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Genesis 33:8 - Seeking favor through gifts?

Genesis 33:8 - בראשית 33:8

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מִי לְךָ כָּל־הַמַּחֲנֶה הַזֶּה אֲשֶׁר פָּגָשְׁתִּי וַיֹּאמֶר לִמְצֹא־חֵן בְּעֵינֵי אֲדֹנִי׃

English Translation

And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find favour in the sight of my lord.

Transliteration

Vayomer mi lecha kol-hamachaneh hazeh asher pagashti vayomer limtso-chen be'enei adoni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר מִ֥י לְךָ֛ כׇּל־הַמַּחֲנֶ֥ה הַזֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר פָּגָ֑שְׁתִּי וַיֹּ֕אמֶר לִמְצֹא־חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֵ֥י אֲדֹנִֽי׃
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר מִ֥י לְךָ֛ כׇּל־הַמַּחֲנֶ֥ה הַזֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר פָּגָ֑שְׁתִּי וַיֹּ֕אמֶר לִמְצֹא־חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֵ֥י אֲדֹנִֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bereshit 32:18) appears in the narrative of Yaakov Avinu preparing to meet his brother Eisav. Yaakov sends a lavish gift of livestock ahead to appease Eisav, and when Eisav inquires about the purpose of these animals, Yaakov's messengers explain that they are intended "to find favor in the sight of my lord."

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Yaakov's phrasing demonstrates humility and wisdom in dealing with Eisav. By referring to the gifts as "to find favor," Yaakov acknowledges Eisav's potential anger and seeks to mitigate it through respectful submission. Rashi notes that Yaakov's language mirrors the principle of "soft speech turns away wrath" (Mishlei 15:1).

Rambam's Perspective on Diplomacy

The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 5:7) discusses how one should interact with hostile individuals, emphasizing the importance of peaceful overtures even when facing adversaries. Yaakov's approach aligns with this halachic principle, demonstrating how one may use material gifts and humble speech to pursue shalom.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 75:9) highlights that Yaakov's strategy included both physical preparation (the gifts) and spiritual preparation (tefillah), teaching the dual approach required when facing challenges.
  • Another Midrashic interpretation suggests that the phrase "to find favor" alludes to Yaakov's hope that Eisav would recognize the Divine blessing upon Yaakov's possessions.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Sfat Emet explains that Yaakov's gifts represented more than mere appeasement - they were an attempt to elevate the sparks of kedusha within Eisav's domain. By giving these animals with pure intent, Yaakov sought to effect a tikkun (rectification) in his relationship with Eisav.

Halachic Applications

This episode establishes important precedents in Jewish law regarding:

  • The permissibility of compromising one's honor to prevent conflict (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 156)
  • The concept of "pikuach nefesh" applying to potential threats from others
  • The proper balance between hishtadlut (human effort) and bitachon (trust in Hashem)

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Genesis 33:8?
A: In Genesis 33:8, Esau asks Jacob about the large gift of animals he had sent ahead. Jacob explains that these gifts were meant 'to find favor in the sight of my lord' (Esau). According to Rashi, Jacob was showing humility and seeking reconciliation after their earlier conflict, fulfilling the Torah principle of pursuing peace (as taught in Pirkei Avot 1:12).
Q: Why did Jacob send gifts to Esau?
A: Jacob sent gifts to Esau to appease him and make peace, as explained in the Talmud (Berachot 32b). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 78:8) teaches that Jacob followed the Torah principle of 'when your enemy falls, do not rejoice' (Proverbs 24:17), showing kindness even to someone who had wanted to harm him.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Jacob's actions in this verse?
A: From Jacob's actions, we learn the importance of seeking reconciliation and showing humility, even when we may be in the right. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) teaches that pursuing peace is a great virtue in Jewish thought. Jacob's example demonstrates how to mend relationships through kindness and thoughtful gestures.