Why Jacob Spaced His Droves and Prayed for Israel's Troubles

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 32:17

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And he gave [them] into the hand of his servants" (Genesis 32:17). And why did he not bring them in all mixed together? In order to satiate the eye of that wicked one. "And you shall put a space between drove and drove" (Genesis 32:17). Jacob said before the Holy One, blessed be He: Master of the universe, if troubles come upon my children, do not bring them upon them except this one after that one, and put a respite for them from their troubles.

Themes

PrayerPatriarchsJacobTribesWisdom

Biblical References

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