Why Jacob Asked Laban to Send Him Away After Joseph's Birth

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 30:25

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And it came to pass, when Rachel had borne Joseph, etc." (Genesis 30:25). Jacob said: It is written, "And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, etc." (Obadiah 1:18). As long as the fire is without a flame, it does not take hold of everything; but a flame sets the mountains ablaze (cf. Psalms 83:15). Therefore Jacob trusted and went. "Send me away" (Genesis 30:25): like a messenger who returns, or who takes his leave.

Themes

JosephPatriarchsJacobBirthFire

Biblical References

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