first wife) and her children bowed first, followed by Joseph and Rachel. Ramban explains that this demonstrates proper derech eretz (respectful conduct) and the importance of maintaining family structure, as Jacob's household was built according to Torah values.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Joseph separately from Leah's children in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 78:8) explains that Joseph was given special prominence because he was the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. This hints at Joseph's future leadership role among the brothers, as seen later in Genesis when he rises to power in Egypt.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Jacob's family bowed together in Genesis 33:7?
A: The Talmud (Kiddushin 31b) derives from this that families should act with unity and respect. Even though there were tensions between Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29-30), here they join in bowing together, teaching us the importance of family harmony despite past difficulties.
Q: Why is this moment of bowing significant in Jacob's story?
A: Rashi explains that this completes the fulfillment of Jacob's vow made in Genesis 28:20-22, where he promised to properly honor G-d upon returning safely to Canaan. The orderly bowing of his entire family demonstrates that he returned with his household intact, fulfilling his promise.
The Order of Bowing in Yaakov's Family
The verse (Bereishit 33:7) describes the order in which Yaakov's family approached Esav to bow before him. Rashi explains that Leah and her children approached first because Yaakov strategically positioned them in front, placing the less beloved wife and children before the more beloved Rachel and Yosef—similar to how one places less valuable possessions before a potential attacker to protect what is most precious.
Rachel and Yosef's Delayed Approach
According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 78:8), Rachel and Yosef came last because Yosef was destined to stand before Pharaoh, and Rachel's descendant Shaul would bow before Agag. Thus, their bowing here foreshadowed future events. The Ramban adds that this arrangement also reflected Yaakov's wisdom in protecting Rachel, who was barren for many years and bore only Yosef at this time.
The Significance of the Double Bowing
Halachic Implications of Family Hierarchy
The Talmud (Ketubot 61a) derives from this verse that a man must show greater honor to his first wife than to subsequent wives. The Maharsha explains that Yaakov's actions here became a model for proper familial conduct, even in difficult circumstances.