Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 36:7 mean when it says 'their property was too great for them to dwell together'?
A: This verse explains why Esau (Edom) and Jacob had to separate. According to Rashi, their flocks and possessions were so large that the land couldn't support both families living together. This teaches us about the practical challenges of prosperity and the need for peaceful separation when resources are limited.
Q: Why is the separation of Jacob and Esau mentioned in Genesis 36:7 important?
A: The separation is important because it fulfills God's plan for Jacob to inherit the land promised to Abraham and Isaac. The Midrash notes that this peaceful separation contrasts with their earlier conflicts, showing how prosperity can sometimes lead to necessary but peaceful divisions.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 36:7 about handling wealth and possessions?
A: The verse teaches that material success can create challenges in relationships and living situations. The Rambam discusses how proper boundaries and separation are sometimes necessary to maintain peace, even among family members, when resources become strained.
Q: How does Genesis 36:7 apply to family relationships today?
A: This verse reminds us that sometimes family members need space or separation to thrive, especially when resources or living conditions become strained. The Talmud (Bava Batra 60a) discusses similar concepts about neighbors needing to respect each other's space and boundaries.
Q: Why does the Torah mention the size of their possessions in Genesis 36:7?
A: The Torah highlights their wealth to show that their separation wasn't due to conflict, but to practical necessity. As Ibn Ezra explains, this demonstrates that both Jacob and Esau were blessed materially, but their blessings required them to live separately to properly manage what they had been given.
Context in Bereishit
The verse (Bereishit 36:7) describes the separation of Yaakov and Eisav due to their abundant possessions. This follows Eisav's move to Mount Seir after realizing the land could not sustain both their households and livestock.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi comments that the phrase "מִשֶּׁבֶת יַחְדָּו" ("to dwell together") refers to the inability of their shepherds to coexist peacefully. Eisav's shepherds would graze livestock in others' fields, claiming the land was Eisav's inheritance (as per Yitzchak's blessing, "Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth"). Yaakov's shepherds, however, adhered to the boundaries set by Avraham (Bereishit 13:7-9). This tension made joint dwelling impossible.
Ibn Ezra's Perspective
Ibn Ezra emphasizes the literal meaning: the land simply lacked sufficient pasture for their combined flocks. He notes this as a natural consequence of their material success, echoing the earlier conflict between Avraham and Lot (Bereishit 13:6).
Midrashic Insight (Bereishit Rabbah)
Ramban's Deeper Meaning
Ramban sees this as a fulfillment of Yitzchak's blessings: Eisav would live by the sword (Bereishit 27:40), hence needing expansive territories like Mount Seir, while Yaakov would dwell securely in Canaan. The separation ensured each brother's destiny could unfold without interference.
Halachic Implication (Choshen Mishpat)
Later poskim reference this verse to discuss שְׁכֵנִים (neighborly relations), noting that even legitimate property disputes can necessitate separation to maintain peace—a principle applied in Jewish civil law (e.g., Choshen Mishpat 171:1 on boundary disputes).