Rabbi Yehuda bar Simon interpreted the verses regarding the generations. “The earth was emptiness and disorder” – this is Adam the first man, who became oblivion and nothingness. “And disorder” – this is Cain, who sought to restore the world to emptiness and disorder. “And darkness” – this is the generation of Enosh,3They profaned God’s name (Genesis 4:26; Bereshit Rabba 23:7). based on the verse: “Their actions are in the dark and they say: Who sees us and who knows of us?” (Isaiah 29:15).
“Upon the face of the depths” – this is the generation of the Flood, as it is stated: “On that day all the wellsprings of the great depths were breached” (Genesis 7:11). “And the spirit [ruaḥ] of God was hovering over the surface of the water” – based on the verse: “God passed a wind [ruaḥ] over the earth” (Genesis 8:1).4Ruaḥ, too is an allusion to the Flood. The Holy One blessed be He said: ‘Until when will the world conduct itself in darkness?5In the darkness of idol worship.
Let some light come.’ “God said: Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3) – this is Abraham. That is what is written [regarding Abraham]: “Who roused [he’ir] righteousness from the east?” (Isaiah 41:2). Do not read it as he’ir,6Spelled with an ayin, meaning roused. but rather, he’ir.7Spelled with an alef, meaning illuminated.
“God called the light, Day, and the darkness, He called Night. It was evening and it was morning, one day” (Genesis 1:5). “God called the light, Day” – this is Jacob. “And the darkness, He called Night” – this is Esau.
“It was evening” – this is Esau; “and it was morning” – this is Jacob. “It was evening” – the evening of Esau;8The period of Esau’s waning power. “and it was morning” – the morning of Jacob.9The period of Jacob’s rising power. “One day” – as it is stated: “There will be one day, it will be known to the Lord, that is not day and not night…” (Zechariah 14:7).10This is an allusion to the ultimate redemption, when Jacob’s ascendance over Esau will be asserted.
Alternatively, “one day” – which the Holy One blessed be He provided him. Which is that? It is Yom Kippur.11Even in this world there is one day when there is light for Jacob and darkness for the forces of evil.